Up Close and Personal: An Interview with Miss Anna Scholz

How sweet a moment it is when you have the chance to peer inside the mind of a fashion designer who so effortlessly and beautifully raises and sets the bar for plus size luxury fashion, a phrase long thought non- existent. Do you know the designer, Anna Scholz?

Well, high end luxe plus size fashion does exist and we am so thrilled to introduce to some and share with most, our interview with the talented Anna Scholz!

Still in my “Petticoat” as Anna concluded from the time zones, we shared laughs about our starting time. She is so sassy, positive, encouraging, and driven! For Anna is still evolving (something we will share throughout the interview).

I must share that I was a huge fan before this interview, but now, I am a HUGE fan who now holds the utmost respect for her as I learned about her journey through fashion. So, please read on as I bring you the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Plus Size designer of 13 years, Anna Scholz:

An Interview with Miss Anna Scholz

Miss Anna, how did you get started in and what inspired you to enter Fashion Design?

Well, at the age of 13, I was 6ft tall, in a size 12, could not find anything to wear, so I began making clothes that fit me. What was out there was outrageous, I had to do it, and people loved my clothes.

After learning to sew in school and through classes, I went on to get my fashion degree. After I graduated, I made some pieces and it was snatched up by Lane Bryant, testing her line in their 10 best stores. This gave me capital to set up my own line and it has built slowly since then. Now I am growing organically.

Wait, so how long have you been designing?

Inspired at 13, designing at 17, took some classes, and have had great teachers.

Okay, you knew your calling then, so can you tell me who or what was your biggest fashion inspiration?

I always wanted to find exciting clothes in my own way. Beautiful prints and fabrics, vintage things, the Portabello Market. London is such a melting pot, with such an opportunity for inspiration. Vintage prints! I have always had a love for it. Even at the age of 2, I was creative and inspired!

More on Anna’s inspirations can be found here!

Could you enlighten me? Were you ever a Plus Size model?

Yes, for about 7 years. I was at a party dancing when I was discovered. Did a couple of jobs in Germany, moved to London, and I immediately loved the city.

{London is} The cultural melting pot. Free and funky and great. I always enjoyed people watching, and I immediately felt like I belonged here.

You know, I love your editorials! They are so refreshing, what led you to do the full- frontal fashion spreads? We have not seen many editorials like this from any other Plus Size Fashion Designer.

We’re a fashion label. We are no different, I don’t know why people take such ugly shots, we are a fashion label- were in the business of fashion. Big women are not an alien species.

(I giggle and then laugh hysterically!)

Okay, okay, Miss Anna, so how do you feel about the plus size fashion industry right now?

Improving a lot, moving, I think the economy has forced people to look here (at the Plus Size industry). I see it in waves. New business opportunities. Right now we are in Niemans and Saks and we are doing really well.

What do you feel has changed in the industry?

The buyers. When I started, they thought I was too ahead of the times. Old frumpy and unfashionable? It’s time for a change. I had to work with Harrods, and I got a great response. The biggest obstacles within the industry were the buyers.

You know, I noticed this season that you now have a Black Label and A White label.What is the difference between your White and Black Labels?

The Black label is a lot younger, reasonably priced and younger, while the White label is my premium line- with special fabrics and embroidery.

Okay, with that, tell me, what is the one piece that you personally can not live without?

I love my silk wrap dresses. I absolutely love bright colors!

But do you have one guilty pleasure?

I am absolutely addicted to jewels: colored stones, rubies, all in the pink, red, and orange family. I am a huge fan of Fragments- the store.

So while we are talking about guilty pleasures, let’s talk about your line and your clients! Which client has been a surprisingly pleasant addition to your client list?

You know, I am quite happy about all of them! Beth Ditto, Queen Latifah, Catherine Manheim…

Okay, so then tell me, what event or who would you love to create a custom Anna Scholz piece for?

Of course, the Oscars! But, I would love to design a dress for Selma Hayek. She is so voluptuous! And maybe The Queen! She definitely needs a makeover! (We are laughing hard!)

(Regaining my composure)

So, What is next for you, Miss Anna Scholz?

A brick and mortar store. We have done quite a lot with new office and a new website, all within the last six months. Next, I want to have a physical store.

Miss Anna, what message can you share with us in regards to style and confidence?

To not get stuck in a rut and experiment. Get out of your closed mindset, have fun with clothes, and see what suits your body… I had a client come in once who never wore pants, she swore them off. I got her in the dressing room with a pair of trousers, and she was almost in tears!

You need to be open minded, try new colors, different body shapes, see what suits you best and what underlines your best feature.

I had the best time chatting with Miss Anna! She was so funny and sassy, and overall she kept it real. I appreciate her for that! I complimented her on her openness with me. Flattered that she recognized my blog! You must check out her TOP TEN Favorites from her collection!

If you want to check out Anna Scholz’s current and past collections, you can do so at AnnaSchoz.com

You can shop from her site if you are overseas, but if you are in the US, we have Nieman’s, Saks, and many small boutiques!

What do you think of our interview with Anna Scholz? Did you learn something new? Please share you thoughts with us!