Gucci Brand Is One Of The Top Three

According to an article in the BOF, Gucci is one of the strongest brands in the world. It says that in unprompted brand recognition survey, where consumers are asked which luxury brands they like to buy, Gucci regularly is in the top three.

However recently, the Gucci brand has been at risk of losing its strong brand position and has been suffering from a decline in sales. Its weakened status as a fashion authority is due to two factors; (1) competition in the luxury market is growing and (2) Gucci has been lacking fresh creative content. Former creative director Frida Giannini was a master at maintaining and even reviving former Gucci icons but she did little to produce a plan for future icons.

It is obvious that to stay relevant, a brand must bring new ideas and styles to marketplace. And that is exactly what new creative director Alessandro Michele is doing for Gucci.  The second quarter of 2015 saw sales rise by 4.6% beating all expectations.

One problem Gucci has is that its entry-level handbag priced at around $600 to 700 seems to have lost its ‘oomph’ factor. Ill-advisedly Gucci seems to view its logos as a stigma and only uses the logo on bags with lower price points. But Louis Vuitton’s logo-heavy luxury products show that this is not what the consumer wants. Consumers at all levels want their branded bags to be recognizable.

So where does this leave Gucci today? Gucci’s third quarter results, released today, show only a modest growth. Yet, it still seems to be a bit ahead of its brand competitors. It is anticipated that Michele's influence will improve both organic growth and financial performance as early as next spring.

However while it is anticipated that Gucci’s sales will recover quickly, its profitability may take a little longer. This is because fixing the Gucci brand image will cost. Gucci needs to fix disparities in pricing across regions, the brand’s retail network in China more needs to be spent on communications to support Michele’s new creative vision.

But overall the Gucci brand looks like it has a better future and Gucci handbags will remain popular with consumers. Check Out Some Authentic Gucci Products At Discount Prices 

Large Purses Impress

For generations the handbag has been used to demonstrate signs of wealth and many women these days crave the labelled brands as an indicator of status. Large purses first came into popularity in the early 1900's and the term handbag was initially used to refer to hand-held luggage most often carried by men. At this time it was considered lady-like to carry as little as possible and a small bag was typical. In fact, it is noted that Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the first women to start the trend of carrying large purses which was not really typical of the time. Since that time large purses have impressed.

www.largepurseshop.com

Women and men are advised to invest as much money as they can in a good quality leather handbag. This is because quality leather especially Italian leather,  lasts a long time and always looks good.  Well made large purses can hide the fact that maybe your clothes are not as well-made or fashionable. A good handbag has become a sign of good breeding. Designer large purses are a good way to exhibit both wealth and good taste. Large purses also reflect women's climb up the corporate ladder. In the 80's, as women began “power dressing” in shorter skirts, sharply tailored suits and killer heels, their handbags soon followed suit becoming bigger and flashier.

Today the size of the typical handbag has increased to meet the need of the modern women on the go. Nowadays our large purses carry our keys, our phones, our I-pads, our make-up, our personal items, our books, our umbrellas and much, much more.  Essentially, our large purses carry our lives.

Large purses are designed to hold all your daily necessities, so you can say so long to cramming your belongings inside. Streamline your style with plentiful pockets and card slots! Add a wallet to store your coins, notes and card. Large purses provides organization for convenient weekend getaways, overnight stays, business, college, and everyday use.  Large purses are great for both men's handbags and women's handbags alike.

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Luxury Handbags Are Selling Well In BRICs Countries

According to a recent report by Technavio luxury handbags are selling well in BRICs countries. In economic terms, BRICs is an acronym which is used in economics to group Brazil, Russia, India and China. These countries are sometimes referred to as the "Big Four" because they are all at a similar stage of newly advanced economic development.  A related acronym, BRICS also includes South Africa.  

The reason that the market for luxury handbag has grown in BRIC countries is that there is an ever increasing spending power and a growing internet presence in these regions. The internet has the capability of raising brand awareness and gives access to a people who would otherwise not had the ability to obtain these items. This in turn has led to a strong e-commerce market and a rapid growth in the sales of luxury handbags.

Check out my luxury handbags

Another factor is that there is an upsurge in retail stores making the products more reachable and the demand for brands is on the increase because of it. The occurrence of strategically located brand stores promotes brand awareness and increases online sales.

Socially, there has been a growth in the middle-class populations of the BRIC countries, resulting in more consumers with a disposable income to spend on products such as luxury handbags. Women account for about 50% of the population in the BRIC countries, and they are entering the workforce at greater rates and wanting more and more material luxuries.

