Krystal Tomlinson makes bold fashion statement on International Women's Day

"My vagina and reproductive choices are not your business." Former president of the People's National Party Youth Organisation issued this response in addressing gender bias over social media last month. So it was only fitting that today, in celebration of International Women's Day, the tweet transcended into a bold fashion statement.

With the words used to clap back at the personal attack levelled against her by the former deputy chairman of the Firearm Licensing Authority, Dennis Meadows, Tomlinson is turning the recent controversy into a revelry of confidence, positive reinforcement, and endorsement with new merchandise.

Adorned in the limited edition tee, which was paired with a chic jacket, skirt, and belt, Tomlinson was the epitome of fiercely feminine energy in an Instagram post with an attached caption encouraging queens to show themselves, love, despite the judgement of others; be courageous in the face of the cowards who seek to 'diminish your divinity'; exude strength through established principles and boundaries, and own their power without compromise.

"Each time someone reads this statement and affirms this as true, it creates a little more social consensus that a woman’s body is her body and not the public’s property; it sets personal boundaries and it gives women the language they need to stand up for themselves when people violate those boundaries, she told The Gleaner Lifestyle online, adding, "And that’s what International Women’s day is about, isn’t it? Ensuring that nothing stands in the way of a woman’s right to exercise her freedoms."

Her International Women's Day collection consists of short-sleeved V-neck tees available in black, with sizes ranging from small to double extra-large. The round necks (short-sleeved) are available in white, lilac, and Heather mint range, and range from extra-small to quadruple extra-large. And there is also a black hoodie dress boasting the moving message being offered in sizes extra-small to extra-large.

The limited collection, which is available online at her Success Shop, was a result of several requests from her digital tribe to make the tweet official. "They wanted to wear this in their spaces; to be prodded by women to create something that encourages women to speak up and stand up for themselves feels like “purpose work”, she revealed, noting that she will continue to this positive path of reminding women to stand in their power.

With almost 5,000 likes so far on Instagram, the author, mother, and public speaker was surprised by the great feedback. "I am blown away by the positive response so far. But, beyond that, I’m reminded how powerful community is. The circumstances that led me to make this statement two weeks ago happened online but the same circumstance birthed the idea."

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com