Tall Women Are FED UP: Why Tall Fashion Keeps Missing the Mark ft. Altagia

The tall girlies are annoyed. The tall girlies are annoyed and tired of the fashion industry not being inclusive enough for us. Prime example, one of the biggest complaints I see from tall women is that clothing stores have a petite section, but they don't have a tall section. I honestly still don't understand the thinking behind that, but whatever. Anyways, another major complaint that I see from tall women is that a lot of clothing brands, especially online retailers, offer tall sizing, but it's not tall enough. Like if it's the five, A, five, nine, five to ten girlies but not the six two sixty three girlies. Listen, it's a mess out here, and part of the reason for this podcast is to put you guys onto the clothing brands that are specifically for the tall girlies, including a brand called Altagia. Today, I am joined by founder and fellow tall girly Alina to discuss what many brands get wrong about tall clothing, why some tall clothing items are lacking in style, and the story behind her brand. So, without further ado, let's get into it. Good. Hey, everybody, you are currently listening to a Tall Girls podcast hosted by a tall girl named India. I hope everyone who is doing in today is doing super fantastic. I am joined by a very very special guest today, fellow tall girl and clothing brand owner, the founder of Altagia, Alena. Hi Elena, Hello, Hi everyone, Thank you for having me today. Of course, thank you for being here. How are you doing today? Oh, I'm great. I was actually looking forward for this conversation and meeting you. I am very excited today. Awesome. I'm super glad to hear that. So I'm just going to ask for a quick little introduction, introduce yourself and tell us more about you and your background and so forth. So, yes, my name is Alena and I am one eighty four centimeters ball which is six foot one, so humbard of the group. And I'm the founder of Attagiam, the clothing brand that is designed specifically for tall women. Currently I'm living in Luxembourg, which is the heart of Europe, a very multinational country here in Europe, and I'm living here for seven years now. However, originally I'm from Moldova, which is a beautiful country from the eastern part of Europe. Yep, this is short about myself. Maybe an interesting fact is that, so you can imagine I'm passionate about fashion since I am building this fashion brand for tall women. However, I pursued a job in finance, which I'm still working into that. I'm still into finance, so I'm handling this to somehow. Wow, that's super cool, and I just want to say thank you for providing that. Shoot, I don't remember the term the conversion, yes, from seven years to feet and inches, because I know, like over here in America we're so used to using that, but I know other countries are very much used to using different types of metrics and so forth. So thank you for that conversion. And thank you for sharing a bit about your background. Now, because you're a tall girly, I'm sure you've had the struggles that many of us tall women have faced. So I want to hear about your experiences growing up as a tall girl, the good, the bad, the ugly. What was that like for you? So my experience as a tall girl, I can say that it was not the most positive, to be honest. So from where I'm coming from, it's not used to have so many tall people, but especially for women, which definitely I was out comparing to starting with in the somewhere in school when I was compared al ready to my peers, and I think the first memories was that, of course, you know that already in school kids have no filters really and they are just saying the things as they think or as they see you or whatever. So I think the the thing that is still in my head and the memory that I have is that at some point I was use like a measuring stick because everyone would come to me and measure themselves next to me and say like, wow, you're so tall, like I am until here to you or until there, and yeah, that was not the most pleasant thing, to be honest. And then of course the comments. I think this is something that we all have, the tall women always having these comments that while you are so tall, or whenever you meet a new person, the first question they put is like how tall are you? Even like me, if they don't even know you, they don't ask what's your name and what are you doing in life? It's just how tall are you? And I think another one that I'm actually thinking it's funny now it's the question I'm even having like towards my friends that are still asking me this, like now that I'm thirty years old that when we meet each other they sometimes ask me like, are you still growing? Because I would not remembering being so tall, which is like I'm not just thinking, like do you really realize what you're asking about, because like it makes no. Sense, definitely, but I think, yeah, they definitely don't question themselves why they put this question, and yeah, there is no explanation, so at some point it's just I'm just accepting it and I know that it will never change. Because it was funny. I was reading some comments also from other Told ladies which were saying that they are around forty years old and they are still asked this question, so like people think, do we always grow like trees forever? Never anything? Yeah, this is funny now, but I think as an experience being a kid and are seeing all these comments and seeing that, I think definitely