In the modern fashion world, new and on-trend plus-size pieces are hard to come by. With the official launch of new plus-size fashion brand Curlewis, you can find just that on our very shores. The new brand offers up elevated leisure-wear essentials in sizes 16-24, with the label’s debut collection featuring beautiful linen and cotton pieces that are unique, whilst remaining quintessentially Australian.
The label’s founder Courtney Dransfield was frustrated by a continued lack of premium plus-size options available in Australia (or globally, for that matter). The collection features inspired essentials made from natural fabrics, with each piece offering versatility to carry from day to night, summer through spring. Creating a 12 piece capsule collection, Curlewis’ first range aims to fit aimlessly into any woman’s wardrobe. The styles are rooted in minimalism, with touches of inspired detailing that bring an edge to every look. Each piece is available in two different colour ways so that when the customer finds that key piece they can buy in multiples.
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The new brand also strives for sustainability by producing smaller runs in order to avoid waste. They also make their white tees in 100% organic cotton and encourage their customers to have a concise wardrobe full of high quality, versatile pieces that can be worn throughout the seasons.
marie claire sat down with Courtney to chat about her decision to start the line, and why the plus-size industry needs more like her.
What sparked the creation of Curlewis?
Essentially I launched Curlewis because I was tired of compromising on the clothing that I wanted to wear on a daily basis. Whether it was fabrics, fit, or style, I felt there was nothing available that I loved to wear.
How does the brand strive for sustainability?
Curlewis strives for sustainability by producing smaller runs in order to avoid waste. Each customer receives a clothing freshener, repurposed from excess linen. We also make our white tees in 100% organic cotton and encourage our customers to have a concise wardrobe full of high quality, versatile pieces that can be worn throughout the seasons.
What do you hope the Curlewis woman feels when they put on the brand?
I want our customers to feel confident and empowered.
What is the connection to Bondi?
Bondi is home, with my first apartment being on Curlewis Street. And living by the beach, I think linens and cotton are the most comfortable fabrics to wear. Especially during the summer months, which of course happen to be my favourite months, but also all year round. You see people wearing those fabrics perennially in Bondi. I’ve also just been generally obsessed with linen and soft cotton for years, from buying vintage Belgian linen nightdresses at flea markets to those floaty dresses I used to buy from the “hippy” stores when I was a kid.
Were you inspired by any other brands/influential people in the curvy fashion industry?
Perhaps by some brands conceptually in one way or another. Whether that be in fabrication or style philosophy or quality. In terms of style, I loved the minimalism embodied by people like Sara Crampton (Harper & Harley), but there wasn’t anything available like this in my size. In terms of advocacy in the plus-size fashion industry, I’ve always looked up to bloggers like Nicolette Mason and Gabi Gregg.
The prices range from $90 to $180 and are available at curlewis.co.
