Plus size fashion has come a long way…there’s still more work to do, but it’s important to recognize where we came from and the independent plus size brands and designers who were ahead of their time. is important. Especially now, when these plus-size indie brands don’t exist anymore.
Given that fashion month passed in September of this year, I celebrated 43 years oldrd Looking back on the last 15 years at TCF makes us feel a little nostalgic, but we also have a little love and respect for the plus-size brands that pushed the envelope, inspired mainstream plus-size retailers, and changed the world. I wanted to express it. This is how more modern plus size brands are entering this space.
So in this month’s Editor’s Letter, we introduce you to the people who inspire creativity, confidence, and community and give you some love. In honor of the plus-size brands that no longer offer contemporary plus-size fashion, we’re pouring a fashion cocktail…
are you ready? ?
Some of the indie plus size brands we wish were still here
Karma Koma (2008-2017)
CarmaKoma is the brand that redefined rock’n’roll chic. The CarmaKoma brand has quickly become a TCF favorite for its evocative image, unapologetically styled style, and superior fit and manufacturing.
Since being acquired by ONLY Brands in 2017, the energy, vibe and styling has changed. Only CarmaKoma still exists, but it’s much different than when they started…I miss them so much.
Monif C (Ready to Wear) 2005-2019
Modern, bold, and bright. I’m not afraid. Full of playfulness. sexy. This is the side of Monif C’s clothing business that we fondly love. In many ways, Monif C paved the way for the Eloquii brand we know and love, giving us the same contemporary feel, silhouette and aesthetic.
In 2019, she decided to step away from her brand. stylish curves He emphasized that Monif said, “There are many reasons why she is taking leave.” One of the main reasons she cited was the lack of support for plus-size designers..Today, Monif C is still around and has pivoted to lingerie and swimming, but do we miss the void her modern plus-size clothing line left us with? Buy the latest information from Monifc.com
Preme (2017-2019)
Stylish clothes from pioneering stylish influencers. clean lines. Sophistication. It’s classy and edgy. All of this describes Premme, created by GabiFresh and Nicolette Mason. They pushed the boundaries with inclusion, up to five times the size that many brands have dared to venture.
After closing, Gabi launched her own resort wear line, Villa Fresca, and Nicolette has found success in fashion and marketing consulting with brands.
107th Street (2011-2020)
print. print. Other prints too! Rue 107 offered bodycon, matching sets, different hemlines, and more. This size-independent brand ran sizes from small to plus before the term “size-inclusive” even existed.
This New York-based indie brand has provided playful options for fashion lovers who aren’t afraid to show off their body shape without compromising it.
Z by Zevarra (2013-2019)
It’s getting expensive. sexy. Drama. style. The LA-based brand provided us with all the high-quality fits, looks, and options. Z by Zebara Featured “Versatility and elegance with a wide range of beautifully crafted styles suitable for every occasion for fashionable curvaceous women.”
Since 2019, they’ve pivoted to various ventures, but their edge and perspective is largely missing.
What do you think about these brands on this list? Are you missing them too? Have you heard of these brands? Do you remember them? Or is it your first time? And we didn’t even highlight the plus-size brands and size-inclusive designers that just closed this year, like Mara Hoffman, Rachel Parry, and Jelly for See.
Hopefully, we don’t see the last of these brands and these plus size brands continue to rock the table, give style, and last forever with the innovations they offer as a blueprint for what we love. I hope it will be remembered.
This list is by no means exhaustive… All…but it’s indicative of where we are as a plus-size community today. While remembering these brands, it’s also worth noting the upcoming independent plus-size and size-inclusive brands. That’s another article…
And what about the brands and designers who have closed shop? thank you. Thank you for inspiring plus size retailers and showing them where and how to go. Thank you for showing them how it can and should be done. Plus size fashion and its growth wouldn’t be where it is today without you.
we have met you. And what you do is transformative, important, and noteworthy. Being a business owner and creator is a challenge. It takes courage to follow your dreams and visions. Want to share your vision for others to see, shop and celebrate? Be brave.
But I have to make a certain point here…all of these designers were filling a wide space that is modern plus size fashion. Fashion that is unapologetically bold, tailored, unique and playful. This segment is plus size fashion still needed Independent plus-size designers and size-inclusive brands fill this space. As the retail industry continues to adjust and pivot from the aftermath of the pandemic, new opportunities are emerging in the plus-size fashion space. Hire that designer as your creative director. Hire that designer as the lead designer for your plus size range. Hire a designer to bring your brand to life!
Contemporary fashion that pushes boundaries, inspires and fills gaps in the current fashion space. However, being an indie requires resources as well. Finance, operations, and don’t forget marketing. In the plus size fashion industry, those who support and support new and emerging designers need to carefully consider supporting independent plus size designers financially…
This need is part of the driving force behind our creation of The Cultivate Awards.
Also, note… If you are an independent plus-size designer or size-inclusive designer, please feel free to contact us to share, support, and inform the community about your brand. If you know someone who needs more love, please send us an email. We can only support you if you reach out and touch us!
But now I have to ask you, what brands do you miss in the plus size fashion space? Who do you think were ahead of their time?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
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Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
