Plus size fashion has come a long way… while we have more to go, it is important to acknowledge just where we have come from and the indie plus size brands and designers who were ahead of their time. Especially now, especially now that these indie plus size brands are no longer around!

Given that Fashion Month passed this September, I celebrated my 43^rd birthday, and am feeling a little nostalgic as I reflect on these past 15 years at TCF, I wanted to show a little love and respect to those plus size brands who pushed the envelope, inspired the mainstream plus size retailers, and those who paved the way for more contemporary plus size brands to step into this space.

So, this month’s Editor’s Letter is showing and giving love to those who have inspired creativity, confidence, and community! Pouring out a fashion cocktail to acknowledge those plus size brands who are no longer delivering contemporary plus size fashion…

Are you ready??

A Few of the Indie Plus Size Brands We Wish Were Still Here

CarmaKoma (2008-2017)

CarmaKoma was a brand that redefined rock and roll chic. Through their inspiring imagery, unapologetic styling, and great fit and fabrications, the CarmaKoma brand was quickly a TCF favorite.

After its acquisition in 2017 with the ONLY brand, the energy, vibe, and styling changed. While Only CarmaKoma is still around, it is very much different from how they began… we miss them MUCH.

Monif C (Ready to Wear) 2005-2019

Contemporary, bold, bright. Unapologetic. Playful. Sexy. This is the Monif C clothing side of the business that we miss and have loved. In many ways, Monif C paved the way for the Eloquii brand we know and love- giving us the same contemporary vibe, silhouettes, and aesthetic.

In 2019, she decided to step away from her brand, Stylish Curves highlighted that Monif said “that there were a number of reasons as to why she is taking the break. One of the main reasons she cited was the lack of support for plus size designers.” Today, Monif C is still around and has pivoted into lingerie and swim, but do we miss the void that her contemporary plus size clothing line gave us. Shop the latest from at Monifc.com

Premme (2017-2019)

Stylish clothes by pioneering stylish influencers. Clean lines. Sophistication. Classy, with an edge. All of this describes Premme created by GabiFresh and Nicolette Mason. They pushed the boundaries with inclusion, carrying up to a size 5X, something that many brands had dared to venture into.

As they have closed their doors, Gabi has since launched her own resort wear line, Villa Fresca and Nicolette has been killing the game in her fashion and marketing consulting with brands.

Rue 107 (2011- 2020)

Prints. Prints. And More Prints! Rue 107 gave us body con, matching sets, a variety of hemlines and so much more! This size inclusive indie brand carried small through plus before “size-inclusive” was even a term!

This NY based indie brand gave us a playful option for the fashion lover who is unapologetic in her body and was not afraid to show it off!

Z by Zevarra (2013-2019)

Elevated. Sexy. Drama. Style. This LA based brand brought us high quality fits, looks, and options that brought it all. Z by Zevarra featured “versatility and elegance with a range of beautifully crafted styles to suit any occasion for the fashionable curvy woman.”

Since 2019, they have pivoted into different ventures, but their edge, perspective is sorely missed.

What do you think of these brands? This list? Are you missing them too? Did you hear of these brands? Remember them? Or are they new to you? And we haven’t even highlighted the plus size brands or size inclusive designers who JUST closed doors this year, like Mara Hoffman, Rachel Pally and Zelie for She!

Hopefully, we have not seen the last of them and that these plus size brands are forever remembered for the tables shaken, style given, and innovation served up as a blueprint for what we love.

This list is in no way exhaustive… at. all… But it does go to show where we are as a plus size community, today. And while we reminisce about these brands, it is to note those indie plus size and size inclusive brands who ARE coming up and are ones to watch! That will be for another article…

And for the brands and designers who have closed up shop? We thank you. Thank you for inspiring and showing plus size retailers where and how they can go. Thank you for showing them how it can and should be done. Plus size fashion and its growth, would not be where it is today, without you.

We’ve seen you. And what you have done has made a difference, has mattered, and is noteworthy! Being a business owner AND a creative is a challenge. Chasing your dream and vision takes courage. Putting your vision out there for others to see, shop, and celebrate? Brave.

But here, I have to call out a specific point… These designers were all filling the wide-open space that is contemporary plus size fashion. Fashion that is unapologetic, bold, tailored, unique, and playful. This segment in plus size fashion still needs indie plus size designers and size-inclusive brands to fill this space! As the retail world continues to adjust and pivot from the remnants of the pandemic, there are new opportunities in the plus size fashion space. Hire that designer to be your creative director. Hire that designer as the lead designer for the plus size range. Hire that designer to breathe life into your brand!

Contemporary fashion that pushes the envelope, inspires, and helps fill a void in the current fashion space. But as they are indie, they also need resources! Financial, operational, and do not forget, marketing. The plus size fashion space needs those who back and support new and rising designers to thoughtfully consider financially backing indie plus size designers…

This need is part of the impetus for us creating The Cultivate Awards.

I must also note… if you are an indie plus size designer or size inclusive designer, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us to share, support, and inform our community about your brand! If you know someone who needs more love, please shoot us an email! We can only support you if you reach out and touch us!

But now, I must ask you, which brands do YOU miss in the plus size fashion space? Who do you think was ahead of their time?

Let us know what you think in the comments!