What to Expect When You are Expecting: Fashion Edition

-Chic Tuition

A friend of mine recently sent me a barrage of texts of how unhappy she was about her current unfortunate situation. Apparently, the maternity offerings are just not quite up to snuff in her opinion or terribly expensive. She asked me to do a whole post about it, and who am I to turn down a pregnant lady's request?

I did a bit of poking around and unfortunately for the most part time has marched on but maternity fashion has not kept up. I mean take a look at this old pattern piece illustration? Can you tell me the difference between this and some of the items from Destination Maternity or A Pea in the Pod?


I mean yes they do have guest designers like Heidi Klum creating lines like Lavish by Heidi Klum and Loved by Heidi Klum. These, however, are just the best of a bad situation. I knew there had to be something better out there to satisfy those fashion diehards. There just had to be right? I mean after all there are all these pregnant celebrities out there looking fabulous like Amy Poehler, Alicia Keys, and Danielle Lloyds.


So, I began my search and came away almost defeated. 7 for All Mankind Maternity Jeans - expensive/poorly designed. Liz Lange Maternity - boring/stiff designs. It seemed that maternity was plagued with the same issues that bog down plus size offerings - lack of insight. Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you do not want to be fashion forward or overhaul your whole look as you are a mom to be.

Here are a couple of looks that I pulled together for my friend. She is a young school teacher, so what this what I tried to keep in my mind as I was playing virtual stylist. She is also quite thin when not pregnant (it is her second), so I wanted to create looks that were reminiscent what she wears then. Well, improved on a bit by myself of course! The other great thing about the items I pulled is that these items can mixed and matched. Thus, justifying the investment!


Work - Day: This dress from Moody Mamas is something I think anyone would want to wear - pregnant or not. Bright and vibrant this is the perfect dress to wear while working with children! She works in a school that does not allow bare shoulders, so pairing it with this cute sweater makes it work appropriate.

1. Moody Mamas - Sweetheart Dress (Sizes XS - XL; $190.00)

2. Spiegel - Whisper-Weight Cropped Cardigan (Sizes XS: XL; $17.00)

Work - Night: A teacher's work is mostly done during the day, but there is the odd occasion when they have to work the night shift. Namely - Parent/Teacher conferences. This outfit would be perfect for such occasions as it is extremely professional yet fashionable. I absolutely love the color of this top from TopShop and the fit of the pencil skirt by Isabella Oliver. Also, the cropped sweater featured with the day look can be paired with this outfit as well for a more casual look.

2. Spiegel - Whisper-Weight Cropped Cardigan (Sizes XS: XL; $17.00)

3. TopShop - Maternity Boutique Tuck Blouse (US Sizes 4 - 10; $50.00)

4. Isabella Oliver Maternity - Pencil Skirt (Sizes 0 - 14; $100.00)


Date Night - Casual: Being pregnant should prevent you from having a night out on the town! This more casual outfit on the left is still pretty fashion forward and is on trend via the lingerie inspired top. The Garbo Trousers from Isabella Oliver Maternity are also fantastic as they are fitted yet allow for your pregnancy tummy! This trench also from Isabella Oliver is the perfect way to complete the outfit, well that is if it is cold enough for it.

1. TopShop - Maternity Peplum Tunic (US Sizes 4 - 12; $70.00)

2. Isabella Oliver Maternity - Garbo Trousers (Sizes 0 - 14; $126.65)

3. Isabella Oliver Maternity - The Trapeze Trench (Sizes 8 - 14; $223.30)

Date Night - Sexy: Going out on the town with that special someone? This is the dress you should be wearing. It hugs your curves in all the right places and better yet comes in a color that pops! Pair this Isabella Oliver dress with the trench coat featured to avoid making women and men stop in their tracks!

