The problem with plus size

Is there a problem with using the phrase 'plus size'?

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I feel like I should let you know that to get me in the mood I am listening to Mika 'big girl' (you are beautiful).

I recently posted a question on my Facebook and Instagram page asking for feedback on the term plus size. A question I posted most innocently but one that also received heated responses, which made me think that I really ought to address it.

So let me give you some background information which may explain where my position is on the whole thing, because I too wear clothes...

I tend to wear a UK size 16, which is often the starting point of 'plus size' sizing. However, being a size 16 means that I have never found it too difficult to buy clothing, other than bras. I can walk into TopShop and come out with a frock or pick up a tshirt from River Island without much problem. So as much as I have some insight I can't say I have a total understanding first hand.

When designing and building on my brand I am keen to cater for every body. Whether you are a size 2 or a size 32, 4ft6 or 6ft4, age 16 or age 76  I have the genuine belief that every single body deserves to feel beautiful. It is important to me that I can carry through some ethics into this crazy industry, and body love is an issue close to my heart.

I think I have an advantage in designing clothes for ladies over a certain size because I have experience in theatrical design where costumes are made for all body types, and also because I know the cuts and shapes I like to wear, and also the obstacles I have found with clothes shopping. Especially in regards to the downfalls of availability for great bridal and event wear.

So, I was overwhelmed with responses, and very passionate ones at that ranging from, 'yeahhh plus size is fine by us' to 'why don't you call it a human range so you don't discriminate against bodies'. Body discrimination and presentation in fashion/media is a topic I could literally write about for days and days. This ranges from why it is easier to use very slim models in catwalk shows, to why I feel it's important to encourage women (and men!) to embrace themselves just the way they are and also how Photoshop can be used in a positive way. Yes I said that.

I don't want to go on too much about this, but I also want to provide you with a bit of a summary of what I found from all of your views.... You don't want to be labelled, and hey, neither do I! But, for the purpose of my SEO and to use standard fashion lingo terminology 'plus size' is the way to phrase this. When I was looking for 'bigger' models, I knew the models I needed to search for because they call themselves plus size. It isn't a negative phrase, but it is practical. So in conclusion I will continue to say that Rosie Red Corsetry & Couture produces bespoke clothing for all bodies with zero discrimination (no labels) but also for the purpose of Internet searches I will continue to say that I provide 'plus size options' (practicality).

But you, yes you reading this right now, you're gorgeous and I could create you something truly magical...♥

Let's talk about secrets...

I am good with secrets: keeping them, having them. All kinds of secret related things.

This year I had several big secrets I had to keep, and at times it was so tricky. mainly because I was bursting with excitement. In an age where we are constantly being demanded of for new current information and unique selling points, it can be hard and too tempting to keep things secret. But, I do feel that it is crucially important. Maybe like a first date, you don't always want to give everything away right away...

I began to really up my social media game after meeting with Helena Bonham carter and her right hand lady Donna. Donna said that I really needed to built on a brand and get people involved through social media. She is this incredible power house of a successful lady and ignoring this advice would've been down right stupid. At first I was reluctant it all seemed so demanding constantly. The internet, what a brilliant tool it is, has many plus and negative points. For example we can all now be contacted at all hours of the day as we are connected internationally. Someone is always awake and always online. Fabulous. But, after waking up with my phone stuck to my face too many times I realised that I needed to discipline myself, and that actually sometimes a short wait is totally fine too.

I am also a self confessed instagram addict now (@rosieredcorsetry) I had never really understood it or the draw to it before, but I *totally* get it now. Still not a big fan of Twitter, I think it's the lack of visuals.

So here are some teasers for secrets that I will not be telling just yet...

1. I may or may not have heard back that someone wants to work with me which could lead to possible exciting things

2. I may or may not have booked a driving test

3. I may or may not be planning a pretty huge collection for the new year with a ridiculously exciting team of people

4. I may or may not sometimes be the hardest on myself and have to remind myself, "come on now lady, you're 23, you've had a pretty good year. Lots accomplished. Well done you."

So it's a big yes to social media for the best part. I would love for you to follow me and keep up with my story as I feel that I am only just at the beginning. I can't to see where this journey takes me...

Bodies don't scare me

That's right, bodies don't scare me. Skinny bodies, fat bodies, top heavy bodies, bodies with scars, acne, stretch marks or saggy bits. I love them.

At 13 I was already 5ft 7, and it's only in the past few years I feel I've finally caught up with my body (now 5ft 9). I myself have been 'plus-sized' for a while at a UK 16, but I haven't seen this as a disadvantage or burden to carry. It hasn't hindered me, and as I dabble into the world of fashion, it hasn't intimidated me either.

When I gradually released my first Wild Rose images of Miss Deadly Red and Rosie Pigott, it was the first time I have ever received negative feedback. I decided to take this as a huge compliment, negative feedback meant that I was starting to get noticed. I was asked why I had chosen to use such skinny models, models with fake boobs showing an unrealistic reflection of women. In my opinion, I hadn't. The boobs weren't fake, but shouldn't we be asking ourselves what's wrong with fake boobs anyway? We all have personal choice, we all have ownership of our bodies.

