It is an open secret that most women are not size two and they are not six feet tall. And yet, the tiny percentage of the population who conforms to those dimensions seems to be the target of the fashion industry. Rarely do you see fashion that is targeted at the full size woman.
For years the full size woman has been treated as a minority while in fact they have been the majority. Full size women are not only mothers and housewives they are also business women. Trends are shifting and one even sees full size woman models here and there.
It is as if the fashion industry is slowly starting to wake up to the fact that there is a lucrative market for the taking. Not only are they also fashion conscious and sometimes dedicated fashion divas, but the full size woman can look absolutely spectacular in clothing designed for her posture.
There are several stores and boutiques that now specialize in full size clothing. They carry everything from intimate wear to business and evening wear. These stores not only know but they celebrate that real women do have curves, and they also aim to make plus size women looking and feeling beautiful and keeping pace with the latest fashion trends.
Just because a woman is not a size two does not mean that she is not active or even athletic. Plus size clothing, whilst long overdue, is quickly catching up with the fashion world. As the designers prepare for their spring and fall fashion shows many are also creating plus size fashion lines that will focus solely on the woman with curves. This is wonderful news for the full size women, because more and more they can look just as fashionable as that size two six foot tall model on the runway.
Designer plus size clothing must have quality, fashion and functionality in order for the plus size woman to buy their products.
Being a size two is not the norm in everyday life and while fashion designers have not entirely caught up with the real woman, they are getting there one stitch at a time and winning over consumers. Fashion for the full size woman is fun, flirty, fashionable, exciting and beautiful. Just like the women who wear the clothing.
Archive for the ‘Woman Fashion Designer’ Category
Fashion For The Full Size Woman
Saturday, August 20th, 2011A Woman’s Fashion: Tops, Part I
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011Think tops for women are just one category of clothes? Wrong! In fact, fashion tops for women come in a variety of styles. This is obvious to the fashion designers of the world, but perhaps less so to the rest of us. Without further ado then, Beverly Lane brings you the top seven tops from the world of women’s fashion:
#1 A woman’s fashion: The strapless top
Strapless tops are simple but effective. Usually reserved for nighttime or daytime formal wear, the strapless top is a great choice for the warmer months when you won’t miss the extra material. Go for a simple one-color look with a body-hugging shape for maximum impact.
#2 A woman’s fashion: The one shoulder top
The asymmetrical look really gives one shoulder tops a quirky, fun sensibility. The one shoulder top is a great choice for a fun, lighthearted outing like a Sunday in the park or a daytime concert or music festival. Some stripes or a bold print will complete the look.
#3 A woman’s fashion: Vests and camis
Vests and camis are a bankable favorite when you want a cute look for summer, say for a day at the beach. They can look ultra-girly with a loose fit and a flowery print, or more sleek, modern and athletic with a body-hugging fit and stripes.
#4 A woman’s fashion: The T-shirt
What can you say about the T-shirt that hasn’t been said a million times before? Not much! Except that they’re a casual tops fashion classic on par with the mighty blue jeans. Grab a graphic print for a fun look, or opt for a looser fit and some frills for more of a pretty/girly look. Either way you’ll look great.
#5 A woman’s fashion: The tunic top
Tunics are so versatile, they’re always a safe bet if you’re not sure how formal you want to be. Perfect for a date or a night out with the girls, they also combine really well with almost any accessories. We like the look of a close-fitting tunic in a colorful fabric with some chunky jewelry, but try your own ideas – you’ll find it’s pretty hard to go wrong!
#6 A woman’s fashion: Shirts and blouses
Shirts and blouses are, of course, a wardrobe staple, especially for work wear and smart casual and formal ensembles. You can never have too many of these tops! Keep a couple in basic black and flat white, and some with a colorful pattern or print too.
#7 A woman’s fashion: The long sleeved top
Long sleeved t-shirts and tops are perfect for those transition months of the year when you need the extra warmth of a sleeve. They’re also great under a jacket for when the temperature really drops. Don’t forget that the long sleeved top category includes the hoodie, which is perfect for a comfortable, casual occasion like a mid-week trip to the movies, and the cardigan, which works so well for long nights in. It’s always handy to have a comfy long sleeved top on hand for when you need to run to the store in the morning for bread and milk as well!