I was kind of taught or I saw that beauty like all was not seen as something beautiful or something even acceptable or something normal, and this definitely had an empower on me and on my self esteem until a certain point. So outside that this was the bad part about it, and still if to see the positive things, because there are positive things about it, and I will still remember them even in the moments when I was a teenager. I think one of the most positive thing is that the clothes on me will always look amazing because even though there could be the problem that the sleeves are not long enough, the pants are not long enough, the silhouette itself, it's always looking so graceful on tall ladies because we naturally have this grace and beauty. The only thing that we need to do is just stay straight and be proud to be so tall, because this is really naturally beautiful. Yeah, definitely, I definitely agree with that last part. And honestly, back back to your point where your friends ask you if you're still growing, I honestly get that too. Still every time I go to family gatherings and so forth, it'll be like a couple months or maybe let's say a year where I see certain family members and they're like, did you grow since the last time I saw you? And I'm like, I'm pretty sure I finished a good four or five years ago. No, So that is. Definitely one of the more annoying ones. And you know, my next question was gonna be like, what was one question or comment that you absolutely hated hearing the most. And I'm wondering, is that question the one that's like the absolute worst or is there anything worse than that. I think that is one of the questions that I would say probably worse, even though I would place them everything about question about hide somewhere on the same level, because I still consider that it's quite in a appropriate to comment about people's physics. It doesn't matter that you are tall, or you are slim, or you are short. It's just it's somehow inappropriate to go to a shorter person and say, wow, you're so short, or while you are so fat, or while you are so I don't know, but like tall, because I understand if you say it more in a like a compliment. And well, it also depends how you take it, because I think now I'm just I'm taking it as a compliment because that's how I chose to. But it's it's not really it's just a comment on the physics. It's just a statement that people are putting out there without any reason because it actually doesn't make sense. So yeah, unfortunately, as tall women people, we just have to accept it. But I've it's important to have this kind of discussion and podcasts and communities with people that have the same struggles, the same visions, the same needs, because it's also a way to bring awareness over there that some of the things are not okay. Maybe our impact will not be so great, but if two people will listen to this podcast and we'll understand that, oh maybe it's not okay to ask my told friend how tall like he is or she's every time I met, so it will be already a good result. Yeah, I agree. Honestly. I try to even say with this podcast, if just one person take something from any of my episodes, and that's already a success. You know, small, small wind do add up, And that's definitely what I like to say, so I definitely agree with that. Now, shifting over to your brand, you have a brand called Altagia. Can you share a little bit more about the story behind Altagia and what inspired you to start a tall brand? Yes, definitely, so Altachia, I'll tach you. I can definitely say it's a part of me. It's a project that I started two years ago. And even though I was passioned about fashion industry since I was a kid, I always watch different designer shows and I always always being inspired and thinking how I would create the clothes myself. Somehow I didn't pursue this career and I was maybe putting some limits to myself in this sense. However, I think I start this brand at the right time because it was a moment when I actually starting started to understand myself better, to accept myself and to love myself, including my height. And this was the moment when I was thinking of this creative side of myself and I wanted to create a brand, even though I knew that I don't want to create just another label out there. It was really important for me to have a purpose, to bring something meaningful to the world. And when I was thinking about, okay, what exactly I should do, I knew already more or less about the style. I wanted to do something elegant, something feminine, something timeless, because this is also my personal style. It's also, as I said, a part of me, so it's something that I would wear well. I knew that I want to bring this out there. And then when thinking more deeply about this, I always remember that I have this issue myself for it when going shopping, it can be so frustrating sometimes because I mean not even sometimes going to buy pants. I think I already gave up at some point I was like, no, I'm not even looking to these pieces because I know they are not going to fit me. So I think all of this together for me just made sense. I was like, I think this is it. This is a problem that nobody understands better than I do, and I definitely can bring the solution out there. So this is how the project was born. And I think once I took the decision that I want to do this project, how many things aligned in my life and I start meeting the people that could guide me through through this