Why Shobha Philips is On a Mission to Make “Nude” Bras Way More Inclusive

Anjelika Temple

Mar 09, 2020

Why Shobha Philips is On a Mission to Make "Nude" Bras Way More Inclusive

Ever found yourself super frustrated that you can't actually find a nude bra that matches your skin tone? As a woman of color, I know I've personally tried out all sorts of alternates to nude — gray, blue, purple — none of which have anything in common with the color of my skin, but do seem to hide well under a white tee.

Recently, fashion-forward designers and entrepreneurs have sought to revolutionize the definition of nude by offering more inclusive everything — from shoes to slips to bras. Shobha Philips is one such pioneer, and her company Proclaim is at the forefront of the nude revolution.

Anjelika Temple here, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Brit + Co, longtime wearer of incorrectly-colored-nude undergarments, and Proclaim's newest customer ;) Read on to learn all about Proclaim founder Shobha Philips' story and mission, and prepare to look at "nude" in a whole different light.

Anjelika Temple: To kick things off, tell us a little more about where you're from.

Shobha Philips: I am from St. Louis, born and raised. I went to school in Minnesota where I studied Marketing and International Business. I was never a fan of Midwest winters and escaped to San Francisco for 10 years. I recently made the move to LA to continue to grow the business.

AT: Have you always been interested in fashion?

SP: I have always loved fashion. I'm a very visual person and like playing with colors and patterns. I also appreciate the unique power of clothes to transform people and tell a story.

AT: Tell us more about your career path before founding Proclaim.

SP: I was in corporate positions in supply chain and market research before starting Proclaim. While I was working full time, I was researching the fashion industry and manufacturing on nights and weekends. It took almost two years of researching, reaching out to people and making connections to bring Proclaim to life. As an outsider in the industry and being a small player, it wasn't easy to find the right suppliers and production partners. Plus, with my vision of creating an ethical, transparent supply chain, the process was even more complicated.

AT: Okay, we're ready for the origin story! Tell us all about Proclaim. What is your WHY?

SP: I started Proclaim because I was tired of not being able to find a nude bra that matched my brown skin as an Indian woman. For years the fashion industry has chosen to ignore me and millions of women that don't have the skin color that is ubiquitously known as nude. It was something I was aware of for as long as I can remember. I knew I wanted to be a part of the movement to revolutionize nude, but if I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right. Beyond inclusivity, there are so many issues in the fashion industry that are long overdue for change, specifically its negative effects on people and the environment. Proclaim is ethically made, inclusively designed intimates for women of all shapes, sizes and skin tones. Our pieces are made from eco-friendly fabrics and made locally here in Los Angeles.

AT: What gave you the confidence to take the leap and disrupt the definition of "nude"?

SP: I always knew I wanted to start my own company and once I decided this was the problem I wanted to tackle, I couldn't wait to get started. I couldn't fall asleep that night, I just had so many ideas running through my head. I think that was when I knew this was really my passion. There is never a right time to start, and it definitely felt scary, but at some point, I realized you just have to take the leap. I've learned you have to get comfortable with that uneasy feeling in entrepreneurship because it comes up all the time.

AT: I've read all about how ethical production and sustainability are core to your brand. Tell us more about how on earth you turn plastic bottles into super soft bras.

SP: It was important to me that environmental impact was considered with each decision I made. I choose to use eco-friendly fabrics including Tencel, which is made from eucalyptus bark, and Recycled Polyester, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. In short, plastic water bottles labeled with the #1 on the bottom are the same chemical make-up as polyester, which is called PET, or technically known as polyethylene terephthalate. I think it's important to note that this material is BPA-free. In the recycling process, the bottles are sterilized and turned into small flakes. These flakes are then heated and pulled to form strings of yarn which are knit into our recycled polyester (rPET) fabric. Our fabric is woven and dyed in the Los Angeles area.

AT: What do you love most about making things and putting them into the world?

SP: I love making something tangible that people can feel good about and feel good in. Hearing from customers that they've found their new favorite bra is probably the best feeling.

Favorite Quote: Question everything.

Trivia About You: I have a twin sister.

Go-To Karaoke Song: Say My Name

Favorite Trend: Conscious consumerism

Late Night Snack: Popcorn

Currently Reading: The news

AT: What does your support system look like? How does your community help you thrive?

SP: I've met so many other female founders in the fashion industry and they have been my support system through all of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Knowing women who are going through the same things who I can bounce ideas off of, get advice from, or just vent is everything. I would not be where I am today without the tribe of women I have met along the way.

AT: On that note, who are some other badass fashion babes our readers should know about?

SP: There are not many visible women of color in the ethical fashion space. Dominique Drakeford and Aditi Mayer are two women who have amazing style and are using their platforms to bring awareness to things like ecological equity and social justice in the fashion industry – issues that affect women of color.

AT: Back to bras! I love that your line is totally wireless. What made you make that decision? Have you found that women are starting to ditch traditional underwire? (I know I have!)

SP: I am all for wire free bras. I think in the last few years women have really questioned and rejected the ubiquitous underwire, padded bra that we've all been told we need to wear to be desirable or attractive. Women are embracing styles that highlight their natural shape and above all are comfortable.

AT: When someone wears a Proclaim bra for the first time, how do you want them to feel?

SP: Seen. For many women, it is their first nude bra that actually matches their skin tone or comes in their size (our sizing goes from S-3X). I also want women to feel good about wearing a bra that is ethically made.

AT: What's coming up next for Proclaim?

SP: More inclusive nudes! There are so many wardrobe staples that need to be made in everyone's skin tone.

Shop Proclaim's collection of ethical + inclusive Tencel Bralettes over wearproclaim.com. And to stay up-to-date on the nude revolution, follow @wearproclaim on Instagram.

