It's New York Fashion Week, which means the internet is full of luxe outfits, gorgeous models, and enviable parties. Oh, and also Tim Gunn. The Project Runway mentor has penned a criticism of the fashion industry for The Washington Post, saying that designers don't make clothes in sizes that fit most American women.
As Gunn notes, the the average American woman wears between a size 16-18, and there are 100 million plus-size women in the country. "I've spoken to many designers and merchandisers about this. The overwhelming response is, 'I'm not interested in her.' Why?" Gunn asks. ''I don't want her wearing my clothes.' Why? 'She won't look the way that I want her to look.'"
Gunn calls the problem a "design failure and not a customer issue," and says "there is no reason larger women can't look just as fabulous as all other women." It's just a matter of making a few tweaks to the standard design process.
But practicalities aside, Gunn is concerned with the message being sent to plus-sized women. "Have you shopped retail for size 14-plus clothing?" he says. "Based on my experience shopping with plus-size women, it's a horribly insulting and demoralizing experience."
To be fair, NYFW 2015 featured plus-sized models at Marc Jacobs and Sophie Theallet, and Ashley Graham debuted her plus-size lingerie line—all of which Gunn notes. But this quote perhaps summarizes his thoughts best: "Simply making a nod toward inclusiveness is not enough."
To read more from Gunn, head here.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Former Vanity Fair Editor Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will “Live to Regret” Not Keeping in Touch with the Royal Family“That will come back to haunt them at a certain point.”
-
Friends Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Were Both at the Monaco Grand Prix—But Never Seen With Each Other
It has fans wondering if everything’s okay between the two.
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
