Marks & Spencer has launched its first full plus-size collection, named 'Curve'.
While the British high street brand has offered styles up to size 22 before, this is its first collection specifically tailored for sizes 18-32. Shape, cut and proportion were all highly considered in designing the range, which will be available both online and in 30 stores across the UK from 23 January. Prices range between £7.50 and £85.
The collection was born from a high and growing number of customers demanding pieces specifically tailored with an awareness of shapes and proportions. The 100-piece offering is designed to flatter the physique, with a mix of daywear and eveningwear in a colour palette of blush, grey and khaki. Brighter shades add a spring-ready appeal.
To celebrate the launch of the range, style influencer Danielle Vanier, who has consulted on the collection, has designed two black dresses.
"For me, a little black dress is a must have for any woman, and one of my favourite LBDs ever came from M&S," said Vanier. "I have taken a few elements of what I loved about this piece and created two new dresses for the collection. I have added some subtle sports details, like hard-wear on the waist and mesh layering for a contemporary feel; so both can be styled in really different ways."
The plus-size market is currently booming. In 2016, it made $21.4 billion, compared to $17.4 billion in 2013, according to the NPD Group. WWD also reports that plus-size teens are a key force in this, accounting for 34 per cent of the market in 2015 compared to 19 per cent in 2012. The average British woman is a size 16, while in America, she wears a size 20.