Luxury handbags are in high demand with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Gucci top of the popularity stakes. For example, Chanel and Gucci are particularly popular in Russia, whereas Louis Vuitton is favored by wealthy Chinese consumers. Shoulder bags are the most popular style selling at present, with brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Michael Kors making the most out of this profitable market.

The growth in sales is predicted to last because the populations of these BRIC countries are becoming more urbanized and western fashion trends are more in demand. “The growing participation of women in the workforce, increasing infrastructure development, rising urbanization and the growing influence of western lifestyles will continue driving growth of the market in the region,” said Sriram Mohan, industry manager, Technavio, Bangalore, India. “Technavio estimates the market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.41 percent during 2015-2019.” Technavio’s Luxury Handbags Market in BRIC 2015-2019

The sale of luxury handbags in the BRIC countries may reach up to 16 million by 2019. In the past five years the market has already grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6.66 per cent from approximately 8 million to about 11 million.

 

Italian Handbags Have A Long And Rich History

Quality handcrafted Italian handbags have a long and rich history, have been much admired for centuries. During the twelfth century, Italian handbags were used by royalty and those in high society. The Parisian court sourced its bags and purses principally from the skilful artisans in Italy. Documents still exist which confirm very extravagant and luxurious purses were sourced from Italy. These incredible bags were embellished with gold, precious stones, enamels and silver. Many ancient examples are on show in museums in Europe.

The bag-making industry in Italy can be traced back to the twelfth century. Ancient records of different guilds for arts and crafts include:

·         Arti Minori (the lesser crafts)

·         Cuoiai e Galigai (leatherworker)

·         Arte dei Lavoratori del Cuoio (Leatherworkers’ Guild).

·         Correggiai (military leatherworkers)

·         Sellai (saddlers)

·         Calzolai (shoemakers).

Some of the finest tanneries in Italy were established in this very early period. Cow and buffalo were the most common hides used but more refined skins such as chamois and calf skin also found.

Practically every city in Italy had its own quarter of bag-makers; Tuscany, Venice, Pistoia, Siena and Pisa all had craftsmen who made the best Italian handbags.  The craftsmen who created these excellent Italian handbags were called bolzieri.

The cities who housed these craftsmen flourished. Every city in Italy where trade and commerce have flourished have had their own quarter or street of bag-makers (Via dei Borsai). The extraordinary artisans who worked there gave Italian handbags, made in Italy, such a respectable reputation which has lasting throughout time.

One city that was particularly famed for their exceptional Italian handbags was Venice. Venice was an industrial city and its highly skilled artisans made bags of all shapes and sizes, planned for countless uses, made in leather or in rich cloth such as  velvet, damask and silk; adorned with jewels, pearls, embroidery, lace etc.

The first bags were developed to hold money securely and were undoubtedly made of leather (the word for handbags, borsai, derives from the Greek byrsa which means leather). The bags of this period were called scarselle and were worn around the neck or at the waist. Many scarselle were lavishly ornamented and it is these that made the craftsmen in Italy very famous.

 The bisacce were also popular at this time and were used for travel. Knitted bags   were also used in the medieval period and were often embroidered with the family crest or had the professional guild’s coat of arms inscribed on them.

The Renaissance era of the sixteenth century brought about a worldwide trade in bags. Bags from both Italy and France became popular especially from the cities of Florence, Paris, Venice, Tuscany and Ferrara. The Italian handbags of this period   were well bedecked with ribbons, fringes, lace, bows and precious stones; and a trend were often made from more extravagant materials such as velvet, brocade, and satin etc. but leather was still used a great deal.

The style of Italian handbags started to change and the most popular type of bags included: the cartella  - an improvement on the medieval scarsella because it was more spacious and had a knife pocket;  the brachetta -  a bag worn by men, as a codpiece over their pants, where there was room to keep money and a handkerchief; the borsa da matrimonio - a bag filled with money as a wedding gift to the bride and groom

Another type of bag which became popular during the fifteenth century, especially in Venice was the manicotti or the muff. This was a forerunner of contemporary Italian handbags. The manicotti was cylindrical in shape, and was lined with fur. It was used to keep hands and arms warm. It had inside pockets to hold small objects and money.