3. Isabella Oliver Maternity - The Trapeze Trench (Sizes 8 - 14; $223.30)

4. Isabella Oliver Maternity - Ruched Tank Dress (Sizes 2 - 10; $148.75)


Casual: My friend spends a lot of time at home because 1) she lives down South in a large home and 2) she has 2.5 year old. (Seriously her house is 4 - 5x the size of my apartment at least!) So, I wanted to put together something she could be comfortable running around in as well as fashionable. I looked at tons of jeans for her, but these ones from Isabelle Oliver are the best! They are low cut and the band does not seem intrusive. The fit on the leg is also very fitted, which is very necessary. As I said, she lives in the South and it gets pretty hot down there. No better reason then to wear this adorable tank top! This sweater from Spiegel also does the trick to avoid being frozen when met with ice cold blast from AC indoors.

1. Spiegel - Whisper-Weight Cropped Cardigan (Sizes XS - XL; $17.00)

2. Isabella Oliver Maternity - IO Jeans (Sizes 0 -16; $89.50)

3. Ripe - Twist Tube Top (Size XL; $34.00)

As I was roaming the internet searching for these items for my friend, I came across something quite alarming. The selection of plus size clothes was horrendous. And I thought it was bad just searching for clothes in my size regularly! The maternity clothes in plus sizes should seriously go into the category of Things That Must Not Be Named a la Harry Potter. They are that horrific! Fret not, however, I was able to track down some decent plus size options. It just required a bit of creativity.


Casual: This amazing top from the ASOS mama·licious line of maternity clothes goes up to an XL, which according to their size chart is an American size 16. If you are larger than that this item will most likely still fit you as it has an extremely loose fit coupled with enormous armholes. Pair it with a pair of leggings as shown here, and you would not look out of place strolling around the West Village.

1. ASOS mama·licious - Embellished Woven Tunic (UK sizes S - XL; $59.18)

2. duo Maternity - duo 22" Legging (Sizes 2X - 3X; $12.99)


Convertible: This dress can be worn in a million different ways to accommodate your growing bump. The white/teal combination is truly inspired and will always look fresh! This item also goes upward to a size 3X and due to its dynamic nature can probably be worn on larger frames.

1. Hayley by Hayley Starr Reversible Knit Wrap Dress (Sizes M - 3X; $38.50)

The one thing that my friend stressed to me is that she hated spending money on things she was only going to wear for a limited time. Fact is I am sorry to say that being fashionable takes investment! That does not mean, however, that you have to break the bank to be a pregnant fashionista. There are in fact a couple of options to make this happen!

1. Consignment Shops: Check out the consignment shops in the affluent parts of time. More likely than not you will be able to scoop up some discarded designer maternity duds. Also, there are shops like Belly Bundles that sell their maternity consignment merchandise online.

2. Rent: Yes, believe it or not you can rent maternity clothes by the week. RentMaternityWear.com offers one-week maternity dress rental rates starting at just $35. They carry brands such as: Christian Siriano, Maternal America, and Olian Maternity.

3. Sell Them After You Are Done: Sort of like renting, this options requires you to ditch the clothes after you no longer need them. Ebay is literally teeming with mothers looking for maternity wear, so this may be your best bet to recoup the majority of the cost. Also, this is what will justify you spending more on those transient pieces! The higher the quality - the higher the chance of resale.

Do you have any places or suggestions for my friend? I am also always looking for new ideas for posts. Have any ideas on either - leave them in the comments!

Nerdgasm: colette x DC Comics

Nothing like writer's block to totally prevent any progress being made in the blog-o-sphere. I think watching Bridezilla has something to do with it. Seriously, that show is where all creative thought goes to die. I mean have you seen some of the weddings that are cranked out?

Luckily, I came across the colette x DC comics collection created to mark DC's 75th anniversary. It was damn near impossible for it not to break me out of my writing funk as it combined 2 of my most favorite things in the world: fashion + scifi. As you can imagine, I had a total nerdgasm!

My favorites were the ones that were inspired by the imagery, but didn't dwell on it or try to shoe horn their re-imagining onto it. They just let it happen and it turned out amazing.

