When two Cornell students set out to create a plus-size clothing collection for their product development class, they grew frustrated in their search to find reliable dress mannequins or fit models on which to develop their patterns. Since a majority of plus-size designs are merely crudely scaled-up versions of those worn by thinner women with Barbie-like proportions, the students wanted to focus on designing garments with the perfect fit. To solve their design problem, the students took an innovative approach to the assignment. By referencing data from thousands of 3-D imaging scans gathered by the Fiber Science & Apparel Design department, the students were able to construct a mannequin that resembled a typical plus-size woman with a size 24, pear-shaped figure. Made obvious by the product-development students at Cornell, the plus-size industry has plenty of room for improvement and growth, especially when it comes to fitting the unique, varied proportions of larger women.
Since the introduction of ModCloth's private label plus-sized line in June of 2013, the plus-sized product assortment has broadened to contribute to 8% of the brand's overall revenue. When the plus-sized boutique was launched, the vintage inspired e-retailer's buyer was only able to get 35 out of their 1,500 approved vendors to agree to offer plus-sizes in their merchandise. Now, Modcloth has over 100 vendors contributing to their plus-size assortment, proving that the market is in demand and offers immense opportunities for expansion. In the U.S., consumer studies reveal that more women wear a size 16 dress than a size 0 and 2 combined, while 57% of women wear at least some clothing in sizes 16 and above. By specializing in presenting expertly-fitted, classy silhouettes to plus-size customers, ModCloth has emerged as a catalyst for change in the industry.
In July of 2013, artist Nickolay Lamm finalized his design of a Barbie doll that looked like an average girl with average proportions. The doll was modeled off the body measurements of a normal 19-year-old girl, and presents a more realistic depiction of physical, female beauty. Recently, Lamm explored the development of a marketable version of the doll after receiving inquires from parents about where they may purchase the "average" Barbies. With the demand for these dolls continuing to expand, they could prove to be the next big success within the the child's toy industry. To learn more about the artist's fascinating designs, click on the video below. Recently relaunched, plus-size fast-fashion retailer Eloquii offers contemporary, trendy styles to a size 14 to 24 audience. The brand's designs are cut for a specific body type and proportion, and this allows customers wear practically any trend that they desire. For instance, one of their best-selling items is the cropped sweater. Eloquii's designers follow runway trends and make their product available at the same rate as stores like Zara and H&M. However, by focusing on fit, Eloquii has an upper-hand on competitor Forever21 who also studies runways, but does not put nearly as much detailed thought into the construction of their plus-sized garments. Additionally, Eloquii's blog and photo sharing platform has allowed the retailer to establish a feeling of community for their customers, and the encouragement and support that shoppers receive often functions to drive more sales.
Event #15: Meghan Trainer's "All About That Bass" Reaches #1 On Billboard Hot 100 | June 201410/2/2014 In the summer of 2014, singer-songwriter Meghan Trainer released, "All About That Bass," and the song was quick to reach #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Soon thereafter, the song also reached the top of the charts in Australia, Canada, Denmark, and New Zealand. An empowering, plus-size anthem with lyrics such as "every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top," the song has placed Trainer in the center of a body-positivity movement that is sweeping over the music industry. Joining Colbie Caillat's makeup-free music video for her song "Try," Trainer's catchy, pop single is a celebration of bodies that come in all shapes and sizes. Currently, more and more songs like Trainer's are gaining popularity on the radio. As a result, women are embracing their sizes, and are pressuring retailers to begin offering plus-size styles if they are not doing so already. |