MAKING THE CURVE: Women's Handmade Plus Size Clothing - XL, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X - Plus Size Tunics, Plus Size Tops, Plus Size Kimono, Plus Size Jackets
I love what I am doing - making plus size clothing for full figure women. This is my artist statement about how I feel making handmade women's clothes and working with fabric (cotton, rayon, jersey and lycra):
"There is an amazing feeling of artistic accomplishment when all the parts come together into one harmonious aesthetic. It's a connection with who you are and the elements you choose to express yourself visually. This is what making clothing is all about for me. It's like when a songwriter hears for the first time his written notes, or a baker who has practiced a recipe and nails it, or a figure skater who exceeds her own expectations. Art is in many forms and expressions in our daily life. As a clothing designer and maker, I express my sense for art in clothing. I see things in color, shape and texture. I react to the touch of silk on my skin and my eyes are aware of how color combinations make me feel. My goal is to bring all of these intuitive notions to garments that are sized for larger women, as they are so mercilessly overlooked in fashion. If I can accomplish this then I have reached my goal."
I have been designing plus size clothing for women for over a decade – “from the conception of the garment to the finished clothing”. My journey started at my small retail shop in Sag Harbor, NY in 2002. Several larger size women mentioned how difficult it was to find clothes for their size. They asked me if I would make garments for their fit. At that time, I had been making medium and large sizes. I jumped right in and I took the challenge. It was difficult at first but I found out I was good at it. Since I enjoyed it, I decided to move into this direction making plus size clothing for women. The fit was right for me!
In Sept of 2008 the recession hit me. After many years of successfully operating a retail shop, I had to close my shop in 2009. I had been working off and on in Bali, Indonesia starting from 1998 making my clothes. Since I had a home in Bali, I decided to move and work from there. Because I make my clothes in Bali my garments are tagged "Made in Indonesia". I found shipping individual garments from Indonesia to US is expensive so I make a collection and bulk ship it to the US. I connected up with a fulfillment service that keeps stock of my items on hand so that your order can be shipped and arrive to you quicker!" Plus this helps reduce the cost of shipping.
Although it was a difficult moment, I am grateful for the beautiful journey I was given.
I tend to design a collection based on either a color theme, an inspiration from nature or a new fabric I have discovered. I sketch the garment idea onto paper, other times I work in photo shop. Since I have been making clothing for a long time I have written many size charts for tunic and kimono patterns. Working with my standard size chart and patterns I start to create a garment. Since I am designing for plus sizes my process not only combines comfort, style and taste but fit. When it comes to plus size clothing fit is important. Next is cutting the fabric. Kip (my assistant) cuts and sews the samples first. When everything looks good and I am ready to go he helps me make the collection. This gives me time to work on the next series of clothing.
Currently I am intrigued by putting together similar fabric color combinations with different motifs - almost like a textile puzzle. I have designed 3 jackets, which I call my “Patchwork Collection”. In the end, for me, all the parts need to be harmonious and compliment each other.
I prefer to design clothing as a collection rather than one by one. I like my clothing to work together to tell a story.
Stephen, Your Designer