1. Repetto x DC Comics - Ballerina Shoes (US Sizes 6 - 9; $251.14): Taking their inspiration from The Flash these flats are essential for any fashionista trying to make a mad dash across town. These gold lightening accented red flats will be sure to stand out amongst the sea of standard black flats out there. Also, seeing as they are from Repetto you are guaranteed an amazing comfortable fit!


2. Alexis Mabille x DC Comics - Joker Bow Tie ($167.43): The name just about spells out this item's inspiration. Though more menacing than jolly this bow tie is still nothing short of adorable. Or maybe my version of cute is just as warped as that of the Joker?


3. Karl Lagerfeld x DC Comics - Gloves (Sizes 7-7.5; $591.97): Green Lantern does not exactly jump to the forefront of your mind on first glance, but these gloves are amazing. The more you look at it the more it becomes clear that these were inspired by GL iconography. Lagerfeld after all is known for his amazing ability to tap into iconography to create pieces that use the mythos as building blocks for his own amazing ends.
   


4. Lanvin x DC Comics - Tee Shirt (FR Sizes M - XL; $179.98): Combining the seriousness of Batman with the cuteness of a pug is just the type of insanity that always keeps calling me back to Lanvin. No one else could have managed to capture the seriousness of Batman and the absurdity of comics better!

The ones I was not too fond of either lacked the creative spark or just did not understand where to go with the iconography. Interestingly enough, these pieces were those inspired by characters with the most clear cut imagery associated with them - Superman and Wonder Woman.

1. Maison Michel x DC Comics - Headband ($275.06): This piece inspired by Wonder Woman's tiara just falls flat for me. You all know I am obsessed with headpieces so I was excited to hear there was one included in the collection. I am also a huge Wonder Woman fan, so this should have been a slam dunk. Maybe you just need to see it on?


2. Pierre Hardy x DC Comics - Bag ($1793.06): This was the only piece in the collection I absolutely hated. It just seems so unnecessary and poorly designed. It is supposed to show the duality of Clark and Superman personas, but overall it just looks like they slapped the logo on a bag they had in production. I mean it could have been a really interesting piece since you know Clark/Superman had to constantly change clothes!
   


3. Julien David x DC Comics - Scarf ($382.69): Inspired by Superman's logo this item was borderline for me. I just feel like they could have done more with it than make a scarf that looks like I could have bought it at 6 Flags Great Adventure.
   


4. Sonia Rykiel x DC Comics - Dress (US Sizes 6 - 8; $1076.31): This dress seriously is a disappointment. I really do not know where to begin, but it takes all of the awesome out WW and replaces it with twee. Sonia Rykiel is about the softer side of femininity and I get that - but this was just not a good match up. There is just no excuse when the end product looks like a bastardized version of Sailor Moon cosplay design.

This post has brought me to another point. I think there are tons more people out there like me that love sci fi and fashion. I mean love her or hate her Lady Gaga is practically the walking representation of it! So, every once and awhile a scifi post might pop up amongst all the great fashion dish. I hope you don't mind dear readers!

Adventures in Editorial: Boho Magazine

Have you ever heard of Boho Magazine? I didn't until the other day when I was engaged in the oh so glamorous activity of press book assembly at my job. In a nutshell, it is Vogue for the eco-minded. Now, I know images of super crunchy styles are dancing around in your head but stifle the groan and give it a chance. I am glad I did, because besides it's commitment to the environment it also has a groundbreaking way of speaking to readers.

Enough preaching though, because I want to talk about the article that inspired this post: french forecast. It had a list of the current trends percolating in Paris right now, and I looked at it as a challenge for a post for the blog. After all chic eco clothing is in short supply after all - especially in larger sizes!

French Forecast: The Trend List

1. belted organic knits

Original

Inspired

1. Gaiam - Open Vest (Sizes SM - XL; $35.00): Mad of bamboo and organic cotton this piece of knitwear would go great over pretty much anything. Also, it would look adorable belted!