Fashion Foremost: Up Close and Personal With Ritu Beri
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011Ritu Beri, a graduate of India’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, an affiliate of New York’s F.I. T., is one of the foremost fashion designers of India. A protégé of master embroiderer Francois Lesage, Ritu launched her own fashion label in India 16 years ago to rave reviews that haven’t stopped since. Since then, she has dressed Hindi movie superstars such as Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta, and also includes former President Bill Clinton and Hollywood actresses Nicole Kidman and Andie McDowell on her client roster. After successful international showings in Beijing, Morocco, New York and Washington, Ritu was India’s first designer to show her luxe collection in Paris in 1998. Considered one of the 50 most important people in India, Ritu Beri is down-to-earth, very approachable and a pleasure to chat with. Ritu took some time to chat with Nirvana Woman this summer. Here are some her thoughts.
How do you think your style differs from other designers in India and abroad?
My designs represent my journey as a human being, of all the influences I have had in my life—and most importantly, India and its cultural heritage. I then interpret this in my clothes.
How has designing changed for you since when you started?
The Indian fashion industry has undergone a tremendous metamorphosis. Fashion was only a diversion for a small elite. Initially, fashion was more to do with ritual dressing, like a wedding (or) festival. But now it’s more about being well dressed all the time.
Where do you go for your inspiration?
I believe that every new day comes with new ideas, aspirations and dreams. I take inspiration from life and things/people around me, and like any other form of art, it requires (a large) amount of research…and it’s a constant conquest to achieve something beyond the ordinary.
Which of your designs are you immensely proud of?
I am proud of all my designs. But my first line, which I showcased at my graduation, called “The Maharanis of India,” has been my favorite collection so far, for sentimental reasons. Another collection which is very close to my heart is the one I showcased at the Buddha Bar in Paris. But my favorite is my last collection I presented at the Lido in Paris.
How did you get into designing?
I come from a defense background [Ritu’s father was in the Indian army]. Army parties are very formal, structured and British in their approach to dressing. The environment encourages you to be fastidious about your appearance. My mother is beautiful and stunningly dressed. I remember as a child, she lit up the army evenings with not just her looks, but also (with) her intrinsic style. I always loved to watch her dressing up. Her pastel chiffons floated around her, and her (elegant) pearls and diamonds were her trademarks. My father, too, is an immaculate dresser and has a great sense of color. With such fine examples, I had to be influenced, and I ended up wanting to dress up everyone like that.
How have Indian designers moved up in international fashion?
Indian designers are at a nascent stage as far as the international market is concerned. The fashion design industry in India is only about two decades old, (and) we have achieved quite a lot in such a short time. Our designers are constantly showcasing in various fashion capitals of the world, but for a designer to be taken seriously in the international market, he/she should be consistent in showcasing the collection and be around each season.
Who are your favorite celebrity clients?
Rekha (the Bollywood actress) is my favorite celebrity client—she is a true style icon.
What advice would you give upcoming designers?
My only advice would be: Make the best use of all the opportunities that come your way and learn as much as much as you can. But always be original.
What role do accessories carry in fashion creation?
Ritu Beri Design carries a lot of accessories. I believe fashion is not just restricted to clothes. It goes deeper into beauty, hair, footwear and accessories. Accessories add that extra dash of confidence that reflects on the personality and which I think is more important than just a beautiful outfit.
Your work has moved from couture to interiors and lifestyle designs. What are your future plans?
After being in the fashion industry for over 16 years now and having showcased my collection in almost all the major fashion capitals of the world, I want to take fashion beyond clothes and accessories into everyday life. “FireFly” was my first step in that direction, and I am working on some more things, (which) I shall be sharing with you soon.
What advice would you give to the Nirvana Woman, someone living outside of India, but with tastes in the eclectic and chic, as high-end couture?
I believe that one should always dress to feel yourself. The outfit should make you feel comfortable and reflect your personality. One’s own style is very important. The dress for this season is intimate, personal and real.