Plus-size fashion Page

Looking at fashion this season.

Well, spring/summer is looking good. We are seeing colour and a lot of femininity on the highstreet - the sun has finally started to show it's face and there is a lot to feel good about, yes we still have our moans about the availability of larger sizes out there but, some companies are really trying this season to give us some great things to wear, We will continue to include trend collections, independent designers as we find them and follow our favourite ranges throughout the spring and summer – hope you will enjoy!

Bootylicious.

The Times magazine (8-5-10) seemed a little bemused over the current crop of plus-size models that are not only in demand but are in fact quite stunning.

The article, written by Louise France about the fabulous Gary Dakin from Ford Models, who has stoically pioneered the endorsement of plus-size models within the US fashion industry for the past ten years. Featuring insights from models including Crystal Renn, Tara Lynn - the star of French Elle’s one-off plus-size special, Inga Eiriksdottir and Marquita Pring. We learnt that although these models were pretty amazing, the fashion industry's attitude was not going to change much when it came to image and plus-sizes. Nevertheless the demand for these models is higher than ever, new models are being hunted down and gorgeousness is better in abundance! We could have told them that!

Prints and sass!

Carolyn Drapiere has some really fabulous pieces in her spring/summer collection. The season’s love of the dress has not been neglected as there are some great printed summer dresses to be had that enhance the curvier figure. We still love her shirts – there is a graphic rose print shirt added this season and check out her printed summer kaftan. www.drapiere.com

Two for the price of one

The Anna Scholz ‘White’ label spring/summer collection includes vintage-inspired prints on silk, digital prints on jerseys as well as light-weight habotai silk. Her usual expertly cut silhouettes are the focus of a well thought out fun seasonal collection.

The ‘Black’ collection has been designed to feature all that is best of Anna’s unique profile but at a more affordable pricepoint. The prints are there and the jerseys are there. Embroideries and ‘quirky’ embellishments of nautical, military and equestrian motifs make the collection seem more fanciful, younger – a more smart-casual mood.
As well as her work for Simplybe Anna seems to be establishing herself more than ever. Both the white and black collections can be bought online so that you do not miss out on anything. www.annascholz.com

Elena Miro Pre-A-Porter catwalk for spring/summer 2010 showed us a zest for travelling. The trend for military, safari and bold tribal prints were all there. Styling included a great array of printed summer dresses – fresh and well-styled, modern safari suits and a contemporary jungle print story of over-shirts, shorts and flatteringly cut dresses. A cool summer black story completed the adventurous collection.

A thumbs up for Wille.

Spring/summer 2010 brings a huge improvement for plus-size fashion company Wille. Usually wedged in at the middle-age market - sometimes unfairly this collection really tries to show a more contemporary side. If this development continues we could see more availability of this collection here in the UK. www.wille-fashion.com For details and stockists.

New from Simplybe

Simplybe has introduced two new bright collections for the summer -

Hot Tropic brings you a vibrant colour scheme with highlights including shiny sequin scales; butterflies and tropical bird motifs make these lines come alive.
Africa Beat has earthy-toned maxi skirts, flame coloured summer dresses and big cat prints make bold statements set to spark a rhythm in your blood.

View the Hot Tropic collection

View the African Beat collection

A new collection – Ruby Rocks is being gradually introduced by Simplybe, starting with a black and gold batwing jumpsuit modelled in a recent photo shoot by Mark Fast model Gywneth Harrison.

View the Ruby Rocks range

Evans spring/summer started well and includes all the important trends. It remains bright and positive and there are certainly no concessions here when it comes to plus-sized high street fashion and style. www.evans.co.uk

Base

Ruska Murganovic

We are in crisis in London as so many plus-size stores and departments have been closed or drastically reduced within the last two years. We must fervently support the shops that are surviving these harsh times and Base run by the formidable Ruska Murganovic found in central London is one of them.
‘Base is an independent shop in London's Covent Garden, selling ladies designer clothing in plus sizes. We are a 'must visit' shop offering larger size clothing for various occasions created by continental designers who understand the shapes and fit of larger women.
The collections are contemporary, young and constantly changing throughout the year and the team is sympathetic and experienced with ladies clothing in plus sizes.’ If you are visiting London on a shopping trip you maybe disappointed by the plus-size selections in the larger stores but you will not be here.
www.base-fashion.co.uk
55 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DG