Deciding to extend my Wild Rose Collection into plus size was easy for me. I met a gorgeous model with the most incredible personality and confidence this August, and she cemented the idea firmly in my head, I needed to do this. There was another lady I had been following online who I felt that one day I would have to dress, and as these things seem to work out magically, they both were keen and I set about creating pieces for Evie Wolfe and George Horne (Fuller Figure Fuller Bust) to wear for me in the most idyllic setting of Nether Winchendon House and shot by the most brilliant photography team, InaGlo.

Studying Costume Design at university gave me a further understanding of bodies. We had to cut for all body types and shapes. And, in regards to plus size wear, I thought all the time in my head, 'what would I love to wear'? Evie commented on the shoot that she was thrilled that a designer had chosen not to hide the body away, but to really show it off. Bodies deserve showing off. When these girls stood in front of me all corseted and swathed in tulle you could see how they felt shining through. Just stunning.

I can't say enough times that I feel every body deserves to feel beautiful.

I am planning and scheming new things at the moment, and feeling excited and inspired. I have never wanted something so much before, and I can be pretty relentless... ❤

Selfies were obviously manadatory. Evie and George ❤

http://www.eviewolfe.co.uk/
http://fullerfigurefullerbust.com/

The Dentist

I have never had a problem with the dentist. I don't suffer with any fear of injections so the idea of having sharp things put into my gums, doesn't actually bother me too much. This year was the first year I have had to have any dental work, and I walked into my new dentists to find he was this gorgeous stubbled man with a voice like Ewan Mcgregor. I confidentially told him that it was just a check up, and that there would be no problems here... Possibly the most embarrassing moment this year was when I was actually told that I was so far from being right, further work would be needed. But this really is rambling off the point...

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I try, as a general rule to be kind to everyone I meet. Sometimes it is more trying than others, but it is a mantra I try to live by. I also really enjoy talking to strangers. I find it really interesting that each and every person is on their own journey. Everyone has had tragedy, have dreams and hopes and their own back story. Recently I even found out that there is a word for this: 'sonder'. It's now a favourite.

I'm pretty sure I got this skill from my mother. For anyone that has met her, she has this encapsulating warmth and is always drawn to new people. You could see it as the ultimate form of networking. Somebody always knows somebody else who is keen to help and get involved. So when mum went to the dentist and bumped into an old friend over 5 years ago they exchanged their current contact details and got speaking about what they were up to with their lives.

I have a super exiting shoot coming up in just over a week, expanding my Wild Roses collection into Plus Size. I'm sure I will get a blog together about this soon, why I feel there's a need and in particular why I want to cater for it. But in the meantime let's just say: I really love all bodies.

Stuck without a location, and the weather being untrustworthy and moody in November, we were all racking our brains and then suddenly this contact came to mind. Now we have a fantastic location lined up, and many future projects starting to brew because after meeting the Lady of the House she was so enthused with what I was up to... 

It just goes to show that you never know what or who is round the corner, so always show people the best version of yourself ❤

For behind the scenes shots and to see my work in progress, check out my Instagram: rosieredcorsetry

Saving for best

When I was a little girl my mother had the softest loveliest mohair cardigan in the world. It was milky cream coloured, and cropped into a little bolero with long sleeves and just touching it made you feel decadent. It was hers, and yet she hardly ever wore it. I couldn't comprehend why someone who owned this magical piece of clothing wouldn't want to wear it all the time and show off all of its loveliness to the world. But she told me it was for best, and to the back of the cupboard it went.

As I grew up I started to realise that more and more things were 'just for best', nice shirts and suits, the pretty table mats and even summer dresses. Although I had grown and so had my ideas of the world, it still made no sense to me that these things should be packaged away. What good were they doing anyone stashed away? I washed the items get moth-holes, be outgrown and the owners simply fall out of love with them. What a waste. I made a pact to myself that nothing would be kept for best.

So why share this story? I think it's because I have been considering bridal wear a lot lately, bridal wear and fancy lingerie. Don't get me wrong, I love brides and I always say that 'I love love', bridal commissions are among some of my absolute favourites. But why should posh frocks and naughty lingerie be saved just for weddings? Clothing has this amazing power to communicate and to lift and change our moods. I feel it's something we should be embracing far more.

We have seen a shift in attitudes towards clothing and how we purchase, but I really think the best most spirit lifting thing we can do is just wear our best, more. Have you ever stayed in to watch a movie but worn a cocktail dress or gone to bed with your favourite book dolled up in a negligee and stockings, just for your benefit? It might sound a bit on the eccentric side, but I promise it really is worth a try.

That mohair cardigan is no longer in the back of the wardrobe... ❤

The Time I went to OCOC

I knew that this was a blogpost I would write, way before I even attended the Oxford Conference of Corsetry (OCOC). However, I wanted to leave it late so that it didn't get mixed up in the chaos around the event, meaning that it could be dragged out for as long as possible.

