Page 139 - TA Magazine Winter 2022

How a lauded stylist is ending the cycle of negative period talk
ending the stigma,
in style

KARLA WELCH IS A TASTEMAKER, rulebreaker, and creative vision-
ary in the fashion world. Her work as a stylist is bold and elevated,
whether she’s styling Justin Bieber and Lorde, or Tracee Ellis Ross and
Olivia Wilde. Karla’s activism infuses every project she takes on, from
her fashion brand, x karla, to The Period Co., a line of ultra-absor-
bent, sustainable period underwear that will soon be available at Tracy
Anderson studios. We spoke to Karla about the creative process, her
22 badass journey in fashion, and the fight for freedom and justice. period poverty. That is just not okay. For 22
Y ANDERSON WINTER 20 systems, or does it happen organically? a community bundle where for $20, we Y ANDERSON WINTER 20

definitely systems and standards in the industry that marginalize specific people.
posables isn’t a solution. Our product can
Do you approach your work with the intention to rebel against these
last someone five years. In fact, we have
130 Alexander McQueen once said there are no rules in fashion. Yet, there are us, a constant reliance on donations of dis-
KW: A bit of both. I remember the moment I started to really question the how and will give a 4-pack bundle to organizations
why of the structure of the systems—why it seemed like there was no moving outside that combat period poverty. Our goal is to
the yearning to be fully in charge of a sort of head-to-toe process, so I thought if no
one is going to do it for me, I better do it myself.
C of the very linear role of each person, especially in a creative field. And I really had change the way the world periods. C
Have you faced scrutiny or controversy
TRA around the brand? TRA
In what ways did your work in fashion inform your approach to launching Period.? KW: You know, the period has gotten a
KW: Well, it’s really a separate thing but ultimately, everything I do is about service. To really bad rap for a few hundred years.
the person, to the goals, to the planet. And of course, we built a brand with x karla so For us, we think periods are amazing,
that hands-on experience gave us what we needed in terms of logistical experience. But not a burden to hide or be ashamed of.
of course, you know I am all about the fit. But what I will say is this, I feel like every And we are building the most amazing
moment and lesson and contact and experience has led me to Period. It is my purpose. community of folxs to spread this word.

There’s constant debate about whether form should follow function. What is your take, Who are the people you hope
and do you have different approaches to your work as a stylist and to Period.? to reach through Period.? Period. Underwear by eriod. Underwear by
P
KW: With fashion, we have fun! Obviously, I want my clients to feel comfortable, but we KW: Anyone who has a period or anyone K KARLA WELCHARLA WELCH
don’t mind a little pain sometimes [laughs]. For Period., it’s both. The product has to work who knows someone who has a period.
and feel comfy and hold up. I think a marriage of two is always my approach in life. We are here to change all the old horri-
ble stories of shame, including the stories
What are the environmental benefits of Period. products? people who don’t period have been told
KW: The first period product you ever used is still in a landfill. Let that sink in. So about them. In fact, when we are done,
first, the elimination of period waste is huge. Second, 80% of people in the world face everyone is going to want a period.

From your perspective, what is a
common thread that runs through all
the diverse projects you take on?
KW: Care and love. TA