There is a reason why I don’t tend to talk about size issues a lot on this blog. Let’s face it; its an iffy subject. I can’t deny that for me, and the clothes I like to wear, I aspire to be thinner. I’m not obsessed with weight but nor do I want to be any bigger than I am. Whilst we may at face value, say things like ‘Lets celebrate curves’ or ‘Big is beautiful’, I’m very wary of them actually meaning it when they say those things. I get very uncomfortable when people, who are plus sized (by plus sized I mean UK20 and over) email me and ask how they wish they could enjoy fashion in the same way as thinner girls do because when you advise the very safe answer of ‘Wear what you feel like wearing’, you have to think ‘But is that really the case?’ Let’s not beat about the bush; most designers do not accomodate the plus 20 market and instead have to face the a bland sea of draggy, baggy garments. It’s not hopeless, but it’s not particularly inspiring either.
Well I can shelve those doubts after seeing these pics of Kelli Jean-Drinkwater. hostess at now-famed London club night Anti-Social, artist, model and performer. I will now declare well and truly, cross my heart and hope to die that everyone can enjoy fashion the way they want to.
"When you are my size, you’ve got to create your own clothes."
It’s a tougher journey but taking things in your own hands sounds like an even more exciting prospect than buying things off the racks. The fashion industry may be sizist but fashion lovers don’t have to be and needn’t be disheartened by the former’s sizist opinions. I can guarantee that Kelli Jean rocking up in that silver and black brocade outfit will leave an impression the same as a waify model in skinny jeans an a t-shirt, probably a bigger one. And I don’t mean big in the physical sense either.
(Pics from i-D March 2007)
Wow she sure is feisty. She better work! I’m off running!
She does look amazing. You’re right about the size issues Susie, no matter how much people bang on about’womanly’ figures and the return of curves it really doesn’t help when all they seem to have in mind is a skinny-as-usual body with more cleavage.
That said, I love the blue tights with the bubble-hem dress.
And dont forget Beth Ditto – she is a larger lady but always manages to look fantastic! Check out last Sunday’s edition of Style Mag with the Sunday Times!
Or, for that matter, Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters… she wasn’t large, just larger than the lollyheads in the magazines but still looked good.
The blue dress is so cute!
Natty, Beth Ditto’s getting that much publicity? That’s fantastic. I saw the Gossip years ago at the Troubador, when I didn’t know much about them. It was one of the performances where it all came off, and I have never been more awed by a person.
I second Drusilla’s comment – having seen the Scissor Sisters in concert only the other night, I can safely say that Ana Matronic looked amazing in everything she wore.
I ADORE these photos of Kelli Jean- she looks fantanabulous! It irks me to my core that plus size clothing options are so crap throughout all levels of the market. I dream of a plus size Topshop! A plus size Luella! McQueen!! I myself am trying to do my own thing but its lonely out here!
I love the dresses she wears!
If anyone knows where I can find similar fashion for plus sized girls please message me at my url!