Shopping independent means finding something unique, fashion forward and edgy for yourself. And supporting Canada’s independent plus-size fashion market (size 14 and up), including indie and emerging designers is an added bonus.
Here are a couple of my favorite designers:
1. Jessica Biffi
Photo credit: Just Biffi
You may or may not recognize Jessica Biffi from Project Runway Canada, the series runner-up in season two. Designing has always been in Jessica's blood. Since graduating from Ryerson University, Fashion Design, she started her namesake label in 2009 and never looked back. Since then she's shown at LG Toronto Fashion Week and designed a collection for Addition Elle. She's currently in the midst of relaunching her line and Jessica believes independent designers are the way to go, explaining, "If people really want to see 'themselves' instead of the industry's ideal of the plus size woman, it will only come from the independent designers. Larger retailers have to follow industry standards, it's a cost thing. But when you have more hands on control and you have total control over your production you can do things like have your campaigns shot on a size 18-22 rather than the industry 8-10."
2. Annika Reid of Minimaximidi
Photo credit: The Stylish Reid
Annika Reid created and designed a line to "inspire women to embrace their bodies and have fun with fashion." Her line, Minimaximidi was something that she envisioned from childhood. "I started designing clothing from myself at the age of eight years old. I was growing at a rapid rate and no longer fit the 'average' children's size requirement." With this taking a huge hit on her self-esteem, Annika wanted to create a line that reflected her personal style and creativity while also fitting her size.
Annika shares, "Being an indie designer gives us a chance to be different, fun, sexy and expressive with our style. We have an opportunity to make a statement and celebrate our bodies with a beautiful garment just like everyone else. If we don't support them, they will not have the resources to give us the options we so desperately need and crave."
3. Amarina Norris of Ursa Major+
Photo credit: Ursa Major Plus
Created by Amarina Norris, Ursa Major+ is one of the first online spaces to sell vintage and second-hand plus-size clothes. Originally Amarina started off as a jewelry designer, creating her own line of "plus size jewelry" that featured longer lengths and adjustable chains, curating her "witchy woman" vibe into a line that her teenage self would love. Commenting on the uniqueness of her brand, Amarina says, "Many independent designers have their products made locally, or are at least more hands-on for the production of their clothing. You’re not buying a garment that was mass produced so you’re less likely to see it all over the place."
4. Tierra Sedgemore of Size Sexy Clothing
Photo credit: Size Sexy
For Tierra Sedgemore, Size Sexy Clothing meant that no matter what size you were, you could be sexy and proud. With the pressures of the media surmounting and sending women mixed messages regarding body image, Tierra decided to burst into the fashion world and start a brand that promoted positive body self-love and imagery, while also empowering women. "I wanted to start a body positive brand. Size Sexy is not just about clothing it's a movement, a message that needs to be spread. We can be sexy at any size," she explains.
Tierra adds, "It's important to support independent designers so that women of all sizes have as many options as possible. I feel like indie designers are open to listen to the customer, add creativity and come up with one of a kind pieces."
5. Rachel Holt of PRiMAALA
Photo credit: Collection by Primaala
Rachel Holt is not just a fashion designer, she owns and operates her own stand-alone shop, PRiMAALA. Rachel studied at Ryerson University and for her final thesis for their Fashion Design program, she designed one of the school’s first plus-size collections, pushing boundaries and challenging the ideal of fashion normalities. "There are so many voices making enough noise to finally be heard," she tells me. "It's pretty incredible to see the ever snowballing amount of media coverage that spotlights the plus fashion world. It's thrilling and relieving all at once, because there are finally some options!"
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