“I, a plus-size woman, walk into malls, boutiques, and clothing stores with money ready to spend; eager to stimulate the economy with my fashion addiction. Yet, instead of seeing racks upon racks of beautiful colors, modern prints, and edgy cuts in my size, I am met with small, hidden, shameful corners of muted colors, granny prints, and poorly cut/conceived garments. Or worse, I’m told there is a “great online plus-size department” by an apathetic salesperson. I encounter garments that are cut for my wide size 22 self using the same ratio as that of a size 4 woman. Those “golden ratio” women do not look like me; they do not move like I do. I represent over 50% of American women; women who are among some of the most educated, empowered, and cash-ready women in the world. Instead of having a wide selection of garments with which to clothe my body; I have the choice made for me by some mealy-mouthed “fashion insiders” who are convinced I should hide my body, cover my “flaws,” and find “flattering” fits. But, I have news for those fashion insiders: My body is glorious, my curves are spectacular and I revel in them. I want clothing that exemplifies me, celebrates how I move, and highlights my ample rolling curves. And, guess what? So does the rest of the 50% of American women over size 14. We are here; we are proud; and we have loud voices. Your days of dominating the fashion world with one or two ideals of beauty are over; you will have to begin designing for me, for us, or risk becoming passe.”