2. Dianne Von Furstenberg - Kezza Leather Belt (Sizes SM - XL; $140.00): Unfortunately, I could not find a green or a vintage belt to complement the outfit. I did, however, come across this amazing DVF belt the complements it wonderfully. How to address the eco-conundrum associated with the purchase? Purchase credits at Carbon Fund to offset the impact of your purchase!

2. borrowed from the boys

Original

Inspired

3. LA Vintage - Polly Plaid Vintage (Size One of a Kind; $42.00): This vintage nerd chic blazer is great way to build the borrowed look. It is vintage which means no impact on the environment and you have to love its kitsch appeal

4. Silhouettes - Simply Me Organic Cotton Knit Shirt (Sizes: XL - 3X; $39.00): The length of this button up enhances the borrowed look by playing on size differentials. Being made of organic cotton also does not hurt, but do note it is a blended piece.

3. classic french

Original

Inspired

5. Emma Watson for People Tree Organic - Stripe Dress (US Sizes 4 - 12; $59.18): Not being a big fan of the classic french horizontal stripe this one was more than bit challenging. I did, however, track down this dress designed by Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame. Pair it with a pair of white leggings and I think it could "technically" be considered a modern take on classic french.

4. cosmetics color

Original

Inspired

6. American Apparel - T-Shirt Dress (US Sizes XS-XL; $30.00): American Apparel and feminine beauty do not normally go hand in hand, but in this case it works. This shirt dress made of organic jersey is the same color as the peaches/pinks (according to Boho) currently trending in Paris, and to boot is just plain adorable.

7. Athlea - Gemini Sweater (Sizes XXS - XL; $59.99): Of course, the shirt needs something over it being American Apparel. (We all know how thin those shirts are after all, and I'm not one to advertise my bra shade.) This sweater would be a great complement. It's creamy color is not only another color trending in Paris, but also a great way to offset the brightness of the AA piece.

5. no sweat

Original

Inspired

8. Adidas by Stella McCartney - Track Top (Sizes 2 - 12; $210): Biking is big with the french, but they apparently are not satisfied with traditional training gear. The search was on for me to find fashionable athletic gear and I found it in Stella McCartney's capsule collection for Adidas. Made of organic grey cotton and more poncho then hoodie, this is what I would wear if I ever could manage to get my bike down the stairs of my hovel of an apartment building.

Any suggestions on how to improve the looks? Like it or Hate? Let me have it in the comments.

Walking on Sunshine: Dressing Down for the Weekend

I know there has been a severe lack of outfit posts lately. I apologize, but the nice weather combined with an interview I had totally took me out of my fashionista headspace. In addition, my computer has been eating posts left and right. Case in point it took me 3 days to get this up!

Enough of that though...on to the post!


The weather has been so lovely to the point where even strolling around the UWS with my husband is fun. I mean I have to enjoy it now before the torrential rains of spring come and are promptly followed by the scorching heat of summer. So, can I trust in you to forgive me my dear readers for neglecting to post?

There is a silver lining to my transgression, however, as I have been thinking about what best suits these lazy walks I have become addicted to in the past couple of days. I mean as you can guess by reading the blog I am not exactly a tshirt and jeans kind of gal, as such dressing down for me requires the retention of a certain amount of joie de vivre.

So, without anymore ado here is the perfect outfit to stroll about NYC in the springtime.


1. Banana Republic - Silk Habotai Panel Cardigan in Board Walk (Sizes: XS - XL): $98.00

I love the duality in this piece. The silk offsets enough to give it a funky look, but the cotton keeps it casual. Plus, I will not lie I am an ardent lover of the gray. Maybe I have just spent too long in NYC? Either way black and grey will probably today and forevermore be staples in my wardrobe.

2. Sachin + Babi: Solera Bracelet: $200.00

I adore the thrown together look of this bracelet. I feel it absolutely complements the whole structured thrown together look I go for on the weekends. It is strong enough to make a statement, but subdued enough to look effortless.

