We need to talk about Curvy Fashion!

 

There is no denying that the current world of clothing for the curvy is boring, drab and for the most part, basically non existent. Even being a celebrity doesn’t help you! Just recently Leslie Jones couldn’t find anyone to dress her for Ghostbusters movie premiere....can you believe that? No designers had stepped up until she called out on social media regarding the issue.


Did you know that the average woman is actually between a size 14-18? Yep, the majority of women are considered as ‘plus size’. Despite this undeniable fact, it’s clear that everyday designers are still refusing to make clothes for them. Many claim plus size women are ‘complicated’, different and difficult, with no two size 16’s being alike.


Head into any plus size store or section and you’ll notice a distinct lack of modern everyday styles that are good quality. Looking through the racks of clothes, it’s almost as if designers think that anyone over a size 8 either wants to look like a dag, an 80’s prom queen, or dress 20+ years older than they actually are!


The fashion industry works on standards established decades ago, all revolving around being thin; a look that is unattainable for most women. I know habits are hard to break, although isn’t it about time we got rid of these outdated standards and started working with the reality of what women’s bodies really are?


There really is no reason why larger women can’t look and feel as fabulous as their smaller counterparts. As Tim Gunn says “It’s a design issue, not a customer issue.”


This lack of care for women of a larger size gets my blood boiling. Which is why I decided to do something about it! I created Lulu Manna with the ethos to create styles that suit the modern woman of ALL shapes with generous cuts.


When choosing my designs and sizing guide, I made sure we took into account that a size 12 (or 14, or 16 and so on) should actually FIT a size 12 - and comfortably. What is it with sizing in chain stores that forces women to go up multiple sizes larger than they actually are? Is it a stunt to try and shame them into losing weight? If you’re a size 12, you should fit size 12 clothing, instead of being forced to go up to a size 14 or 16.


Many of the designs at Lulu Manna are adjustable and versatile, meaning not only will your size fit you, but it’s often the case that women can go down one! Each piece looks amazing on it’s own, yet can easily be dressed up or down and paired with other pieces to create new looks. Each of my garments are locally designed & produced. I believe in high quality items, at affordable prices, with outstanding customer service.


Let’s hope the growing demand for on-trend, high quality and beautifully designed plus size garments will start to hit home with more designers soon!

LuLu Manna x