6 Ways To Be A More Conscious Consumer In The New Year

Deciding to become a more conscious consumer is one of the bestNew Year’s resolutions you can make this year. Being thoughtful about your purchasing power is an especially wise move because every action we take, no matter how big or small, impacts people and the planet. Have you been rethinking your relationship with material things, but not sure how to initiate the breakup? We’ve listed six ideas to help pave your path to helping mitigate climate change, empower communities around the world, and truly give back to society.

Buy Only What You Need

It sometimes feels as though there’s no bigger dopamine hit than a shopping spree. That instant gratification you receive when you buy something new and shiny is oh so rewarding. However, it can be counterintuitive if you want to downsize your carbon footprint and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas, specifically carbon dioxide, generated from your activities. The next time your favorite denim brand emails you about their big sale, ask yourself. “Do I really need another pair of jeans?”. Your answer may surprise you and your wallet.

If It’s Broke, Fix It

Vacuums conk out, buttons fall off clothing, and shoes scuff. Stuff happens. Instead of immediately replacing your less than perfect items, try upcycling them. Today, it’s so easy to get caught up in always wanting the latest, greatest 2.0 version of something. Fight that urge and do the world’s landfills a favor by breathing a second (or third) life into the earthly possessions you already own. You may also surprise yourself and discover that you’re handier than you think!

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash

Research Where Things Come From

So often as consumers, our material wants and desires are driven by appearance, price, and accessibility, which can cloud our judgment about making ethical decisions. As a truly conscious consumer, consider the social, environmental, and health impacts of purchasing something before you drop some cash on it.

Visit the websites of brands you find yourself gravitating toward, and read the “About Us” section to learn about the brand’s mission and how their products are made, who makes them and where they come from.
Question claims made by companies that aren’t transparent with their explanations. For instance, if they say they use “sustainable practices,” but don’t offer examples of how they do that, reach out to their team and ask for more information. Being a conscious consumer is about being brave and standing up for what you believe in.
Super low prices can be a red flag of unethical business practices. Unleashing your inner Sherlock Holmes is essential to using your purchasing power for good, but be prepared to ditch your shopping cart if your findings don’t align with your values.

Educate Yourself On Ingredients

You don’t need to earn a degree in chemistry, but knowing what chemicals and compounds to proactively avoid when shopping for many consumer goods will only help you and your loved ones in the long run. Phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, DEA, formaldehyde, fragrance, toluene, triclosan, SLS, PEGs and BHAs are some ingredients in makeup and skincare that give many people and organizations cause for concern. Glyphosate in pesticides and perfluorinated compounds in plastic packaging are also ingredients that make many people wary. The Think Dirtyapp and The Environmental Working Group website are wonderful tools to help you better understand and decode all these hard to pronounce words and more.

Consumer industries for everything from beauty products to cleaning supplies and home goods have been incorporating terms like “green,” “clean,” and “non-toxic” jargon into their marketing pitches for a while now. While this can be incredibly helpful, a truly conscious consumer goes the extra mile to ensure they’re not being duped by the power of greenwashing, a deceptive marketing practice of making an organization’s items appear to be people and planet friendly.

Seek Out Certifications And Labels

For any consumer goods’ company to prosper in today’s economy, being associated with ethical and sustainable certifications and labels are table stakes at this point. While the list of labels is constantly growing, here are some of the top ones to keep an eye out for:

B Corp: This certification ensures that a business is committed to using their profits to create good in the world. These companies are held at high standards and continually assessed to make sure they’re valuing their employees and the planet as much as the profits.
Fair Trade: Fair Trade certified brands and businesses that follow the 10 Principles of Fair Trade created by the World Fair Trade Organization also put people and the planet first. They help create solutions to issues including the overuse of natural resources, women’s empowerment, refugee livelihoods, human rights, inequality, and sustainable farming. Fair trade also champions the dignity of workers, farmers, artisans, and communities around the world.
USDA Organic Certified: When you buy food with this label, you can rest assured it has been made without pesticides and toxic fertilizers.
Leaping Bunny Certified: Products that carry the Leaping Bunny seal of approval have demonstrated to regulators that they don’t engage in animal testing, nor to they purchase ingredients from other companies that do.

Share Your Knowledge

Kudos to you for taking the extra time and energy to be a global ally. Your awareness of how your consumption impacts society is a choice you made. Be your own hype woman

around friends and family, especially with ones who might not be as “in the know,” and share some ideas and examples of ways they, too, can adopt a more conscious consumer mindset. Remember, the goal is not to seek perfection with every purchase and action you make, but to strive to make better choices when you can so they add up to a lot in the long run.

Robin Doyle is the founder of the fair trade and ethically sourced beauty marketplace Beautyologie.com. She’s worked in beauty editorial and PR for 25 years and loves hanging with her two teenagers and traveling the world. Say hi at @Beautyologie on Insta!

ethical fashion ethically made new years resolutions nsfw fashion

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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12 Boobtastic Gift Ideas For All Your Breast Friends

We're all about celebrating our bodies, all the shapes, sizes, and parts — and this week is all about boobs, breasts, ta-tas! I'm personally a huge fan of patterns inspired by breasts and have the sweatshirt to prove it ;)

Here's a quick little list of our fave boobtastic gifts to give your very breast friends.

Boobs Print

$12

Boobs Zip Pouch

$25.90

You're The Tits Card

$5

Boob Bath Mat

$60

Boob Sweatshirt

$120

All the Boobs Print

$17.54

Embrasser Art Print

$16.89

Ceramic Boob Mug

$20

Tote Bag

$15.34

Boobs Phone Case

$28.79

Breast Tee

$25.99

Boobilicious Wallet

$15

Happy boob week!

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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