A New Plus Size Fashion Trend in Bloom...

I love the changing of seasons. Even though I enjoy fall clothing, I’m always happy for those first spring-is-in-the-air days where the forsythia starts to bloom. In that respect, we’re seeing the budding of a new trend -- less Boho and more Bardot -- including the return to retro glam with a 60’s feel that is definitely British invasion instead of Gypsy persuasion.  

There is a new wrinkle developing in the apparel biz. I've been receiving calls from boutiques who carry lines up to size 14 asking if I know of any hip 'plus size' designers or clothing lines they can add to their assortment. Many of these trendy, straight size boutiques have a new dilemma. The problem is, there is a brand new crop of size 12-22 customers who are venturing into these boutiques and want to be shown the new -- the novel lines in THEIR size -- which mirror the smaller sized looks. Consumer demand is driving these boutique  owners to realize that they must integrate some trendy clothing to  satisfy the vocal voluptuous among our ranks.

I caught up with plus-model turned makeup artist Kim Baker her on the west coast while she was in L.A. doing makeup for American Idol runner-up talent Bo Bice for some television interview appearances. Working with Kim since we both were plus size models in the 80’s and 90’s, we have watched each other work into our new career paths. She  is truly blossoming as one of the hottest talents, working her makeup magic more and more on celebrities each month. She’s pursuing another dream – to design clothing for the full figured  women. Kim is starting with a fabulous jean line (she herself owns 38 pairs) and realizes that having a great pair of jeans is crucial  to find, albeit difficult. She has found an investor and is working with a team to bring her clothing to market soon

I’m even working with some of the designers from our Curventures event to do custom work in order to fill this need, at least immediately. This is definitely a ‘wave’ that I see happening and though the boutiques may not carry all sizes up thru a size 28, they do want to at least cater to and thereby capture those woman who are curvy 12, 14, 16 and 18’s and craves something other than what they can find in their local department stores.

I wish you all a happy time in navigating the new wardrobe options, steering your way clear through those twists and turns and finding a smooth course toward an exhilarating spring full of inspiration and renewed vitality.