You know those days when you feel like you have nothing to wear, so you search the depths of your closet only to find that you don’t have a piece of clothing for a particular look or a vision of how you want to dress, so you go to the mall or shop online or even go to a rental place to come up with the outfit? Being able to do that is my biggest fashion dream. As anyone who exists in non-straight-sized bodies can tell you, the anxiety of walking into a shop and falling in love with a piece, only to find out that they consider size 14 the largest size, is heartbreaking. If I want to dress how I feel and feel good in my clothes, I have to plan in advance. So the next time you see a stylish, chic plus-sized person, just remember the effort that look took. On the plus side, I’ve discovered some truly great fashion brands in Aotearoa in my endless search for clothes that fit me.
Here are a few of my favourites:
Florence & Fortitude
I must admit that out of all the designers listed here, this was the one that surprised me the most. I’d followed Florence & Fortitude long before they launched their brand and love their eye for a good aesthetic and design, which inevitably translated into beautiful clothing. My jaw dropped when I saw they went up to a size 24 and that the possibility of me being able to wear their garments could become reality. Their pieces are refined, elegant and beautiful, the kind you want to save for a special occasion but shouldn’t because they’re so wearable.
Lost and Led Astray
LaLA in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is a Karangahape Road institution and Sarah-Jane Duff is one of Aotearoa’s most talented designers. Stepping into LaLA is like stepping into a magical dreamland where you don’t have to worry about not finding clothes that fit. The emphasis is on stylish, designer pieces for plus-sized people. All of a sudden I had access to on-trend pieces, like beautiful denim dresses and non-stretch fabrics that are actually made to fit my body. Add this to your must-visit list immediately.
Frances Lowe
Frances Lowe has been in the industry for years so when Loclaire launched in 2019, it already had a distinct sense of identity. Now when I see a little cut-out heart detail, I immediately know it’s Loclaire. I’m a huge fan of their zero-waste model – their pieces are made-to-order only. I had my first fitting for a custom piece in their studio recently, looked at mood boards and fabrics, and was measured by Frances, who made me feel so looked after and wanted in the fashion space. It felt safe to embrace my curves finally.
Zambesi
Zambesi has been such an integral part of the fashion landscape in Aotearoa that they probably don’t need introduction. You immediately know if a piece is from Zambesi – silhouette, styling and quality remain unparalleled. While their pieces often err on the more generous oversized style in varying fabrics, what I love about Zambesi is that they offer custom sizing so you can actually get your favourite pieces made to order, tailored to you. They have physical stores in both Pōneke/Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, so keep that in mind for the next time a piece catches your eye.
Havilah
“Thanks, it’s from Havilah!” If I had a dollar for every time I said this while I’m out wearing these pieces, I’d be able to afford a house in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland by now. Well, not quite, but I do get the most compliments while wearing Havilah. It doesn’t matter how many times I repeat an outfit, it feels brand new and special every time. I recently had a stranger come up to me in the mall and say they kept seeing me on TikTok all over NZFW and they loved my white outfit. You guessed it – I was wearing Havilah!
Ruscoe
You know how metallic is currently having a moment? Silver sparkly pants, tops and dresses are a staple for party season, but these designs never come in my size. So imagine my surprise when I saw that Ruscoe released a mesh top in silver – it was love at first sight! I sent my measurements and designer Ruscoe Bustenera Kirby worked his magic. The result? The most perfect-fitting metallic piece that I can dress up with a skirt or down with jeans for a more casual look. If you’re after a quirky, unique piece, then browse his catalogue immediately.
The Carpenters Daughter
Another name that’s been around for years is The Carpenters Daughter. Located in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s Point Chevalier, their shop and workroom offers ready-to-wear pieces that can be altered for that truly ideal fit. My search for the perfect sexy, understated slip dress ended the minute I walked in. Finally I’d found one that hugged my curves and made me feel sexy, instead of trying to fit into a cut and style that doesn’t work for a plus-sized body! My wishlist for summer is long and the best part is that it’s in stock now.
Isla-Maree
Born from owner Stephanie Marsters’ personal journey of trying to find her style through periods of change in her life, Isla-Maree specialises in fun, ready-to-wear pieces, operating online and in their own Westgate store. Their best sellers include puff-sleeved dresses, unique prints, linen pants that actually fit a plus-sized belly, and jackets that you can do up! In short, Isla-Maree is a good option for those everyday pieces that you can wear through different stages of your week, from work to the beach to dinner! I personally love a floaty dress and there’s no shortage of those here.
House of Boom
When I think about true inclusivity and who is leading that space in Aotearoa, I think about House of Boom immediately. Ethically made in Wellington, their plus-sized clothing, available in sizes 16-34, makes House of Boom stand out in my books. Their catalogue ranges from dresses and cardigans to underwear and pyjamas, and also includes jewellery and other pretty things. To me, that is such a considered range of options for plus-sized people. They’re not afraid of embracing colour either.
Kathryn Anne
New kid on the block Katherine Anne is definitely one to watch. Based in Māniatoto, her designs are the perfect mix of whimsical and wearable. The beauty of supporting a designer at the very early stages of their career is that we get to watch her find her voice in the fashion world. I already own one of her beautiful designs and I was impressed by how well it fit me, considering we worked on the measurements virtually. I think that speaks volumes about the designer’s exceptional skill in knowing how to dress a bigger body like mine.
Words: Jess Molina
Images: Supplied
