Some international fashion events, including the Durban Fashion Fair, are showcasing plus-size fashions, modelled by beautiful curvy models.
Globally, more and more plus-size brands are accommodating fuller figures.
Chris Viljoen, fashion director for spree.co.za, says it is not uncommon to see plus-size designs from top designers at major fashion shows, such as New York and London Fashion Weeks.
“Boutiques and department stores are also realising that curvy girls want to wear the feisty and trendy designs they see in magazines,” he says. “They are increasingly stocking the latest styles and trends along a wider size curve. Designers are also producing exclusive plus-size ranges using fashionable cuts, angles, silhouettes and patterns to flatter the fuller figure.”
The Australian brand, City Chic, champions this movement. It urges voluptuous women to avoid hiding themselves in loose clothing, that makes them look shapeless, and encourages them to enjoy expressing their individual style in high fashion, flirty and fun garments.
“It’s not about your shape or size, it’s about adding on trend confidence to your curves,” says Viljoen.
He gives these dos and don’ts for full-figured dressing:
DO
* Play around with interesting necklines.
* Go for bold prints and colours. Look out for clever colour panels and print detail to accentuate your best bits and hide problem areas.
* Remember your best accessory is your confidence, so wear what makes you feel great.
* Draw attention to your best assets, whether it’s your face or your waist.
DON’T
* Forget to show off your shoulders. A woman’s shoulders are always beautiful, and create instant allure.
* Wear high necklines if you are blessed in the bust area.
* Cling to old ideas about fuller-figured fashion; you don’t have to wear black from head to toe.
* Be afraid to play with trends, whether it’s tartan from the grunge trend or sequins from the high-shine movement.
Lindsay Ord