British high street favourite Marks and Spencer launched their CURVE collection today #mandscurve – possibly the most recognised British brand, synonymous with quality and fit, this is an incredibly exciting day for plus size women, who have yearned for equal shopping experiences to their straight sized friends. The collection, which is a collection of classic wardrobe staples, with some trend led print pieces for good measure, is beautiful, in particular, the sleeveless khaki, tie belt mac and the classic, beige mac, with excellent lapel detailing.
Marks and Spencer’s have taken this huge task seriously, consulting with shoppers and industry experts, including plus size fashion blogger and textile designer Danielle Vanier, who has exclusively designed two black dresses for the high street retailer. Danielle, who was tasked with one dress, ended up creating two because quite frankly the design team, unsurprisingly couldn’t decide. Danielle, at this morning’s collection launch quite rightly said that plus size women do not want to hide and she is a big champion for stylish, curvaceous women. We love the attention to detail, especially the buckle detail.
The preview of high summer will see plenty of pretty floral prints, perfect for weddings, Ascot and summer parties, while gorgeous broderie anglaise are great for packing for trips to sunnier climates. But don’t just take our word for it, get shopping.
The collection focuses on a size 24 woman and the blocks are cut from there, rather than grading from a 12 like the rest of Marks and Spencer’s collection. This means that fit is all important and nothing has been compromised.
If you’re heading to store, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see size 20 mannequins, yet again showing Marks and Spencer’s commitment to this new venture. This is just the beginning.
Check out our favourite pieces below…
Drawing your eye to the waist, this gorgeous classic dress will easily take you from boardroom to evening drinks.
The Grecian style drapery and asymmetric design really adds a designer quality to this plus size black dress, which is unsurprising as this is one of Danielle Vanier’s collaboration pieces.
Available in sizes 18-32 – Shop here
Recognising that plus size women need smart workwear too, this lovely classic, grey, single breast tailored coat is a great Spring purchase. It might seem like the winter will never end, but you’ll soon have to retire that puffa coat for something chicer and really it should be this. Great over tailored trousers. This smart coat will never date and is available in this gorgeous marl grey as well as classic black.
Available in sizes 18-28 – Shop Here
This faux leather jacket, available in sage and black was a big hit with customers during testing and we can see why. With stretch jersey panels along the inside of the arms and down the sides, you get the look of a biker, but with added comfort and fit, so you can easily move your arms. We love all the stitch detailing too which adds to the authentic silhouette and look of the jacket. Again, this is a classic piece as bikers never go out of style and are great layering pieces.
Available in sizes 18-28 – Shop Here
Another piece from the Danielle Vanier collaboration, this dress again gives effortless style. There is something so sophisticated about the perfect drape. The mesh sleeve sticks to Danielle’s ethos of not hiding but does offer a little extra coverage for those that want arm coverage, showing how Marks and Spencer have really tried to listen to all sides. Of course this dress will also take you from a days work to a night out and is another key designer style look.
Available in sizes 18-32 – Shop Here
This is such a great, bold colour and the collection does have little pops of colour and print running through, with more colour to be added as the range expands into SS18.
This simple sunshine t-shirt again utilises drapery, which is a theme for the early launch pieces. It is undeniably flattering but also practical and easy to mix and match with existing pieces for multiple occasions.
Available in sizes 18-32 Shop Here
images: Marks and Spencer