FROM THE EDITOR

hen we decided to ask some of ’s spring issue contributors what it means to feel—and be—truly empowered, I pondered how I would answer that question myself. Empowerment is an undeniably loaded word, particularly when a fashion lens is applied to it—as our on page 52. For some brands, it has become merely a buzzword—a way to tap into the next-generation consumer who wants to invest in brands with philosophies that mirror their own. Unfortunately, as much as we expect the brands we consume to take a stand on social issues and answer our demands for a more inclusive industry, it’s often hard to separate fact from fiction and genuine change from not-so-subtle marketing tactics.