Plus size fashion has reached Asia. In the Philippines, where fashion trends are always up to date, fashion designers are exploring and experimenting with designs that focus on full-figured women. At the Philippine Daily Inquirer (December 8, 2003), writer Rowena Burgos interviewed top designer Boyet Fajardo, who has created his own line of clothing for full-figured women.The article began with this attention-grabbing news: "Once condemned to clothes that were baggy, drab and dull, today's plus-size customer has a much wider variety of choices than ever before. Specialty chains have made a particular effort to develop more stylish creations. The new trend owes to plus-size celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O'Donnell and Kathy Bates, and fashion models Emme and Christine Alt who have gained attention not only for their professional contributions but for their personal styles as well."
"Every woman deserves the opportunity to dress in style, regardless of her size, and at a price she can afford," says Mr. Fajardo. Since 1993, he has devoted himself to the rapidly expanding market for plus-size fashion. His creations for full figured women carry his name, "Boyet Fajardo," while "Initials" appear on his clothing line for straight-sized women. Now his clothing line offers a whole range of options for full-figured women, from daily wear, party wear, semi-formal clothes and cocktail wear. Mr. Fajardo believes that "style does not have to be sacrificed when dressing full-figured women."
In the Philippines, the fashion industry has been very slow in addressing the needs of full-figured women, but Mr. Fajarado says, "Recently, that has begun to change, and a major reason is because the size and strength of this market simply can no longer be overlooked. High fashion may continue to be the realm of the skinny, but fashion sales have been flat, while sales of plus size styles are growing."
MORE NAMES - Aside from Mr. Fajardo, another fashion designer, Peachy Jacob, has introduced her line of plus-size apparel called GWS (Great Women with Style). Ms. Jacob believes that even full figured women can be "adventurous, sexy and confident in creating their own style." SM Department Store, one of Philippines' leading stores, has its own Plus Size Fashion department, which features "The Trendy Collection," and "The Casual Basic Collection." Upon the release of their new clothing line, they presented it with the tagline, "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SLIM TO BE FASHIONABLE," and their article featuring plus-size fashion carries this refreshing title: "BIG IS BEAUTIFUL AT SM- At last full-figured women are getting some fashion respect."
I just hope that one day, that women in Asia will also get to know the likes of Ms. Barbara Brickner and Mia Tyler, and all the curvaceous and gorgeous supermodels out there.
- JILL
