Rejoice, international Spanish retailer Mango has finally seen sense: the brand’s fashion ranges are now available in UK sizes 6–18, in a bid to make them accessible to a wider range of women. And, to publicise the move, Mango has signed the iconic US plus-sized model Crystal Renn. A generous size 16, Crystal has modelled for Italian Vogue and, during the height of the furore over size zero models, walked the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier during the SS06 shows
I would like to dedicate this blog entry to all those girls who have spotted a pretty piece in Mango, looked in vain for a size 3, only to be told by a dismissive, waif-ish Euro that, “oh zat only comes in sizes 1 & 2.” This means that for years Mango have been ordering part of their stock only in a UK 8 (US4) & UK10 (US6). I always thought this was somewhat self-destructive, certainly in the British market, seeing as how 49% of British women are over a size 16 (US12), let alone a UK12. I am a UK12 with a size 16 bust but, as they cut small anyway, I have not been able to wear their clothes for years. (Not a great loss, but occasionally frustrating.)
Of course one understands that certain brands have a certain vision of their customer, but when you are a mass-market, High Street brand, this seems a little, well, picky
Top: Crystal Renn for Italian Vanity Fair March 2004
Bottom: Jean Paul Gaultier SS06
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Hmmm, amen to that. While they are at it they can also start producing trousers for us average height ladies and realise that not every one is tall and leggy. And nooo I am not forking out £40 for a pair of trousers only to pay extra to have them taken in. Why should I? Off to H&M I go.
Hooray! I remember trying to shop in Madrid and the diminutive ladies looking at me like I was insane asking for a larger size, the “we didn’t even know a human being could be your size” look, and I’m not big, but I actually have a rib cage and shoulders. Back in the day when I was a US 4 on the bottom (how I miss those days!) I was still a US 10 on top. Hooray for designers who dress real women!
Crazy outfit!