project and help me and support me. And until now I have to sell you that I'm very proud that I brought to life this project because it means a lot for me. Oh I love to hear that. And you know, you brought up a good point about style, But I want to go back to that because first I actually want to ask this question because most of the guests that I have on this podcast, most of the clothing brand owners that I have on this podcast, they're doing this and juggling like other things, like, for example, you are doing this along with your nine to five and this is something I feel like a lot of h a lot of other tall women like don't necessarily know or see or understand the behind the scenes of what you guys do. So I wanted to ask a little bit like what is it like balancing having your tall brand, but also like other things that you're doing, such as your full time job. Yes, so to reveal the secret. So I started the project two years ago, which it says a lot about this time frame because I think launching a clothing brand can be much faster than that if having the time, So me having ninety five, of course, it's definitely more difficult from a time point of view. So I took it. I took it slowly and for me actually the main point I really wanted to focus on bringing their I would say the quality, of course, But first I wanted to do the things correctly. I wanted first to understand myself, the industry, to understand the gap, to understand what toll ladies really need, and to study also a bit more about the fabrics, the options, the production options, and all of these took some time, but I was never stressed about it because I'm I'm also thinking that this needs to I needed to put more time in this also because I wanted to differentiate this brand from the others, which of course there are some other brands for tall women. But I think the main difference it's really in the style that it is attach it is bringing. So basically, to get back to your question, yeah, I somehow I'm balancing it. Maybe. One very important point is that I had a lot of help by meeting a guide I can say, actually a business business coach. I can call her like this Elena. She she has a fashion love. So I met her here in Luxembourg, which that's why I was saying earlier that I had a moment when I thought that all the things were aligned for me, because I was thinking about this idea of creating a brand, and out of a sudden, I met her. I don't even remember how exactly. I think at a fashion show we had here, a fashion show in Luxembourg, and then I went there. I went there as a model, and then we met there and I found out that she's she's a guy. She can she helps a brand to grow or even like people who want to launch a brand, she could support them. So then I decided to work with her because it was much more easier thing to get such information because there was a lot of new information. The industry was completely new for me, and she was the person that I could always go to and also someone who kept me accountable, because you know, starting a project is also important to help someone who is there to keep you motivated to go on, because in the moments when you are lost, you don't know what to do, you don't know if you can handle it. Of course, there are moments like this if there is someone who is analyzing it traditionally and telling you, Okay, I understand this is your problem right now, but how do we solve it and this is the next step to do. So this is really really helpful and yeah, with her help, and then of course I had a lot of motivation and passion for it, which was also the fire within me that made me go so far, and altogether it gave me the power to continue. We love to hear that, and honestly, it's good to hear that you also have the support that you do from your business coach, because launching anything, anything new, anything out of your comfort zone is definitely scary. I can say that for sure. So I'm glad that you have someone there to help you succeed and push through. So now back to a previous point that you made in terms of style, I this is a conversation that a lot of tall women are having, especially now when it comes to when tall women are shopping for clothes. A lot of trendy pieces, a lot of the stylish pieces, like a lot of them are saying that the tall clothing is boring. What are your thoughts on tall brands kind of lacking in style or lacking in trendiness, Like do you think that many tall brands out there have a ways to go, have a long way to go in terms of providing more stylish pieces for tall women, And how would you describe your style as a tall brand. I think out there, indeed, there are some clothing brands for tall women which are lacking the style and the elegance. And I'm saying few brands because definitely we don't have the variety that it needs to and there is place for more for sure, And thinking about the reason why, I think there are these brands that are just bringing out there some pieces that are not stylish but just probably longer in the seam. I think the Maine maybe there are two main reasons. So first one would be that it's just simpler because it's much more simple to create based on a standard pattern, just to take a simple piece and to produce this in multiple quantities and just to put out there. And also taking into consideration that they're there is not much competition, there are no many brands out there. They don't need to go over their boundaries. They just can provide whatever people will be happy