I love this girl. Matilda Kahl, an art director at Saatchi & Saatchi, decided one day that she was going to simplify her life by wearing a uniform every day. Her uniform is simple–black and white with a black leather rosette. So smart.
In her recent Harper’s Bazaar article, which has racked up more than 64,000 shares in just one week, Kahl recalled the day she showed up to an important meeting feeling overwhelmed, unprepared and hating her outfit. It didn’t help that the men in attendance appeared casual and confident, while she felt like a sweaty mess. At that moment, she decided to adopt what she calls a work uniform: a signature white blouse, black trousers, a black leather rosette, and a black blazer if it’s cold out.
Here were a few of the Adweek interview questions and her answers:
Earlier this week during an Adweek Chat, we asked about subtle ways male-dominated offices can make women feel unwelcome. How would you respond to that question, looking at the advertising industry?
I would start by asking the question the other way around. Instead of asking “What are some of the subtle ways a male-heavy office can make women feel unwelcome or unsupported?” I’m more interested in answering the question, “What are the ways we can make everyone at the office feel like they’re accepted no matter their gender, skin color or sexual orientation?” My answer to that is simply: be curious. You have no idea where great ideas will come from. And there’s a great chance you will understand the world better if you get to know people who are different from you.
Women seem to be constantly critiqued and criticized for how they look and what they wear, especially in a professional setting. What would you say to women who feel pressure to look a certain way?
I would like to remind women (and men) who feel pressure about their appearance at work that this is something they don’t have to take into the equation when it comes to how good they are at their job. Even if it feels that way many times. Remember that you are in charge of your life, and that you’re simply awesome just as you are.
Rock on, Matilda.
Read the entire article here: http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/how-one-art-director-became-overnight-sensation-wearing-same-outfit-every-day-164011
