For the over 200,000 people that are planning on attending the Women’s March on Washington, clothing website, The Outrage is inviting them to express their outrage through fashion.
“During childhood, limits did not exist,” states the website. “But adulthood also threw us face-to-face with senseless limitations and we can’t help but feel outraged.”
Founded by two college friends, Rebecca Lee Funk and Claire Schlemme, the feminist fashion line boasts collections for the March on Washington, Pantsuit Nation and more.
From the collection for the Women’s March, 100 percent of the profits are to be used to help those who need financial assistance to travel to DC for the January 21’st march.
For all other purchases, 15 to 100 percent of profits of every item sold, in the pop-up and online, are donated to organizations that fight for women’s rights.
The shop is located on 2439 18th Street NW in Washington DC and will be open from 10:00am to 10:00pm this week.
DIVERGE spoke to Funk, co-founder and CEO of The Outrage to find out more:
Where did this idea come from?
We knew that the WMW promised to be an historic event and we wanted to be a part of it in a tangible way. Our shop’s model is to donate a portion of all profits to women’s empowerment organizations, which made an official partnership with the Women’s March an easy fit. We are specifically targeting our funds to aiding travel to and from the March because we believe that movements are more powerful when all voices are at the table.
What kind of response have you seen from it?
We’ve seen an overwhelming (in the best way!) response. While are days are busy, we are delighted that every sale is helping to make a difference.
What is the latest date a person could purchase to make sure they have things delivered by the march?
With priority shipping, purchases made last week should make it in time for the March. And even better option: we currently have a pop-up shop at 2439 18th Street NW in Washington DC that will be open through early February. We have gear in the shop and are also using the space for sign-making parties and other types of gatherings!
You have a lot of other options such as #SignedbyTrump.
Yes! We are a feminist marketplace that brings together design and activism through a variety of items.
How did you two meet and how long did it take you to get this launched?
Claire and I met in graduate school when we were neighbors. We have always shared a passion for social and environmental justice and have spent hours brainstorming solutions to problems. Last spring, we were scheming up ideas for feminist t-shirts to make for ourselves and we thought that if we want something like this, there are probably a lot more people who would like it too. And so The Outrage was born.
What are your backgrounds in?
I have a hybrid background in fashion and international development. Claire has worked in environmental consulting and environmental startups.
Why are you so passionate about this?
When something affects you as a person, it’s hard not to be passionate about it! Claire and I both have myriad examples of facing sexism in the world, especially as female entrepreneurs. In fact, one of the first suggestions that was made to us about our business is that we should have more photos of us smiling. We dream of a world where opportunities are limitless for everybody and we see The Outrage as our small part of fighting to get there.
Additional thoughts?
We will be open the entire week of the march from 10am to 10pm and are stocking up on inventory! We’ll also have free snacks and beverages and poster making supplies!
It’s going so well that we’re considering a permanent physical location.