In the later part of the eighteenth century, bags began to lose popularity and were used less often. It was not until after the French Revolution, that resurgence in popularity occurred. The barilotti, bags worn on the arm, became the popular style. These bags were similar to the manicotti, the Italian handbags popular in fifteenth century Venice.

With the rise of the bourgeois in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Europe saw   a new demand for Italian handbags with high society women wanting better and more extravagant purses.

By the end of the nineteenth century, Italian handbags were well entrenched in the fashion scene.  Bags were now seen as an everyday item worn not only as a fashion symbol and a sign of wealth, but as functional pieces. The design of bags became more practical, more comfortable and roomier; and could be made in leather or fabric, and were elaborately decorated and very elegant.

At the end of the First World War, the fashion industry took on a whole new significance and was blooming. The first fashion houses of the world were established and thanks to names like Gucci and Gherardini Italian handbags became bigger and better.  Bags now complemented other fashion accessories and were designed to be worn for specific occasions and different times of day.

Pochettes became the popular style of the day and the muff came back into fashion, made in either velvet or pony-skin.  However due to the war, there was a shortage of materials and a drive to find alternative materials to make bags from was led by the artisans in Italy. Fashionable Italian handbags started to be made from imitation alternatives through to precious materials. Materials such as imitation leather, dentice (a type of sea bream), rospo (toad), hemp, linen and silk were all being used in the manufacture of Italian handbags. Metallic hardware and decorations, snap fasteners and zips were used to embellish the design.

After the Second World War, Italian handbags were in even more demand.  As technology and transport grew, Italian handbags became more accessible worldwide.  Made in Italy, is among the most sought after fashion labels.

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The leather traditions used to make Italian handbags have stood the test of time and are prospering still. The mysteries that marks Italian handbags as different have been handed down from generation to generation within families. This handover of skills from father to son helps to retain the old traditions that this craft offers.

Fashions and tastes might have changed during the course of the centuries but the refined workmanship and techniques that go into making quality Italian handbags remain the same. Craftsmen in Italy work as a team - one personally cuts out the leather, others colour it, and yet others stitch it to produce the most amazing Italian handbags which last a lifetime.

I love my Italian handbags. This tradition full of history and mystique is why made in Italy bags are so loved and desired. To see my lovely range of Italian Handbags click here.

The Purseaholic Loves Bags

A Purseaholic has more bags than shoesThere's bags of green and bags of blueThey want a bag for every giftOh yes those bags give them such a liftWhen out shopping in the mallThe large purse shop is their sole port of callTheir bags are full of interesting stuffFor in their bags there is never enoughThey cram it full with this and thatAlways a topic for an exciting chatWhen they go out they have a friendOn no-one else they need dependWhen out for coffee or a bit of cheerThey even ask for an extra chairOh this is for my bag they sayIn case it might want to run awaySo my friend just love your bagEnjoy the moment, you will never be sad

By M.B.Lalolihttp://largepurseshop.com/Prada

Guys - Spruce Up Your Outfit With Men's Accessories

  

 Guys, if you want to add a sense of style, spruce up your outfit with men's accessories - aimed for the man with panache; for the man who wishes to be trendy; for the fashion conscious man.

Men’s accessories are a fashion accessory intended to appeal to men. In bygone eras a tie or a watch was the only accessory worn by a man, but these days, men’s accessories consist of a wide choice of fashionable and trendy pieces, including man bags, designed specifically to complement an outfit. Many men’s accessories are intended to make a man look very mannish and sensual.  A man who wears the right fashion accessory will no doubt draw attention irrespective of whether he is dressed for business, sport, social or just leisure.

Get Yourself A Man Bag Today

Men’s accessories include various different items worn to set off a particular look. Ties, cravats, belts, buckles, socks, scarves, footwear, jewelry, watches, hats, handkerchiefs and sunglasses all add that little bit of appeal.  Man bags are also back in fashion so a quality designer handbag gives a boost to a man’s fashion statement.

Hair styles are also a critical part of a man’s appearance and men are opting for hair transplants and other therapies to replace the wigs, hairpieces, toupees and hair extensions worn by men for centuries.  These types of men’s accessories have now become very commercial with many doctors setting up practice to assist balding men.

The art of tattooing and body piercing has also come back into fashion. Originally from tribal roots, it has made its place in the range of men’s accessories used. Many men now make a fashion statement by embellishing their body with tattoos and semi permanent jewelry such as nose rings or an earring (men tend to just wear a single earring).

