Finding high end designer plus size fashion has long been a challenge, but with the likes of Christian Siriano and 11 Honore, these options are becoming a bit more accessible. And today? We have the coolest news to share with you! Italian brand, Dolce & Gabbana, has become one of the first luxury fashion houses to extend their sizing to UK 22 (US 18/20 and Italian size 54).
Extending its sizes?ย
Oh yes.
In a statement to UK news outlet, The Telegraph, the designers stated: โExtending our clothing size range is a tribute to women, to feminine body shapes and to beauty in its entiretyโฆ For us, it was natural to extend the sizes of some clothes of our collections: we have always loved the female silhouette in every size and shape.โ
On Dolce & Gabbana Extending Its Sizing
The brandโs past fashion shows have included several plus models, including Tess Holliday and Ashley Graham. While NOT a full plus size range, this extended size leap is one to note and to pay attention to. It now seems that some of the plus community can join in on the fun. Hopefully, this is a test for a full extension with sizes. Perhaps they can take note from Marina Rinaldi.
โFor us, it was natural to extend the sizes of some clothes of our collections: we have always loved the female silhouette in every size and shape.โ
What can you expect to invest with Dolce & Gabbana?
Pieces from the latest collection range from $225 for a t-shirt to over $8,000 for an organza and tulle dress (which is NOT available in the extended sizing, BTW). However, it seems the girls are loving it, as of this morning on the website, over half the pieces available in the new extended sizing are sold out in the two largest sizes.ย
While the brand is being lauded for their new foray into size inclusivity, the past year has not been without trouble. The brand landed in hot water when critics blasted them for their culturally insensitive video ad, depicting a Chinese woman struggling to eat pasta with chopsticks. The backlash forced the brand to cancel their upcoming show in Shanghai, and issue a formal apology.ย
Then, the brandโs namesakes, Domenico Dolceย andย Stefano Gabbana, were called out for the remarks on In-vitro fertilization and gay adoption in a Vogue magazine interview. The two have since backtracked amid backlash from celebrities such as Elton John, and issued a public apology for their remarks.ย
Given some of D&Gโs culturally insensitive missteps in the past, I have to wonder โ is this just a money play? Are they truly all about celebrating women of all sizes and shapes or do they just see an opportunity? Do they see us as a niche and seek to fill it? OR, after a rough year for the brand, are they just looking for some good will?
Only time will tell; but for now, I am marking this as a win for plus size women. There are quite a few of out there who want to see more luxury options in the market. Right?
The Dolce & Gabbana pre-fall collection, Lilium, is currently available via the brandโs website.
Learn more and shop the new sizes, at DolceGabbana.comย
Are you excited for the new extended sizing? Do you think this signifies the beginning of MORE luxury brands offering extended sizing? Which brand would you love to see extend their sizes?ย
Let me know in comments, on my Instagram or over on Twitter!