3. Lauren By Ralph Lauren - Marian Sleeveless Pleated Cotton Dress in Rose Garden (Sizes: 4 - 16): $150.00

The soft lines are what make this a winner in my book. I know I can just throw this on and ad a bit of fabulousness in my life after a hard week. It just seems so easy to wear and when paired with the sweater from Banana Republic - its plain effortless chic!

4. Roberta Di Camerino - Calf Leather Faux Belt Bag: $1744.00

My first ever official fashion show was in Milan at Roberta Di Camerino. My professor at the time had an in and somehow managed to score decent seats for my whole class to attend. I was studying in Florence at the time, and it honestly blew my mind. Roberta Di Camerino is somewhat responsible for the tuxedo tshirt as she "invented" the whole style of printing accessories on material. The show was amazing and the free champagne did not hurt either! So, I guess you can say I have a soft spot for the brand. Though I think it is hard to deny how great the bag pairs with the outfit - no?

5. Jill Stuart - Crystal Necklace: $348.00

I know a sequined kerchief is not exactly what you would think would go with this particular look, and that is the same reason I love it. It seems a bit out of place, but the more you think about it the more it belongs. The price is steep I know, which has kept from considering purchasing it. Sad fact is, however, the more I dance around it - the more I feel like I NEED it.

6. Eugenia Kim - Chloe Sequin Beret: $198.00

True story I was offered an internship by Eugenia Kim once upon a time to head up their PR department. I turned it down as I got another offer that paid, but I always regretted it. I knew it was a surefire job after I graduated too, but I was so focused on getting paid I shot myself in the foot. Why did I regret it? Well for one, they make insanely gorgeous hats that fit those with large heads! The other was the fact that I am still unemployed one year later. You live and you learn I guess?

7. Converse by Missoni: Call the Missoni Boutique on Madison for pricing - (212) 517-9339

Ok I normally hate when magazines list things without prices. I want to know now where and when I can buy things, but I fell so hard for these Converse by Missoni I could not resist including them. I am normally a flats persona and as such would rather chop off my own foot rather than wear a sneaker. Converse shoes are my achilles heel depending on who you talk are still considered the low end of the totem pole in fashion, but I beg to differ. I guess everyone has a chink in their armor and these are it. Maybe, just maybe, the fact that they are co-designed by Missoni redeems them a bit?

Thoughts? Comments? Bueller?

Anything you can do, I can do better: Issues of Copyright in Fashion

Fashion rarely reinvents the wheel. More often than not you can trace the origins of certain sartorial choices to historical periods, cultural overtures, or even a particular designer of the past. It is a bit of an Ouroboros by nature, but lately it has transgressed the boundary of referential good taste.

Fashionista has been keeping tabs on this in their Adventures in Copyright Series. Just take a look below and you will see exactly what I am talking about.


It is not a new phenomena exactly as it has been endemic in some form to fashion retail in America for quite some time.

"Couture houses sold their patterns to American department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue in New York or I. Magnin in San Francisco for one-year reproduction rights...It wouldn't be a a Paris creation per se, but pretty close...Middle market garment manufactures would pay a fee in 1957, it was $2,000--plus royalties to Dior to incorporate elements of Dior's design into dresses and suits that retailed for $50 or $60 in the United States".
-- Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas

The only difference between this situation and the current state of affairs in fashion is lack of due credit. I think it evolved as such because consumers simply do not care about the lineage of the products they purchase. Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster examines this disconnect in luxury retail, but I cannot comment definitively on it as I have yet to finish it. From what I have read so far, it seems mass production of luxury is responsible for dulling the senses of consumers to the finer qualities of design. Thus devaluing its importance in the eyes of consumers and creating the widespread belief that superficial similarity is "good enough".

