Gemini Magazine
What’s your name?
Sommer Johnson–and that’s pronounced Summer like the season. LOL People never get it right.
What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
I think that while it has come a long long way, it still has a ways to go. I think it helps for fashion companies, buyers, and designers to have their ear to the ground so they know what is wanted and needed for today’s plus size woman.
How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
Well, it definitely moved from boxey shirts with huge glittery flowers and gross embellishments on everything to a more mainstream look. Not every plus size woman enjoys loose clothing and boxey dresses with ill fitting fabric. It’s just gross–thank God some retailers/buyers/designers get it.
What plus size fashion trend should grow in popularity?
Honestly, workout clothes. I think it sucks to go into a store and have to buy baggy sweats or sports bras that are too small or big baggy tees just to work out in. We like to look good on the treadmill too. I think it’s getting better, but I want to see more. I also want to see more curvies getting it in at the gym. No one says you have to go at it Biggest Loser style, but too many of us end up with hypertension, diabetes, strokes, heart disease, and cancer because we aren’t giving our body what it needs. That’s another topic for another day I suppose, but yes, I would like to see plus size workout gear that gives us support in all the right places.
What plus size fashion trend should go away?
Hmmm… that’s a tough one. I would say jumpsuits. LOL I just hate them. Some women can pull them off, but not everyone can. OH! and curvies wearing clothing 3 sizes too damn small. Just stop it, please. Yes, they might make baby tees and skinny jeans in every size but that doesn’t mean you should take part in that trend. Know your body and accentuate it–don’t just throw it out there.
If you could change one aspect of today’s plus size fashion, what would it be?
Maybe the price point. People are still out of work or still struggling to make ends meet. Clothing is needed, but geesh! $200-$500 for a dress is just too much. I know the work and time that goes into it so I can see why it may be priced that way–especially if a designer or retailer is more high end, but the average curvie can’t just shell out $300 for a dress.
Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer, and why?
I absolutely love the Honey Bun Boutique. Rosalyn Womack, the designer and owner, really creates beautiful transitional pieces that are easy to wear. There’s not a bunch of sparkle and pop and glitter, but that’s what I love because you can really make it your own. The ease of her pieces both in design and fabric is absolutely perfect for every woman–especially busy moms. I can throw on one of her creations, go to the school and volunteer in my kids’ class, go to a business lunch, straighten up the house, and finish the day with a nice dinner date—all in ONE dress! I love that type of fashion. Those are the staples every woman needs, especially curvies because our clothing tends to be more expensive.
Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion retailer, and why?
Lane Bryant is doing a pretty good job of getting out there in the community and I love how they have totally embraced the sexiness that goes on underneath the clothes. I really love Old Navy too. I am an easy kinda gal–I prefer flip flops, cute top and jeans any day of the week so Old Navy gives me that ease but with a touch of color.
Where do you see plus size fashion going in the next few years?
I see it as a front runner. I see the same things as a size 0 in a size 20. I see delicious colors, fantastic fabrics, and beautiful designs.
Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
Honestly, I suck at fashion. As I said before, I’m an easy gal so I never understood the ins and outs of it all; however, owning and operating a plus size pubication I’ve come to learn quite a bit. What I’ve learned is that fashion is individual. What you see in a magazine or in a store window might not work for you exactly as you see it, but that’s ok. Fashion is in the eye of the beholder. It’s a form of expression and it’s just another amazing gift of life–explore it, treasure it, cherish it…what do you have to lose?
Visit Sommer Johnson at Gemini Magazine’s fan page.
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 or use the Contact Us form to drop me a note.
