Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The words 'Plus-Size Fashion' might not collocate that easily, but an event in London this weekend promises to challenge your expectations and change perceptions of the demographic.
The event, which features catwalk shows, talks and stalls from plus-size retailers is the brainchild of young entrepreneur and London College of Fashion graduate Remi Ray, who at 25 founded her boutique, Trapped in a Skinny World, which specialises in larger sizes of vintage clothing.She's of the opinion that, with more than 60 per cent of the UK's adult population overweight, it was high time they were recognised by fashion retailers and the media.
Consequently, the line-up for the weekend, which is based around two venues in Shoreditch, includes famous faces Gemma Collins of The Only Way is Essex, who has recently launched a successful range of plus-size clothing with the specialist retailer Simply Be, which caters to sizes 14 to 32.
Rebecca Hannon, a contestant from last year's Big Brother, will also be on hand during the shows, where plus-size models will walk the runway to show how much the market has diversified from the ill-fitting smocks and tunics of yesteryear.
There will also be a panel discussion featuring model Velvet D'Armour, the first larger model to feature in a high-end fashion show when she walked for Jean Paul Gaultier, and Anna Shillinglaw, who is CEO of Milk Management, a modelling agency that specialises in furthering the cause and careers of plus-size models in a media age that is unused to dealing with them.
Organisers hope the event will raise awareness of how important the plus-size market is to a fashion industry during straitened times. This is a significant customer base for brands, and plenty of them simply don't feel catered for currently.
Plus-Size Fashion Weekend is on 15-16 February, bpsfw.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments