If there’s one thing we love about The Curvy Fashionista, it’s seeing empowering fashion. So when it comes to plus size positive movies empire waist When it hit our radar, we couldn’t help but fall in love with the way it portrayed the beauty, confidence, and power that comes with owning your style, no matter your size.
And who better to talk about this than costume designer Francesca Ross? We interviewed the film’s costume designer and got the inside scoop on how she worked her magic to bring the film’s characters to life. First, of course, is the wardrobe.
Dressing for Confidence – The Magical Side Too
Francesca Ross didn’t just dress her characters empire waist–She gave them strength. Ross tells us that the costume was more than just clothing. They were transformative tools that helped cast members embody their roles and, at times, change the way they felt about their bodies. “I think it’s a space where you can turn your personal discomfort into confidence,” she says. That’s the magic of costume design.
Are the jeans perfect for Marcy? daisy washington), who uses a wheelchair, or the iconic final dress worn by Lenore (played by) Mia Kaplan), Ross ensures that each look expresses both the character’s personality and growth throughout the film.
And what are the challenges? Ross didn’t shy away from them either. “The challenge is that most clothes today are made to fit a very narrow range of ideal body types,” she points out. Do you know all the fashion lovers? empire waist tackled these hurdles head-on, showing the reality of finding clothes that actually fit and look good in an industry still playing catch-up on inclusivity.
A cast as diverse as its wardrobe
we have to talk about it nice And a diverse cast. With so many different body types, Ross had the perfect job for her. But she was professional and took it all in stride. She revealed that much of the magic comes from understanding how each actor moves through the world and how they express themselves through style. “I look to their style and personality as strengths to make their characters more dynamic,” she says.
The final result? A variety of wardrobe pieces that feel true to the character and, most importantly, authentic to the actor wearing it.
Take Kayla, for example. ignorance-Inspired debut outfit. Ross tells how the loud plaid skirt and faux fur coat were pieced together rather than from one piece. two Sew the skirt according to size. Ross’s flexibility and ingenuity highlight the real struggle of finding on-trend plus size clothing that fits properly. But what about the finished product? pure gold!
Designed for plus size bodies – fit is everything
One of Roth’s key opportunities is empire waist She dressed her plus-size body in a distinctive and narratively impactful way. “There’s often a disconnect between the size we think we should wear and the size we actually need,” she says. Oh Francesca, we feel That fight!
Ross took the time to get to know each actor, asking them about their measurements, their favorite brands, and how they personally feel about their bodies. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every costume not only fits; compliment.
Iconic looks: From homage to ‘Clueless’ to head-turning dresses
When dressing the plus-size characters, Ross made sure each outfit felt intentional and powerful. What is the solution to clothes that don’t fit? Change, change, change! And Kayla’s two-skirt combo wasn’t the only example of Ross getting creative with needle and thread.
Well, we couldn’t talk to Ross without fangirling about the movie’s most iconic looks. Her personal favorite? Kayla’s ignorance– Dramatic yet inspired ensemble So True to her character arc. “This is Kayla’s ‘ignorance’ moment,” exclaimed Ross, quoting the original’s legendary designer Mona May. ignorance costume. Finding a colorful faux fur coat during the pandemic wasn’t easy, but Ross made it.
And then there’s the final piece of resistance. It’s Lenore’s last dress. This custom-made beauty is the epitome of character development and represents Lenore’s journey to self-love. It was designed using metallic pastel fabric and produced in just 5 days, but what is its impact? chef’s kiss.
As Ross says, “This dress is meant to represent Lenore’s growth in loving herself and accepting her body.” That’s exactly what we’re talking about.
Indie designers, are you listening?
Plus size indie designers take note! Ross is waiting for you! Costume departments often rely on big box stores for easy and quick returns, but she also encourages indie designers to slip into their inboxes. “Never underestimate the power of cold emails,” she says, giving up-and-coming designers a cheeky look.
Ross keeps a list of designers and brands he loves and is happy to get in touch when he finds the right project. So, if you have a unique line including size, what are you waiting for? You can’t eat with a closed mouth…right?
empire waist This movie isn’t just about fashion, body positivity, and high school drama, it’s about all of these things and more. And Francesca Ross’ costume design brought this story to life in a way that only a true visual storyteller could. Committed to making every character’s wardrobe feel authentic and powerful, Ross ensured that: empire waist It’s not just a movie. It’s movement.
For all my fellow curvy fashionistas looking to express themselves, take a page from Ross’ playbook. Be unapologetically creative, and as Ross says, if you will. love That’s it–don’t hesitate!
What do you think about Francesca Ross’s work? empire waist?Are you excited to see this movie’s stylish take on body positivity? Let us know in the comments!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com