Dear Tim Gunn,
Recently, I read your post in the Huffington Post about how ridiculous it is that fashion “seems to end when you get any larger than a size 12.” I could not agree more and is most of the reason why I blog. However, I wanted to fashion this open letter to you for a few reasons…
Go to Lord and Taylor on Fifth Avenue, I think it’s the eighth floor, and it’s just a department called ‘Woman.’ It’s rather devastating. You’ve never seen such hideous clothes in your entire life. I mean, it’s simply appalling. Thank God there are no windows on that floor, because if I were a size 18, I’d throw myself right out the window [after seeing those clothes]. It’s insulting what these designers do to these women.
While I am so grateful that you called out this ridiculousness in plus size fashion, I would like to see you advocate to do something more about this. In your words, “Make It Work.”
It is one thing to echo the frustrations that we have been virtually screaming out for years, but talking about this doesn’t do any good if we cannot leverage our access, education, and knowledge for good, yes?
“I’ve had my own moments in front of designers when I’ve actually said, ‘You know, there’s a market here for expanding your work, and here it is,'” Gunn told Huff Po. “And frankly, there are two markets: The women who are larger than the 12, and then there are women who are petite. And most designers that I talk to have absolutely no interest in addressing either of those populations, which I find repugnant.”
While I do appreciate you challenging designers to do and give more, but YOU sir, have the platform to really shine some light on this. Like majorly. For the segments of plus size fashion on Project Runway history have NOT been too kind in this arena, dare we visit Ven Badhu and his ignorances?
Beyond the challenge of a single plus size woman, how about ALL THE MODELS be plus size. How about all the designers design for a plus size celebrity like Queen Latifah, Beth Ditto, Adele, or someone who has an awards show? How about having Fern Mallis be a judge that week? How about really engaging this community and tap into those influencers to judge? Nicolette Mason with Marie Claire?
How about opening up Project Runway for a Plus Size season? No, for reals… I can run off at LEAST 15 indie plus size designers who would kill on this competition! EASY. Better yet, you could always check out my list of plus size designers who are making their mark in the contemporary arena.
I guess what I am saying Tim, is that while I really appreciate your words being echoed throughout the internet with your interview, unless someone of influence and passion in your position demands or advocates for some real change, it is just words.
I love you TIM. Your passion, heart, and real talk always have me smiling and I have all the respect for you! I do! Hence this letter to you… If you ever get the random chance to read this, please holla! I have ideas and ways we could “Make this Work!”
