La Grande Dame
Plus Size Fashion Perspective is a series of interviews with movers, shakers, stylists, designers, writers, critical observers, and influencers in the ever-changing world of plus size fashion. Our second interview is with Catherine Wood Hill, CEO/Co-founder of La Grande Dame:
What’s your name?
Catherine Wood Hill
What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
I started my business, www.lagrandedame.com, because I noticed a big hole in the contemporary/bridge/designer sections of plus size fashion. I think there is still a gap in this arena but it is improving as designers like Anna Scholz, Melissa Masse, Rani Zakhem and others become more mainstream.
How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
Well, it has been up and down. Years back it seemed there was a bigger selection of high end plus size clothing on the market with Dana Buchman and Ellen Tracy, then, it kind of dipped, now I think the selection of plus size fashions are improving again.
What plus size fashion trend should grow in popularity?
I don’t like to think of fashion trends as specifically “plus size!” I want to make the same trends that our size 6 friends are wearing available to plus size women, in flattering cuts and fabrics.
What plus size fashion trend should go away?
I don’t know if it is really a trend but I want women to stop jamming themselves into clothes that are 2 sizes too small AND stop thinking you are hiding in clothes 2 sizes too big!! It is most flattering to be proud of who you are and what size by wearing clothes that fit your body size and type!
If you could change one aspect of today’s plus size fashion, what would it be?
Better selection.
Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer, and why?
Hmmmm, I am loving Rani Zakhem right now and I really hope he sticks around. He uses luscious fabrics and sexy, body conscious cuts that really flatter a full figure.
Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion retailer, and why?
Umm, I may be biased but of course, La Grande Dame!
Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
I am CEO/Co-founder of La Grande Dame – I started lagrandedame.com with my business partner, Mom, Michelle Wood in 2008. We share a love of fashion and a strong desire to bring beautiful designer fashions to plus size women.
Is there a particular plus size fashion voice you’d like to hear? Let me know – I’ll do my best to interview them! Just add a comment here.