I cannot say that I have not fed into the system myself as I have been known to pour over "get the look" pages in magazines from time to time. There is, however, a big difference from taking inspiration from the runway and blatantly ripping off a designer. Capsule collections are probably the best solution for consumers that are hungry for luxury trends. It creates a market for those more apt to opt for the knockoffs that litter canal street to purchase "true" designer goods at an affordable price. It also ensures that the designers the recognition and control over the final design they deserve. Win - win right?

The other option for consumers who are low on cash is to support indie designers. The goods do not have the price inflation of high end designer garb, the cookie cutter look of luxury brands, nor lapses in production values that occur sometimes in haute products. I mean how can you go wrong?

Thoughts on it? Leave it the comments.

Brunch: The Most Important Meal Of the Day

The weather if you live in NYC has been amazing these past few days. I, personally, spent Friday afternoon on my patio with a blood orange mimosa in one hand and banana cupcake in the other. I guess unemployment has its benefits sometimes!

Mimosas, I have to note, are not just for celebrating they also go hand in hand with one my favorite meals: Brunch. I am in love with this meal as it is one of the few socially acceptable occasions to drink with breakfast. (One of the others being St. Patrick's Day Parade Days - case in point the bars in Hoboken opened on last Saturday at 9:00AM.)

I also love brunch because it is one of those magical times where chicness and comfortability go hand in hand. There was no better place to observe this then in the Meatpacking District at Markt. Sadly, however, it has since moved on and been replaced by an Apple Store. I have yet to find a place that I enjoyed as much, but my love of brunch is still going strong to this day.

If you ever caught me out on a Sunday my outfit would look a lot like something like this:

1. ASOS - Contrast Trim Ponti Blazer (US Sizes: 4 - 16): $85.47

I adore this jacket for two reasons: the red piping and the military inspired motif.

2. Banana Republic - Weekend Chino (Sizes: 2 - 16): $59.50

I normally hate pants with a passion, but brunch is one of those times that I never mind throwing a pair on. Maybe it is just the simple fact that after a night out I can't be bothered to wriggle into leggings or tights? I'm not sure. Plus, these ones actually look like they are midget friendly and as such I would not have to worry about the crotch being too long.

3. Fendi - 'Peekaboo' Satchel: $2,990

Oh this is definitely on my list for things to buy when I win the lottery. I like to chose clean simple lines whenever I invest in high end designer handbags, and this fits my requirements to a T. Why do I do this? A truly fashionable piece is timeless and I will not buy something in that price range if I cannot wear it at 75.

4. Thomas Pink - White Megan Women's Shirt Double Cuff (Sizes: 4 - 20): $250.00

I love button ups for brunch, because they can go from modest to sexy with a flick of a button. This one in particular is especially stylish and versatile due to the double cuff on this one and black piping.

5. Melissa by Vivienne Westwood - Rubber Ballet Flat: $130.00

Flats are essential for brunch for me at least, because afterwards I normally have to traverse the city to take care of last minute errands. I have a couple of friends who think flats are boring, but these rubber ballet flats from Melissa by Vivienne Westwood are anything but! The peephole in the front toe is on trend, the rubber material makes it durable, and the black button in the shape of wax seal makes them unique. A definite stunner in my book.

6. Gianfranco Ferre - Luigi: $325.00

Sunglasses are essential to brunch for three reasons: block out the sun while sitting outside, they allow you to covertly people watch, and if you are like me disguise your hangover. These are a bit different then your normal oversized sunnies, but I really love the way they bring this outfit together.

7. Jennifer Behr - Double Delicate Chain Link Headwrap in Gold: $68.00

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Behr's headbands. I have yet to come across a company that makes hairbands at their level but with the same balance of sophistication. I especially love this one because it can easily be paired with a messy bun and look pulled together.

8. VintageSparkles - Antique Sterling Victorian scroll Pocketwatch necklace: $225.00

I, personally, would wear this pocket-watch as a necklace. I already have one that I wear all the time but unfortunately there is no timepiece inside the casing. That never keeps people from constantly complimenting it and I am sure they would do the same as well for this amazing piece.