Men's accessories also include hi-tech items such as smart phones, I-pods, ear phones and other wearable computer devices. An entire new business model has developed trading in these stylish products to complement a man’s (or woman's) look and status. Just look at how people lined up outside the Apple Stores to be the first to buy the newly released I-phone 6.

Men are often more blasé about wearing men’s accessories and they tend to be worn more casually. However they are still thought to be a status symbol demonstrating success and professionalism.
Some professions have established men’s accessories which have been accepted as fashion statements.  These include things such as cowboy hats, aviator sunglasses, sailor caps, cargo pants, fishing vests, hardhats and various sports outfits and athletic shoes from professional sports teams.

At one time ceremonial swords and canes played a significant role in men’s accessories. Some are still used by royals and regiments for formal occasions. Hat badges also arose from the military and are still prevalent today. They often have important significance to the wearer and specify membership to a certain group,  such as military regiments, school badges, college alumni badges, professional badges and sports badges.










































































































































































































































































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Guys, if you want to add a sense of style, dress up your outfit with men's accessories - aimed for the man with panache; for the man who wishes to be trendy; for the fashion conscious man.

Men’s accessories are a fashion accessory intended to appeal to men. In bygone eras   a tie or a watch was the only accessory worn by a man, but these days, men’s accessories consist of a wide choice of fashionable and trendy pieces designed specifically to complement an outfit. Many men’s accessories are intended to make a man look very mannish and sensual.  A man who wears the right fashion accessory will no doubt draw attention irrespective of whether he is dressed for business, sport, social or just leisure.
Men’s accessories include various different items worn to set off a particular look. Ties, cravats, belts, buckles, socks, scarves, footwear, jewellery, watches, hats, handkerchiefs and sunglasses all add that little bit of appeal.  Man bags are also back in fashion so a quality designer handbag gives a boost to a man’s fashion statement.
Hair styles are also a critical part of a man’s appearance and men are opting for hair transplants and other therapies to replace the wigs, hairpieces, toupees and hair extensions worn by men for centuries.  These types of men’s accessories have now become very commercial with many doctors setting up practice to assist balding men.
The art of tattooing and body piercing has also come back into fashion. Originally from tribal roots, it has made its place in the range of men’s accessories used. Many men now make a fashion statement by embellishing their body with tattoos and semi permanent jewellery such as nose rings or an earring (men tend to just wear a single earring).
Men's accessories also include hi-tech items such as smart phones, I-pods, ear phones and other wearable computer devices. An entire new business model has developed trading in these stylish products to complement a man’s (or woman's) look and status. Just look at how people lined up outside the Apple Stores to be the first to buy the newly released I-phone 6.
Men are often more blasé about wearing men’s accessories and they tend to be worn more casually. However they are still thought to be a status symbol demonstrating success and professionalism.
Some professions have established men’s accessories which have been accepted as fashion statements.  These include things such as cowboy hats, aviator sunglasses, sailor caps, cargo pants, fishing vests, hardhats and various sports outfits and athletic shoes from professional sports teams.
At one time ceremonial swords and canes played a significant role in men’s accessories. Some are still used by royals and regiments for formal occasions. Hat badges also arose from the military and are still prevalent today. They often have important significance to the wearer and specify membership to a certain group,  such as military regiments, school badges, college alumni badges, professional badges and sports badges.








































































































































































































































































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Guys, if you want to add a sense of style, dress up your outfit with men's accessories - aimed for the man with panache; for the man who wishes to be trendy; for the fashion conscious man.

