Clothing Matters | Jan Erickson | TEDxColoradoSprings

Most of us get up in the morning, select what we are going to wear that day, and if we ‘get it right’ we feel pretty good in our own skin. We feel confident, reflecting our personal aesthetic to the world.  But what happens to us when, because of an illness or accident or aging, we  no longer can pick out our own clothes, or dress ourselves—does that mean it no longer matters?  There is compelling research that would indicate it matters a lot.  There are fascinating reports of individuals with advanced dementia that still make significant efforts to communicate their personhood through dress. 

In 2003, Janska President Jan Erickson had a life-changing dream to create a soft, fashionable jacket for Jean, a friend who felt she had lost her beauty to illness. Jan’s inspirational ͞ah ha͟moment – that drive to help women everywhere ͞Look Good. Feel Good͟– remains at the heart of Janska today, a company of USA-made women's outerwear and accessories that’s sold in hundreds of stores and catalogs across the U.S. and Canada. As a United States manufacturer committed to sustainability, excellence, stewardship and integrity, Jan has earned many awards, including the SBA’s 2014 Colorado Small Business Person of the Year and the 2014 Accolades Business Leader of the Year by the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber. Her versatile collections of easy, flattering apparel designs also made Janska a Colorado Company to Watch in 2013. Committed to life-long learning, Jan acquired her Advanced Communicator Silver and Competent Leadership cert

[adinail]

I watched this video to justify my outfit for tomorrow. I often feel overdressed and guilty for having beautiful clothes. I’m not sure why. I’m always best dressed, but I’m also lonely. When I don’t wear what I really want, I lose and betray myself, but people are more comfortable around me. From now on I will wear whatever I want because life is short. I don’t want to have any regrets. Thank you for the ted talk.

[marisac.]

I understood exactly what she meant about the importance of preserving your identity. I worked as a home health aide and in a skilled care facility for a while, I learned a lot. I admire your generosity and compassion with the elderly.

[plw]

Thank you for this compassionate, thoughtful view towards wellness and aging.

[rhondajo]

My heart is rejoicing at your gift of SEEING our forgotten seniors in nursing homes!! It is heartbreaking to see how they are emotionally neglected and treated as invisibles when they are old, fearful and helpless.

I was an ombudsman for skilled living residents and it airways made me sad to see how the industry thought of these amazing human beings as a "product" our just a "job". To be taken care of each day.

I love your creativity and your compassionate soul! I love the best you have for serving others and for SEEING others.

I wish you could speak to the senior welfare agencies and to the lawmakers in each state and open their eyes and hearts so that they too could see our seniors with empathy and compassion.

[isatousarr]

Indeed, how you dress plays a significant role in the professional world, as it is often the first impression others will have of you. In the workplace, your attire speaks volumes about your attitude, respect for the organization, and your understanding of the company culture. Dressing appropriately not only enhances your own confidence but also demonstrates a sense of responsibility, seriousness, and respect for the work environment and colleagues. It’s essential to align your personal style with the expectations of the workplace, showing that you can adapt to the context while still maintaining authenticity.

However, it's important to note that dress code should not become a tool for discrimination or exclusion. The underlying message is not to restrict personal expression but to ensure that all employees feel respected, valued, and able to perform at their best without distractions or imbalances in power dynamics. At the same time, behavior in the workplace should mirror the same level of professionalism as one's appearance. Mutual respect, accountability, and integrity should form the foundation of the work culture, with the understanding that everyone regardless of attire, position, or background should have the same opportunity to succeed based on merit.

In essence, dress reflects much more than just fashion; it communicates your understanding of professionalism and sets the tone for how you wish to be perceived. But equally, the environment must support a culture where respect, merit, and fairness are at the forefront, ensuring that everyone has a level playing field to excel.

[mearls]

That coral colored jacket is really adorable, very special!

[GROWYOURSELF]

Thank you for highlighting this it’s something I’ve been feeling recently

[nonplayercharacterbot]

She is soo sweet! I hope you are doing well, Jan!

[cinderella]

I love that cape/ lap blanket! Where can I find something like that for my mother? 💜❤️💚

[CDubzWhat]

The song in the intro was killer awesome!

[chrismathias]

Jan- way to put it out there! The erotic connection! Not sexual, energetic! When you show you care, care for others, deliver yourself in service of others, it is felt. I know of what you speak. Bravo.

[cindyhalpern]

It sure does.
The freedom of choice of what to wear!

[amc]

I am stunned that the CNA's did not dress Jean and rest of clients in their street cloths. I worked in a
Rehabiltation/nursing center and each morning we'd help or dress clients out of their night clothes. and not a hospital gown. into their day clothes; blouse, dress, slacks, socks shoes. Did their hair etc. Poor Jean didn't anyone that moved into her new center pack her beautiful clothes. I'm glad this lady designed nice pieces for Jean.

[folaalex]

Wow I love this so touching I wish I could do this in my country I don't mind paying for it but I suspect beaureucracy and policies may get in the way. Love you thank you .

[sagayapanneer]

Sridevi's costumes were so popular that those were sold in second class cloth shops in rainigunta, I never dreamt of wearing Sridevi's clothes,

[soniaakabonusgrandma]

Hope this is integrated into gerontology classes.

[KimBrce]

Linking clothes with your identity.. people really need to look deeper.

[TwistedRootsVanVelzerPress]

Seams on the OUTSIDE for elderly and autisitc - I don't know why this isn't normal ???