Emma Mcilroy

Much in the same way the fashion industry is (finally!) recognizing the need for better plus-size options, it’s also starting to understand that a void exists for clothing that suits (pun intended) all gender expressions. Online retailer Wildfang — which translates to “tomboy” in German — is leading that movement with trousers, vests, Oxfords, tanks, tees, Pride gear, and fun products like Golden Girls pins. CEO Emma Mcilroy started the company with Creative Director Taralyn Thuot and COO Julia Parsley following a frustrating shopping trip. “I ended up starting Wildfang because someone needed to. There were so many people that felt held back, felt restricted from expressing themselves, and that sucks. I wanted to create something that allowed people to break out of the box that they’d been put in,” says Mcilroy, whose non-clothing interests include sports, The Simpsons, Cadbury chocolates, and Irish whiskey. “I like doing what people think I can’t,” she says. “I like proving people wrong. I love walking into a room to raise money from a bunch of old, straight, white guys and coming out with a check. I also love the opportunity it gives me. I am privileged as hell and I get the chance to open the door for all the other queer, immigrant women who come behind me. That’s f*cking rad.” —GH