Men’s accessories are a fashion accessory intended to appeal to men. In bygone eras   a tie or a watch was the only accessory worn by a man, but these days, men’s accessories consist of a wide choice of fashionable and trendy pieces designed specifically to complement an outfit. Many men’s accessories are intended to make a man look very mannish and sensual.  A man who wears the right fashion accessory will no doubt draw attention irrespective of whether he is dressed for business, sport, social or just leisure.
Men’s accessories include various different items worn to set off a particular look. Ties, cravats, belts, buckles, socks, scarves, footwear, jewellery, watches, hats, handkerchiefs and sunglasses all add that little bit of appeal.  Man bags are also back in fashion so a quality designer handbag gives a boost to a man’s fashion statement.
Hair styles are also a critical part of a man’s appearance and men are opting for hair transplants and other therapies to replace the wigs, hairpieces, toupees and hair extensions worn by men for centuries.  These types of men’s accessories have now become very commercial with many doctors setting up practice to assist balding men.
The art of tattooing and body piercing has also come back into fashion. Originally from tribal roots, it has made its place in the range of men’s accessories used. Many men now make a fashion statement by embellishing their body with tattoos and semi permanent jewellery such as nose rings or an earring (men tend to just wear a single earring).
Men's accessories also include hi-tech items such as smart phones, I-pods, ear phones and other wearable computer devices. An entire new business model has developed trading in these stylish products to complement a man’s (or woman's) look and status. Just look at how people lined up outside the Apple Stores to be the first to buy the newly released I-phone 6.
Men are often more blasé about wearing men’s accessories and they tend to be worn more casually. However they are still thought to be a status symbol demonstrating success and professionalism.
Some professions have established men’s accessories which have been accepted as fashion statements.  These include things such as cowboy hats, aviator sunglasses, sailor caps, cargo pants, fishing vests, hardhats and various sports outfits and athletic shoes from professional sports teams.
At one time ceremonial swords and canes played a significant role in men’s accessories. Some are still used by royals and regiments for formal occasions. Hat badges also arose from the military and are still prevalent today. They often have important significance to the wearer and specify membership to a certain group,  such as military regiments, school badges, college alumni badges, professional badges and sports badges.








































































































































































































































































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Guys, if you want to add a sense of style, dress up your outfit with men's accessories - aimed for the man with panache; for the man who wishes to be trendy; for the fashion conscious man.

Men’s accessories are a fashion accessory intended to appeal to men. In bygone eras   a tie or a watch was the only accessory worn by a man, but these days, men’s accessories consist of a wide choice of fashionable and trendy pieces designed specifically to complement an outfit. Many men’s accessories are intended to make a man look very mannish and sensual.  A man who wears the right fashion accessory will no doubt draw attention irrespective of whether he is dressed for business, sport, social or just leisure.
Men’s accessories include various different items worn to set off a particular look. Ties, cravats, belts, buckles, socks, scarves, footwear, jewellery, watches, hats, handkerchiefs and sunglasses all add that little bit of appeal.  Man bags are also back in fashion so a quality designer handbag gives a boost to a man’s fashion statement.
Hair styles are also a critical part of a man’s appearance and men are opting for hair transplants and other therapies to replace the wigs, hairpieces, toupees and hair extensions worn by men for centuries.  These types of men’s accessories have now become very commercial with many doctors setting up practice to assist balding men.
The art of tattooing and body piercing has also come back into fashion. Originally from tribal roots, it has made its place in the range of men’s accessories used. Many men now make a fashion statement by embellishing their body with tattoos and semi permanent jewellery such as nose rings or an earring (men tend to just wear a single earring).
Men's accessories also include hi-tech items such as smart phones, I-pods, ear phones and other wearable computer devices. An entire new business model has developed trading in these stylish products to complement a man’s (or woman's) look and status. Just look at how people lined up outside the Apple Stores to be the first to buy the newly released I-phone 6.
Men are often more blasé about wearing men’s accessories and they tend to be worn more casually. However they are still thought to be a status symbol demonstrating success and professionalism.
Some professions have established men’s accessories which have been accepted as fashion statements.  These include things such as cowboy hats, aviator sunglasses, sailor caps, cargo pants, fishing vests, hardhats and various sports outfits and athletic shoes from professional sports teams.
At one time ceremonial swords and canes played a significant role in men’s accessories. Some are still used by royals and regiments for formal occasions. Hat badges also arose from the military and are still prevalent today. They often have important significance to the wearer and specify membership to a certain group,  such as military regiments, school badges, college alumni badges, professional badges and sports badges.








































































































































































































































































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Fashion Is For Everyone, Even The Plus Size

All woman deserve to feel good and look gorgeous, irrespective of the size tag of her dress. Women sizes seem to be increasing, but the fashion industry has not yet adjusted to the changes. Although most US women are the plus size group, plus size fashion has only a minor share of the apparel market.

In 1985, the typical woman in the US wore a size 8. Today, the medium size for women is a 14. In fact 65% of US women wear size 14 or above. Regrettably 14 is the size that often marks the distinction between a standard it and a plus size fashion fit. Consequently women who are a US size 14 and above frequently experience a lack in trendy, good quality fashion, across the board, from high street stores to luxury brands.

Manufacturers and retailers need to wake up! Women’s love of fashion does not end at size 14. The plus size fashion market is developing. According to the market research firm NPD, plus-size clothing was worth $17.5 billion in the 12 months ending April 2014 and that was in the United States alone.  Although this profitable market is growing, it is still one of the most underserved parts of the fashion industry.