Well that is how I see dressing for brunch, what about you?

Square Peg/Round Hole: The Dilemma of the Plus Sized Model

The involvement of plus size models in fashion shows are on the rise, but at times I unsure whether to be exhilarated or enraged. Diversity is key to showcasing designs for customers, but I am completely against it being done solely for the sake of notoriety. It reeks of exploitation and commodification, and also an extremely condescending attitude towards the minority being represented.

Take for instance the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2007 Ready to Wear Show. He casted a size 20 model and then trussed her up as some sort of Valkeryie sent to consume the souls of fashion's fallen. She looked absolutely awful and extremely out of the place when juxtaposed with the looks that proceeded as well as followed her on the runway. A real statement to me, would have been to create a look that fit with the collection and also looked stunning on her. Instead, we get smug commentary on how the plus sized just does not mesh with the scenery of traditional fashion. The whole thing overall smacks of exploitation and also relied on heavy stereotypical imagery of plus sized women in fashion.

What do I mean by this? Well, have you ever wondered why is almost every plus size shoot either naked, in lingerie, or covered with a bed sheet? I mean take the shots of Christina Hendricks who is just a tad bigger than the majority of Hollywood starlets. I swear I have seen her in her knickers more than well myself lately!

Not that there is anything wrong with shooting curves with appreciation, but the real reason these shoots are so common is the sizing issue. Simply put, sample sizes are holding back shoots do to their restrictive size ranges. Thus, a twisted cycle perpetuates itself further and discrimination becomes customary.

There are some designers like Mark Fast that are trying to be more inclusive. He just showed his latest collection at London Fashion Week, and unfortunately all he deserves for this gesture is a golf clap. This is because after viewing the collection I was left with the following question: If the intention was to include plus size models from the beginning THEN WHY ARE THE GARMENTS NOT FITTING CORRECTLY?

I was lucky enough have interned at a brand where I was present from the initial design process to when the clothing walk down the runway. So, I feel that I am qualified to say that there is no way this would have happened if Mark Fast's intention was to include plus size models from the beginning. If the original samples made for the show were intended to be worn by plus sized models then there is no way the pinching that you see here would not have been addressed during model tryouts. I mean what designer in their right mind would want months of work go down the runway imperfect?

Once again, it is clear that this designer was subverting the plus size model as a means to their own end. In this case, it was all about publicity and I just do not think it was worth it to me as plus size shopper. This is because I much prefer underrepresentation than overexposure of the wrong type of imagery. Hopefully, this will not always be an issue and one day plus as well as straight sized models will walk down the runway arm in arm without notice.

Understanding the loss of McQueen: Not as easy as it seems

Alexander McQueen

Many articles have been written about Alexander McQueen since his passing on Thursday, but none of them really explore the impact of the man and his work on the fashion scene as well as Frédérique Renaut of Benjamin Kanarek's blog.

"He had it all: A perfect technique of “the cut”, the tailoring which was the foundation and basis of his work learned while on Savile Row. Yet with this classic training, he was able to take his creations much further expressed with his own tragic poetry. Some people might have complained and stated, “Give me a break they are only clothing after all…” Perhaps, but the end product was more than “Just Clothing”."

Alexander McQueen's fashions were definitely more than "just clothing". He was a true designer in the sense that he used fashion to convey a story, and respected those who attempted to do the same. After all, this is the same man that fell so hard for plus sized icon Beth Ditto that he "creat[ed] a number of designs for Ditto" and has had her attend his fashion shows.


Beth Ditto in Alexander McQueen

This was a man who was not afraid to be inclusive even though it did not distill down to consumers exactly - he was still one of those rare designers willing to design for a plus sized woman. So, for that in addition to his amazing talent he will most definitely be missed.

If interested in reading the rest of Frédérique Renaut thoughts on McQueen check out his posting: God did not save McQueen! It has youtube videos, a breakdown of some of his work, and some interesting trivia about McQueen as well.