Tres Chic Plus Size
27-04-2005
Last November Fashion Capital focused on one of the fastest growing fashion sectors in the UK, the Plus Size market, link: https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/content/view/1916/ Response to the piece has been phenomenal – from general enquiries to thousands of hits. Here, we take a look at a handful of companies that are making a difference, providing chic & fashionable clothes for women over a size 16…
Big-Girls-Wardrobe
Jemma Smart’s Plus Size fashion company, Big-Girls-Wardrobe, available on the extremely successful www.eBay.co.uk has certainly been hitting all the right notes. Focusing on clothing that’s young, fun and glamorous, Big-Girls-Wardrobe provides fashion staples such as jeans, t-shirts, tracksuits and suits with trend-led pieces such as baby doll tops, boho skirts and cropped pants in a size range of 16 to 28+. You can also find underwear, hosiery, accessories and eveningwear with new items added daily.
The success of Big-Girls-Wardrobe has pretty much been instantaneous attracting customers from all over the globe. Not bad considering it has only been in business for the last five months. Jemma’s rapid success has already resulted in her gaining ‘Titanium PowerSeller’ status, the highest eBay accolade, achieved by only a few other companies.
Previously, Jemma worked as a buyer for a large, multi-national retail company based in Manchester, it was during this stint that she could see a huge lack of fashionable, hip togs for plus size females. She decided to do something about it and resigned from her job to set up Big-Girls-Wardrobe from her home and began trading on eBay.
“I’m thrilled by the instant success of Big-Girls-Wardrobe,” said Jemma. “Not just for myself, but also for other larger girls and women who for years have been unable to find funky or even just trendy outfits for various occasions.”
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Big-Girls-Wardrobe
POPEAU & HALL PLUS
Designers Popeau & Hall decided enough was enough and set up their own company in 1998. Back then, as a larger woman, you had two choices – get your clothes from a few select High Street retailers and look like a clone, or go for labels that tend to make the wearer look frumpy. From then on Popeau & Hall’s mission was to provide unique plus size fashion in beautiful shapes using the most amazing fabrics. This they have done with their very own in-house range that can be viewed at their North London store or online at www.popeauandhall.com Check out their flattering jersey dresses and stylish dark denim range.
Singer/Songwriter Angie Stone commented: “I think they (Popeau & Hall) are phenomenal. I’m full figured and they are making marvelous tailor-made clothes for women that aren’t Barbie dolls …I love the burgundy and silver themes, I feel like a complete diva wearing the velvet dress with bell sleeves. I’ve ordered the dress in two colours and want a top in the same style. It’s going to be one of my performance outfits. I will definitely be using the girls again.”
POPEAU AND HALL PLUS – Sizes 16-30
84 Mountgrove Road, Highbury, London N5 Tel: 0207 704 9200
SO ESTEEM
So Esteem is an online resource for plus-size individuals. The site showcases a variety of businesses currently available for this growing sector. Set up by Angela Barclay, So Esteem covers various topics such as fashion, models, food, heath, dating, socializing, self esteem workshops, news, and media requests. The latest onsite feature discusses the world of 12+ modelling with top London agency – Hughes Models. Initially created for women, So Esteem plans to introduce products and services for plus size men and children in the near future. Other projects in the pipeline include a plus size fashion show and a plus size directory, any businesses wishing to be featured should contact So Esteem direct: admin@soesteem.co.uk
Anna Scholz
German born designer Anna Scholz moved to London in 1990 to study fashion design. She graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 1994 and presented her first collection in sizes 8-26 in March 1995. The Anna Scholz label has since grown to reach a global audience and is now stocked in 65 stores worldwide, including Selfridges and Harrods in the UK. Scholz, a statuesque voluptuous blonde, has dressed many high profile women including: Macy Gray, Dawn French, Jo Brand, Queen Latifah, Roseanne Barr and Jocelyn Brown.
The designer believes that if you’re over a size 16 people are going to notice you, so you might as well make a statement. She adores embellishment and sumptuous fabrics such as velvet, sheepskin and cashmere. Her collection is now available online at www.annascholz.com and this Saturday (30th April 05) you can meet the designer in person at Something Extra, 12-16 Church Street, Esher, Surrey from 12noon – 4pm.
By JoJo Iles