Plus size departments in large stores are often small spaces hidden at the back out of sight. Mature sized women do not feel good about shopping there. There seems to be some sort of stigma attached to it. The styles on offer are severely limited, less adventurous and not at all trendy. In fact I find them rather frumpy and not at all stylish or inspiring. They definitely are not designed to flatter my figure anyway.

I find a large purse can cover my bulges and make me look fabulously trendy

Plus size fashion rarely appears in advertisements or shop windows so plus size women do not get exposed to the same inspiration as standard women. There has been some move for plus size models to be featured on the covers of some fashion magazines and a few brands like Calvin Klein have used fuller figured models in their campaigns but overall there is not adequate advertising of plus size fashion. 

Luxury fashion brands are especially bad in servicing the needs of the larger woman. I have found that many designers and manufacturers only produce their products in small minute sizes. I have a friend who is so thin that a puff of wind would knock her over. I go with her frequently on shopping extravaganzas where it is nothing for her to spend a thousand dollars on a pair of jeans. The Versace and Channel brands for example look great on her and fit her like a glove. She enthuses the shop staff who keep items aside for her. But in all the time I have frequented these types of shops with her, I have not found one item which would fit me, a size 14 to 16.

So why is the fashion industry disregarding the plus size market? It is estimated that 65% of US women wear a size 14 or higher, so why are more fashion houses not grabbing the plus size opportunity?  Is it because of the additional costs incurred with designing and producing larger sizes? Do manufacturers lack the means to provide a wider range of sizing? Clearly, the major difference between plus size and straight-size fashion the is fit: larger sizes require new proportions and body shapes and, thus, creating plus size clothing can be more difficult as well as more costly. It is not just a matter of scaling up a pattern from size 8 to 16.

Or is the issue a more fundamental one than that. Do the luxury companies not want their brand names linked to larger women? Is it not kosha to be over sized? Do they consider that providing plus size fashion will have a damaging effect on their brand image? Is the fashion industry disregarding plus size consumers out of some sort of old fashioned elitism? Is the plus size fashion industry stigmatized, with a negative impact? This is a moral debate which would no doubt be disputed by these brands.

As a society we need to move away from idolizing the twiggy woman and get back to the renaissance art era where the voluptuous women was cherished, valued and admired. Manufacturers and retailers need to get their act together and change their range of sizes to suit more women. Providing for diversity in consumers must be a profitable move for both customers and brand image alike.

Addressing the needs of women of all sizes must have many business benefits. According to Susan Koger, co-founder of ModCloth, “just adding clothing in a size 16 and above has boosted her business and it is now the fastest growing category. Her sales in size 16 and above have doubled year on year. She has also found that those buying size 16 tend to buy more. If a larger person finds a brand that has trendy styles which cater for their fuller figure they are likely to spend up large and buy several items they possibly would not find anywhere else.  She also found these select customers are also much more likely to spread positive feedback about their purchases on social media.” All good for growing sales!

She advises other fashion brands should increase the size ranges as well, so as to tap into this huge market opportunity, and at the same time make women feel good “Fashion is for every body and manufacturers should produce and sell beautiful clothing for all women.”

If you are a plus size like me, you are undoubtedly discouraged at the lack of choice.  Only a small proportion of fashion products are presently available in larger sizes. In spite of the fact that the ordinary American woman is a size 14, products in this size simply do not exist in many clothes lines. Larger women want to wear the same trendy styles that their smaller sisters do.  But in one independent third party survey of over 1,500 women on the state of the clothing market, 92 percent of women sized 16 and above said that they got disappointed when they couldn’t find trendy clothes in their size. In the same survey 82% of women said that they would purchase more clothing if more trendy choices were available in their size.

And it is correct, the plus size market opportunity is there. I know how often I have seen a dress or top or pants I really like, only to be disillusioned that they do not fit. I am on the borderline of sizes – some 14's fit other don’t. Which brings me to another argument – sizes need to be better standardized within the fashion industry. An 8 should be an 8, a 16 should be a 16. Manufacturers need to make sure that clothes fit properly and that they are proportioned effectively across all sizes.

Plus size fashion needs to provide for the needs of the women with a fuller figure. It should be visible and reflect the up-to-date fashion trends. The clothes must look good, feel good, be great! Remember that fashion is for everyone, even the plus size.