Meet Lavender’s Jungle {FFFWeek(tm) Inde Showcase}
I can’t believe we are already approaching the two month mark for Full Figured Fashion Week! The closer we get to June, the more my excitement builds. Like most of you, I am really looking forward to the inde showcase on Friday, June 15th, 2012 (purchase tickets here). As a member of the 2012 Fashion Front I recently had the opportunity to catch up with La Krisha S. Joseph-Baker, CEO & Founder of Lavender’s Jungle.
How was Lavender’s Jungle born?
Lavender’s Jungle, LLC was born out of a necessity to find clothes to fit my body type. I’ve always had a large muscular frame and I’ve always been tall. So many years ago I started making my own clothes because I could not find clothes to fit me.
After I had my son I was now plus sized and I realized that a lot of the retailers that carried plus size clothing were just “big” clothes without any regard to our actual shapes. While many of the clothes were stylish they weren’t fashion forward. I wanted to wear what I saw on the run way and I could not find it.
Do you feel there are any strengths and weaknesses in the plus-size fashion industry?
Yes!!
As far as strengths, there are a lot of designers and retail establishments that are realizing that we don’t just come in one body type. Buyers are beginning to purchase and fill their stores with clothes that fit a variety of body types. Not to mention, FFF Week is a testament to just how far this industry has come.
If I were to identify weaknesses I would say mainly that some still do not understand the purpose of tailoring a garment to the needs of a full figured woman. While their intentions are good the clothes are still ill fitting. For example, when you have a larger busted woman you can’t simply just make the cup larger. You have to add structure and stability within the garment to support the weight of a larger busted woman.
Is this your first year participating in FFFWeek?
Yes … I am very excited about participating
What can the audience expect to see on the runway from Lavender’s Jungle?
A play on femininity. This line has something for everyone. Whether you are spending a day in the office or relaxing after work during happy hour. This collection is about playful feminine pieces. Taking us back to the days of how fun it was when we played dress up as little girls.
When I was doing the photo shoot for this line you could see the models really having fun with it. Some stared at themselves in the mirror while others spent several minutes twirling around in the dresses. That is the response I hoped to get. I want women to feel beautiful when they put on pieces from this line.
Is there a specific era and/or time period that inspires your line?
Not particularly, my focus for this line is not identified by a certain era but the focus was more towards the enjoyment of being a woman. If I had my choice, my daily wardrobe would consist of all these pieces.
Photo Courtesy of Lavender’s Jungle.
