Just before the pandemic, it felt like plus size fashion was going mainstream. Brands are finally starting to recognize the purchasing power of 67% women, and increasing sizes has become commonplace. fastest growing segment top of the fashion industry $22 billion annually in the US. Fashion Week’s runways were filled with curve models, and body-positive influencers occupied the front rows.
However, in 2024, due to the post-COVID-19 economy and the resurgence of “quick weight loss” plans, Plus size bodies don’t seem to be in fashion anymore. This setback is extremely discouraging, not only as a supporter of size inclusivity, but also as an everyday consumer. It feels like the comfort and progress we have gained is being lost. The conversation returned to lamenting the lack of options in 18+ sizes and fighting diet culture.
But in the midst of this adversity, I found solace and strength in a growing niche. plus size independent designer. We are a small but mighty community striving to cut through the noise and weather the storm of the fast fashion giants and industry darlings.
A few years ago, as an editor for an American plus-size magazine. slinkI’ve often interviewed major brands who claim they can’t sustain plus sizes because of “extra fabric costs.” They said that producing larger sizes would require considerably more fabric, making the garment prohibitively expensive compared to straight sizes.
Fast forward to today, and my experience as a plus-size designer for RCA Public Label, a small luxury plus-size brand, has revealed this truth. Those claims were lies. The difference between size 10 and size 20 fabric is less than a yard. There’s no doubt that producing high-quality clothing is expensive, but if small, emerging brands can successfully produce plus sizes; I won’t make excuses Don’t let major companies do the same thing.
From necessity to innovation
In March 2020, as the pandemic was disrupting the world, I connected with a group of furloughed fashion freelancers. Together, we started making hospital gowns and masks to donate to hospitals with flat tires in New York City.
This collaboration reignited my creativity and inspired me to reconsider long-forgotten designs, such as the dress concept I first envisioned in 2009. It’s a wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking dress with a built-in bra, convertible straps and an adjustable hemline.
After overcoming countless challenges, the concept was patented. game changer dress From my brand, RCA Public Label. That success gave her the confidence to launch a luxury ready-to-wear brand and haute couture design house aimed at addressing the chronic fit and style issues faced by plus-size consumers.
Why is representation important?
From generous shirt panels that button up big busts for comfort, to miniskirts that provide “full butt coverage” (I call it “butt allowance”) My designs come from my lived experience of being plus size. these are An innovative yet practical solution The mainstream industry often overlooks that.
Need for more plus size women take the lead Brands were a key topic during a recent panel discussion featuring prominent plus-size figures and members of the media. They emphasized many of the same issues I encountered, such as the need for better grading, accurate fitting, ethical business practices, sustainability, more diverse aesthetics, and upscale options. As a designer and small business owner checking all of these boxes, I find myself wanting to exclaim: “i am here!”
Unfortunately, most established news outlets rarely spotlight emerging plus-size designers, trapping us in a frustrating cycle of trying to gain recognition. That’s why I’m so grateful for platforms like TCF and support. plus size influencer These are the people who help me reach my customers, many of whom are still underserved by mass-produced, low-quality brands.
Although it is my brand, Rene Cafaro’s Atelier (RCA) embodies these values, but finds it incredibly difficult to break through. Established media rarely spotlights up-and-coming designers, creating a vicious cycle in which they struggle to gain recognition.
On the same panel, experts were asked to name plus-size designers who are “doing it right.” Shockingly, they had trouble listing more than six names. Although they are all well-known within the plus-size community, they have rarely been featured in mainstream fashion media. Where was the mention of independent talent like Bakar, Rene Tyler, Vinik, Ghibli, etc.?
Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful. This week I felt inspired to be creative again. I was invited to give a talk at the London College of Fashion about the importance of plus sizes in the industry and how we can design for us. and Attended a Vogue event celebrating Naomi Campbell’s iconic career.
When I met the London College of Fashion students creating their first bespoke pieces in size 22, I could see their passion for learning and creating the best avant-garde tailoring for plus-size bodies. Ta. Seeing these students passionately create custom size 22 pieces reaffirmed my belief in the next generation of designers.
Investing in Plus Size Luxury Goods
We deserve to invest in ourselves and the independent plus size designers who work tirelessly to do the right thing. Fast fashion may seem like an easy solution, but ill-fitting, low-quality clothing often falls apart after a few wears. Instead, consider investing in a well-made moto jacket, like a customizable moto jacket. Make It Me Moto From the RCA public label, it will last for years to come.
For those looking for something truly unique, my haute couture atelier offers unique pieces that will make you feel like a work of art. Fashion is art and we all have the right to be a part of it.
If we continue to create with passion and purpose, people will find us. The journey may be slow, but we believe our community deserves the same luxury, craftsmanship, and visibility that straight-size fashion takes for granted. Let’s support the brands that support us. Because together we can take back our brand. rightful place In the world of fashion.
About the author:
Lenny Cafarofounder of RCA public labelbrings a unique perspective to plus-size luxury fashion as a designer who understands the challenges of dressing fuller figures. She launched the RCA Public Label to offer thoughtfully designed clothing that addresses common fit issues, offering high-quality, sustainable pieces in sizes often overlooked in mainstream fashion. I did. Lenny also runs it. Rene Cafaro’s Atelierspecializes in haute couture pieces that celebrate the luxury of plus-size bodies and aims to set new standards for inclusivity and artistry in fashion.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