to have at least something. This is one thing, and second is definitely the cost. I believe that this is a dry for many businesses. That of course, if you want to produce a brand that is more sophisticated, that you need to invest a lot in good fabriks, in more complex patterns, in resources, in innovation, and also this takes a lot of time. So when thinking about this too and thinking that there is no much competition in the market, I understand that from the business point of view, it's much more interesting to go on the side where you have less costs and you can produce something in a very short timeframe and yeah, you will still have sales. Yeah that honestly, I never thought about that. Honestly, the competition thing in terms of. I guess many tall brands don't feel the need that they have to set them have to be extremely different, have to go outside of the box, have to set themselves apart, and so forth. However, when you are describing your brand, it seems like you are kind of doing that. Can you talk a little bit more about like this style that you kind of want to provide for tall women, or like the kind of vibe that your brand gives off, and how that makes you different from other tall clothing brands that are out there. Yes, definitely so outside that. At the core, Altagia has a very elegant and feminine style. So it doesn't mean that it has dresses on skarts only in the collection. Definitely not. Actually I'm planning to have all type of pieces in the collection. But at the core also their stands the quality of the fabric, which means that it's also I'm thinking for a timeless piece because all for me is also important the sustainability topic. I'm someone who thinks that it's better to have a quality, good quality, and a beautiful piece that will keep for ages than changing it every season. I just love the style that shows femininity, shows elegance and this is something that I'm bringing out there. Thank you for sharing that, especially when you use the term feminine. I think that you know a lot of tall women definitely struggle with embracing their femininity, especially when they're just learning to love their heights. So hearing that your pieces can definitely help them embrace that and help them kind of give off that vibe. That's honestly amazing to hear. And I just want to say thank you so much for sharing like a little bit about your brand and your background and so forth. It was really really great to hear about that. And I do want to ask one last question, because you're a fellow talk girly, what is one piece of advice that you want to give to the tall girls out there who are listening, who may be struggling with their self esteem because of their height. One thing that I want to advise is that to love themselves and to accept the height, even though I completely understand that it can be difficult after receiving multiple comments, after going through different experiences, maybe since you're a teenager and you don't understand what is right or wrong, but also what is I think very important And I also just actually to make it as an experiment is to try to dress up. So basically, I really believe that the clothing can change your mood, your personality, the way you look for sure. So once you put and that's where Altagia is encouraging everyone to do, is to put the elegant piece on you. Is that when looking in the mirror, you will automatically feel more confident, beautiful and empowered. And even if your style is maybe not the one to wear, always the most elegant pieces. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, but think about wearing it with confidence, really investing in what you are putting on yourself and be proud, show that you are proud of who you are and what you're wearing. That's very important. And never shrink period, never shrink. I absolutely love that you know, and especially buying from tall brands and buying tall pieces because having closed that fit and also help you express yourself super super important. So thank you so much for sharing that advice, Elena, I really appreciate it. And of course this is a great time to plug yourself. Where can we find you? Where can we find your brand on the interweb? This is your time to plug all your socials and links and so forth. Yes, thank you very much for having me, and you can access directly the website at Tajia dot com and you will find more details on our Instagram page at Taja brand. We are also on TikTok at Daja brand, but you will find us on Instagram and if you even have any questions available there if you are writing dms and yeah, I'm happy to have a chat. I'm happy to share any tips and even any kind of questions and experiences and curiosities. I'm really happy to hear from toll ladies and thinking about it when already is catching my next collections. Oh yes, of course, and as she said, make sure you hit her up on her socials. Everything is going to be linked in the description, and of course you can find me at a Tall Girls podcast everywhere website, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, you name it, I'm most likely there. And thank you so much again Alena for joining me on this podcast and sharing your experiences as a tall woman and just sharing a little bit more about your brand. It was awesome having you here. Thank you very much, Yay, and thank you so much dear listeners for tuning in and of course, hit me up, hit Alena up, and until then we will catch you in the next one. Good night and goodbye.