Specialty Sizes and the fashion industry

[writergal28]

Apologies if a similar thread already exists, but the search doesn't seem to work very well.

Anyway, I'm wondering: How should a designer who specializes in non-standard sizes (i.e. petite or plus) get buyers' and the media's attention, considering that they often would give someone specializing in this a dirty look? Can't these people be part of the "fashion business" too?

 

[PinkHalo]

I'm very interested in this too. I'm thinking of setting up a boutiques specialising in small sizes.

 

[seanutbutter]

considering that they often would give someone specializing in this a dirty look?

Why do you say this? Just wondering, as I don't recall ever hearing of people getting flack for specializing in certain sizes. If anything, they'd probably be applauded.

 

[writergal28]

Why do you say this? Just wondering, as I don't recall ever hearing of people getting flack for specializing in certain sizes. If anything, they'd probably be applauded.

I was at a birthday party last year and spoke with a designer. He stopped talking to me when I told him that I had a blog about petites and even gave me weird looks all night. I've also spoken with people who worked at magazines about specialty sizes (either plus or petite) and they often seem very b!tchy whenever I ask them.

 

[BetteT]

I work with designers and retailers who do plus sizes ... and it, too is certainly the "black sheep" of the family. In fact ... when a regular client (not in the plus industry) wants to see my portfolio ... I've found it best to take those images out. They are not only not interested and can't relate ... they think that I can't do "straight" size work if I'm doing "plus" size work.

For pete's sake ... it's still about visual balance, color, texture, shape and knowing what's in style and what flatters various types of bodies. It's no different ... my skills translate to any size or height!

Anyway ... I agree ... there is some prejudice our there ... and it's not right. Every woman deserves good fashion that she can feel good in.

 

[Luxx]

I would suggest talking to media outlets that specialize in the speciality sizes you're working with. Definitely contact any blogs or magazines that do plus or petite. I would also say that maybe you could talk to the buyers for speciality departments. A lot of good stores have full plus sections as well as petite and I'm sure they've got special buyers for those areas.

There is still a taboo for anything that isn't straight size clothing. I find the whole thing ridiculous. Its as though they'd rather have anyone who isn't built like a model wear potato sacks or something.

 

[BetteT]

Now that I think about it, there also seems to be a burgeoning market on-line for plus size desingers who have their own sites and there are a few good plus fashion sites that list all of them. There are some on-line retailers (boutiques) who specialize in plus and they are always looking for the next exciting plus size designer too .... so I would think that this might apply to petites, too. Same problem ... different sizing ... that's all.