By Azeeza Rawat
Edited by Imaan Moosa & Humairaa Mayet
The fashion industry should have a wider and more accessible range of clothing that cater for all sizes and shapes. Sadly, for many decades, the industry has designed clothes for a restricted ideal, and not for the diverse reality of women who exist. However, things may be changing for the plus size industry. Isabel de Villiers talks to To EmpowHER about her own size-inclusive clothing brand, and how clothing can positively impact self-confidence.
Imagine this. You walk into a huge clothing store. Everything you see around you is made to not fit your size. Perhaps if you’re lucky, there will be a plus size section tucked away in the back. A small boxed off area, that is too small in comparison to the actual percentage of plus size women out there.
But to your dismay, the clothes are not just bigger sizes of the designs contained in the rest of the store. No. There are huge plain tops, frumpy designs and outdated patterns. Unflattering cuts and out of proportion clothes. In fact, it’s as if these brands are saying, “You’re plus size, you don’t deserve clothing as nice as smaller size bodies.”
As if this is our punishment.
Too often bigger sized women are leaving clothing stores with sinking hearts.
What is plus size clothing?
Firstly, it is important to understand what plus size clothing really means. Basically, it is clothing sizes 16 and over.
Which is a bit surprising to me, as the average woman is around size 16 and size 18, making the so-called “plus size fashion” actually just plain old average size fashion.
In the fashion industry, it is also common for models who are not plus size to be used in plus size clothing advertisements. This not only misrepresents what plus size really is, but once again, sets beauty standards that don’t match the realities of the average woman.
It is important for brands and designers to represent, as well as offer, clothing that is actually inclusive, that includes sizes that are not only closer to the new average size (size 16 and size 18) but are also actually plus size (size 18 and over).
Who is Isabel de Villiers?
Isabel de Villiers, a size-inclusive South African fashion designer, promotes true size inclusivity by designing clothes for a wide range of sizes and for using actual plus size models in her advertisements and on her social media. These are real women who look more like us, and less like society’s often unattainable ideals.
Isabel describes herself as an entrepreneur, creative, maker and owner of a size inclusive fashion brand, Isabel de Villiers Clothing.
Source: equilibrio.co.za
But how did Isabel begin her journey? She told To EmpowHER, “I graduated from Tshwane University of Technology and worked in the industry for a couple of years, before I started my own brand.”
There were many aspects and people who influenced Isabel in her journey to creating size inclusive clothing.
The women I look up to, the trailblazers, innovators, artist's, the teachers, moms, and friends are all different shapes and different sizes. I was inspired by them to design a brand that celebrates all the different body shapes and sizes.
Isabel’s clothing include a range of in-trend dresses, jackets, jumpsuits, and more, for all sizes.
We take a lot of time making sure our sizes (32 - 48) are true and our fit is perfect.
This would explain why Isabel’s brand is both size inclusive and plus size.
Isabel made a conscious decision to cater for all women – for the real women out there – and for the different bodies that we have.
We design collections for women of all shapes and all sizes. Being a size inclusive brand is very important to us - we celebrate the curve of a woman's body.
“We sell our collection online as well as through a curated selection of boutiques in South Africa and Namibia. Our studio is based in Pretoria where we make every item from start to finish. We also have a studio shop and love inviting clients to visit, try on the collection and meet the faces behind the brand.”
If any of our readers are looking for plus size clothing, we really suggest exploring Isabel’s website.
She launched her size-inclusive clothing business in 2012 and has been successfully gifting women with beautiful clothes no matter the shape or size of their bodies. And Isabel is happy to say, “We are celebrating our 10th year this year!”
Plus size women often complain that they can never find designs that they like which are available for smaller sized bodies, but in their size.
I’ve noticed on Isabel’s Instagram that many of the designs are the same for both smaller and bigger bodies, and it’s amazing to see different sized models stand together and all look beautiful in the same outfit.
Isabel is happy to share that “we launched our summer collection at South Africa Fashion Week in April with Tulie, our plus size model opening and closing the show.” Isabel has kindly provided the link to the show if our readers would like to view it.
And no, plus size does not mean someone with a small waist and big hips but a flat tummy. It also means women with bellies, wide thighs, and big arms. Crafting plus size clothing should not be regarded as ‘regular size’ clothing but bigger. This is often why many plus size clothing are disproportionate or ill-fitting. There are important aspects to keep in mind when creating plus size clothing.
Isabel shares with To EmpowHER how her brand approaches plus size clothing:
There are a couple of factors that play an important part: scale, proportion, and balance. There are also a couple of pattern and grading techniques that differ from the regular method. Making sure the fit is spot on is very important and takes time to perfect.
Could this be the secret to why her clothes are flattering and fit her plus sized models well?
Source: equilibrio.co.za
Why is plus size fashion important?
Firstly, we are aware that body sizes are increasing world-wide. Therefore, the fashion industry needs to keep up with these demands. Living in South Africa, I’ve struggled with finding plus size clothing that is trendy, suitable for my age and affordable.
“The plus-size clothing market in South Africa is still growing slowly, but it’s looking better than 5 years ago. I do wish more local fashion brands would expand their size curve so there is a bigger and better selection available to the South African women.
“South Africa doesn't have a standardised size chart - this makes it so difficult to regulate sizes (hence the nightmare of shopping - you are a different size in every store). Regarding prices: the more fabric you use, the more expensive the garment is going to be. I believe in buying less, but better. Pieces that last.”
But clothing is more than just the material you put on your body. It is also a form of self-expression, and a way for people to uplift themselves through their clothing choices. Sadly, plus size women have been unable to do this for many years and have had to settle with whatever clothing that fits. This can affect self-esteem and self-confidence.
Isabel agrees and explains how her clothing can help plus size women achieve this.
It’s designed to give you confidence and make your presence known. How we dress is a reflection of who we are - or who we want to be. We hope our pieces give women the confidence to live their best lives.
I look forward to the day when plus size women or women with larger body sizes do not have to leave clothing stores with sinking hearts. Size inclusivity designers like Isabel de Villiers are paving the way for this.
I look forward to the day when your size is nothing more than a number, and it doesn’t come along with a bunch of connotations. When all body sizes feel accepted through there being the same clothing options and designs for everyone.
The fashion industry has a toxic relationship with body image and acceptance. We as consumers need to change our perspective of beauty and 'the right size'. Only wear clothes that make you feel good, that makes you happy.
Don't worry about the size stitched inside, it’s not a reflection of who you are as a person.
Because size does not equal worth.
Source: dazedimg-dazedgroup.netdna-ssl.com