Vogue.com recently hosted a Q&A with Versace designer Donatella Versace. A caller asked her why don’t the big fashion houses make clothes for plus size women, and here is the full excerpt of the q&a.
Why do designers typically refuse to design for sizes above 10? This question is not meant to be confrontational; I’ve just always wondered about this. Is it simply a prejudice? Wouldn’t it be a good business decision? I can understand not wanting to start a stand-alone plus-size line, but what about extending sizes to 14/16? We have money, too! —Daphne L. Scott, Chicago
We do offer larger sizes at Versace, but I take your point. I certainly wouldn’t want to do a plus-size line, as I have no problem with women of any size wearing my clothes. I guess some styles lend themselves to being scaled up, while some others just don’t work. Sometimes it can depend on the specific piece.
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A politically correct response from Donatella..she really wanted to say, “If you have “$$$”, take yo a$$ to the gym and get a membership. Problem Solved.”
They will make a couture dress if you have th dollars to pay for it. I bet you JHud could get a size 12 dress outta her.
Its all marketing. The limited sizes and excessive price tags all work together to create an exclusivity which makes the product even more alluring.
Exactly.
Agreed! A bad business decision as the average woman is > size 10!