Now I am a really social person. I am the kind of person that if I have been working all day on my own I will take any opportunity to pounce on possible company. I even had quite a long conversation with a man coming to sell fish at the door the other day, until he realised I was vegetarian and that no sale would be made. But in all seriousness, my social life is a key part to my happiness. The reason I say this is because my social life barely ever includes talk of corsets and corsetry construction. I am the friend with the 'corset stuff', and maybe the slight oddball...

But OCOC changed all of that and flipped it on it's head. I remember saying that it felt as though you had taken every slightly eccentric/kooky character and popped us all in one venue to discuss the super geeky aspects of corsetry. And this was the bit that I enjoyed the most. All of these names that I had seen on Facebook and through social media were here, and real physical people (who would've thunked it). My disappointment was that I didn't have the chance to meet everyone properly, but there is always the future.

Oxford is my hometown, and despite seeing inside some of the colleges, Jesus College where this was set, was one I had never been in. In fact I had to embarrassingly google maps where it was. Unlike some of the other colleges it is super central, so an ideal venue. It felt very Harry-Potter-esque which is always the best feeling possible. Particularly eating at long wooden tables and benches, facing a top table and being stared down by portraits hung on the walls, I was slightly surprised they didn't start moving...

This was my first experience of OCOC, as it falls on the bank holiday in August which is traditionally a busy weekend in the year for me with family birthdays, and an annual meet-up with long distance friends. I would happily recommend it to anyone. Prior to going I wondered if I would be prepared enough, if I would fall below par and basically not be ready. But, this was not the case and I would recommend the experience to anyone interested in corsetry as a fabulous networking event. Maybe you're a photographer, a model, a hair and MUA or perhaps you just are really passionate about corsets, this event would be entirely suitable for you if you fancy an alternative to your summer vacation. I was able to 'network' and exchange contacts with some fabulous people, and can now confirm I will be doing a collaborative piece with model Evie Wolfe very soon. On top of this meeting Threnody in Velvet in the flesh felt huge for me. The image of her wearing Miss Katie's bridal corset was the one that set the ball rolling for me, and lead me to my first internship all that time ago. It's an image that has stuck with me, and she is just as flawless and beautiful in the flesh. It's almost quite unbelievable.

Julia Bremble the Organiser, and Mother of the whole event is a dear friend and I am in awe at how she was able to arrange this, run her business and make corsets alongside. And we can't forget that she is an actual mother as well as wife and owner of the most adorable Marley. Multitasking superwoman comes to mind.

As much as I can't fully say what the future will hold I feel that I will know I have really  made it if I get invited back as a motivational dinner speaker, let's give it 5-10 years ;) ❤

To see the official website: http://www.conferenceofcorsetry.com/

Photo Credits for Laurie Tavan Photography. 
See some of Laurie's work at: https://www.facebook.com/LTlaurietavan

One Month

I had a conversation last night with a good friend. We covered the standards of what am I doing now, what's my big plan, where am I looking for jobs or am I setting up on my own...

Now as a society we are fast. We are all about the speed and the now. We want a quick fix immediately, no patience required. We want fast food, fast gratitude and fast fashion. In my opinion, this has lead us to get all of our timings in a muddle. Now don't get me wrong, I am prone to want a takeaway, but I also love putting the effort into preparing a homemade meal, and as much as I nip into Primark for tights like the next person, I actually now invest in pieces, and shop predominantly from vintage and charity shops. I like to think that I have my 'speed balance' in perspective for the best part. 

The thing with wanting super fast speed means that we all get impatient and want the next thing immediately. I have been feeling lately that, what am I doing? Seriously it has been foooorrreveerrr since the whole Vanity Fair gig. This must now mean that I am massively under-succeeding.

One month ago. This was one month ago. In fact it was featured in the September Issue, and what month are we still currently in? September. 

The end of this month marks a year since I started my six month contract working for Cancer Research. This means I have been out of 'normal' work for nearly six months. That is no time at all. In six months I have made wedding gowns, prom dresses, lingerie sets, written for online mags, completed a full collection and had it shot, made two corset gowns to take for my meeting (one which is still top secret), dressed HBC, had a full page photograph in Vanity Fair and had my work shot by Mario Testino, carried out a radio interview, multiple press interviews, been to Norway and dressed the Editor-and-Chief of their big fashion mag 'Costume' and I am now working on a special extension to my Wild Roses Collection...

This is not a brag. This is me telling you that you are doing better than you think. So give yourself a pat on the back please. Time goes by quickly, but not as quickly as you think. Be patient and celebrate all of those successes. And maybe invest some time into the things you care about, life isn't all about the fast.

So to let you all know what I am doing right now I am eating a banana and drinking diet coke. But in seriousness, I am currently working on extending my Wild Rose collection into plus size. I met a lady this summer who just inspired me beyond belief and I thought to myself, I need to dress you. This lady was Evie Wolfe. I can also reveal that I will be dressing one of my personal 'online idols' George from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. But more of that at a later date...❤

 

 Models: Evie Wolfe Modeling and Georgina Horne (FFFB)
Photo by: My Boudoir - Make-Over Boudoir Photography
H&MU: Sarah Elliott - Hair & Makeup Artist
Appearing in: Volup2.com