Size matters (1)

Yesterday I began to debate the issue of size. I just don't understand why certain high street retailers, however they have positioned their brand, do not stock size 16 clothes.

This allows me to gratuitously use an image of Nigella Lawson -truly the most beautiful person I have ever had the pleasure to meet in the flesh. Whilst I always admire the poise and strict adherence to body discipline for clothes of Ms Wintour and Ms Roitfeld, I can't help but know the allure is due to their fashion credentials, whereas with Nigella it is simply the fact of beauty. She has a sheen due to beautiful skin, flowing tresses and flesh that is well ...flesh.
Whilst this isn't the best photo of Ms Lawson, you get the fullness of her figure and it reinforces the fact that retailers and some designers are failing to provided in ready to wear a size of clothing that is required - in the UK this is size 16. I didn't know whether to laugh (at) or rip up The Sunday Times's Style magazine article on couture week by Colin McDowell - I'll recreate the offending paragraph, where he basically grimaces because 'fat' people wear couture - quelle horreur!

"I visited the workrooms of a very famous couturier. The atmosphere was one of dedication and love as they cut the delicate fabrics and sewed on semiprecious stones. Then I noticed, lined up against a back wall, a group of grotesque figures. A second look and I realised that these were the Stockman mannequins on which clothes are fitted. Noting my look of alarm, my host said: “This is the reality behind the dream — couture is made to the exact measurements of our clients.” I knew that. And yet what a shock to see huge breasts, large bums and dropped stomachs replicated in foam padding. Thank goodness that, for most women, couture is still about dreams rather than reality. It is fashion’s original Cinderella story, offering all women a ticket to the ball, even if only in their imaginations"

Well in my imaginary world, size 16 would be mainstream in retail provision. I'm not going to pretend that size 18+ doesn't have some issues attached because whilst it won't be applicable for all, most people above size 16 regardless of height are entering into the realm of obesity.

I think most women deserve to have access to clothes in the high street, fashion is not about size it is about style, taste and choice.

Moving forward

It's one thing sorting your wardrobe out and having an organised space but what are the next steps? When I stood back and peered at my mass of black, grey and white with a few injections of colour I knew, and as Isobel said 'where's the colour'. Minus my orange Zara dress, which was too big and got consigned to holiday stash as handy beach number there really is only a smattering of quite pale colours. Nice pale colours I hasten to add! However zing is required and no more black. And if you have any doubts over colour then the Dior Haute Couture show should dispel this - not only was the execution of sculptured (and the deconstruction of garment wearing) items a pleasure to behold, the use of colour and fabric was equally eye popping and sublime

image from Fashion Moment

What I've got will go together, and I can mix and match a plenty, creating lots of different looks, therefore my requirement is to inject lovely new season garments - yippee. The idea is to inject colour, texture, push the boundaries a bit (Isobel will be poking me with her pen) and pull together an A/W 09/10 capsule collection to wear.

I'm very lucky that I have another stylist who can be directional and understand the need to have a new direction. Styling is a business where image is everything and your look is key. I've been completely absorbed by my MA and have had little time or energy to devote to myself, so this little bit of me time is a tonic!