Plus size

...Its so amusing

Plus Size and plus size clothing seems to be the buzz phrase on everyone’s lips at the moment. The tabloids love nothing more than discussing how a once slender star is now reaching into a plus size wardrobe or more to the point how a once curvy girl is now a slither of her former self. Even Julien MacDonald, a man more likely to mock plus size clothing than make it, has this week done a u-turn claiming he is looking for a curvy representative for his brand… Plus size clothes at Julien MacDonald? Well perhaps not just yet.

Plus size clothing will always be a bone of contention...
amongst designers especially in the luxury market. While the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier are happy to make plus size clothes, a one off, for Beth Ditto, to grab headlines on the runway, if your average size 26 walked into their West London store, they’d very likely be shown the door.

Plus size clothing for 2011

So what are plus size clothing brands showing for Autumn/Winter ’11?

Marina Rinaldi for many the highest form of designer plus size fashion is showing sensational evening and cocktail wear, from trouser suits to silk printed dresses to full-length beaded numbers. The quality and finishing is immaculate and while every care is taken to ensure pieces are on trend, these will become wardrobe staples that you can rely on time and time again. Going into the winter Rinaldi has gone for the Italian classic look. Camel in sharp tailored jackets and front crease trousers, printed shirts, reminiscent of vintage Gucci and beautiful, high quality knitwear that will keep you both warm and stylish throughout the winter months. There is also rich red satin dresses (think Armani and Valentino) and Balenciaga style, strong shoulder, tux jackets and well cut dresses that work the office to dinner look to perfection.

Marina Rinaldi's younger sister...

Persona, Rinaldi’s younger sister, another beautiful, Italian, plus size clothing brand offers casual and cocktail wear. For Autumn/Winter expect silk and cashmere knitwear, cute stripes and lots of camel and monochrome hues.

This season is no exception. Invest in a great classic trouser that you can rotate with your current pieces, or pick up a long line, nipped in waist blazer or shirt/jacket. Wille remain true to a monochrome palette making these pieces effortless to slide into your current wardrobe.

Anna Scholz

If you want to rip up the rule book though and go for a riot of print and colour with lashings of femininity, your first stop should be Anna Scholz. One of the most recognised plus size designers, Anna is a curvy lady designing for a body shape she truly understands. Her dresses are beautifully cut and there will be one to flatter whatever fruit your body shape resembles. Her unique prints are always on trend and are often inspired by Anna’s love of fashion and her passion for trawling vintage markets for inspiration.

This Autumn/Winter Anna has gone very Dolce Gabanna meets Vivienne Westwood with bodice tops that have a real ‘Anglomania’ feel to them and sassy leopard print, pencil shaped dresses that ooze that ‘Mad Men’ vibe.

Plus size clothing need not be pedestrian, poor quality or unimaginative and the beautiful pieces on offer next season prove this. While you may have to pay above high street prices, the amount you get back in quality and style makes it worth it, every time.

Hope you found this interesting…

Leanda Walters