I’ve known Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum for a few years and was quite excited to hear that she recently launched her own plus size magazine, SLiNK. It’s an online monthly about fashion and lifestyle aimed at women size 14+. I was able to have a quick chat with Rivkie about SLiNK magazine.
What inspired you to start SLiNK magazine?
Working in plus size retail and reading the international plus size publications that I felt lacked aspirational qualities of the glossies and wondering why there was a whole market that the industry was ignoring. The more I read about plus size being the biggest growth market in retail the more I felt that a publication that had a lifestyle and glossy quality would work!
What type of response have you have from PRs and advertisers?
Response from Advertisers and PRs has been incredibly positive. I think when I first started it pre media kit it was really hard for people to understand our vision as plus size has never been tackled really in a glossy, lifestyle and fashion way but once people saw that we had an amazingly strong and talented team everyone wanted to be on board which is great.
Has it been difficult to fine plus size models? Are there many agencies?
Plus size models haven’t been too difficult. There are a few great agencies, we’ve worked with Hughes, Milk Management and 12+ but quite a lot of agencies have been in touch. I think there are probably a lot more agencies for plus sizes than we realise. Although its a finer line between commercial and editorial as plus sizes are limited when it comes to glossy editorial.
What is your favourite plus size label?
My favourite plus size labels are Yoek for everyday tunics and amazing quality leather. I’ve ended up with really fun pieces from them that I live in. I also love Persona and Marina Rinaldi (part of the MaxMara group) as I like the quality and style. High street wise I’m a huge Simply Be and Evans fan for affordable, on trend pieces.
The average British woman is a size 16-18. I’ve styled plus size shoots where the model is a size 12-14 (most designer samples are a size 8).We are starting to see quite a few changes since All Walks Beyond the Catwalk did it’s first catwalk show for Spring Summer 2010. This weekend there was an article in The Independent about Edinburgh College of Art, home of the new All Walks Centre for Diversity. They have started a fashion course where the students will have to use size 18 mannequins! The All Walks Centre will exhibit at Graduate Fashion Week June 7th at Stand No A104.
ABC and Fox television banned this Lane Bryant lingerie commercial for the plus-size women. What’s strange is that both networks run Victoria’s Secretads, so why wouldn’t they run ads with a plus size model?
Lane Bryant has been around a long time, and this is not the first time that the company has been controversial. In 1911 pregnancy was something that not discussed in the media and Lane Bryant convinced the New York Herald to accept an ad for maternity wear. The day after the ad ran the shop’s entire stock was sold out! A few years later Lane Bryant started to make clothes for "stout" women.
Ashley Graham, a UK size 18, 38D, is the model in the Lane Bryant commercial. Maybe all this controversy means is that she’s sexier than a Victoria Secret model.
Sequines is everywhere this summer and this one is only £65 and the leggings are £18. I love this trend as it never really seems to go away.
Love the domino print – it’s only £45!
London is known for it’s great high street and Evans has always offered plus size fashion on trend – but overall there aren’t many affordable on trend plus size ranges. Over the past few season retailers are getting wise to the plus size market: New Look has Inspire, Forever 21 has plus-size line, Faith 21 and Target has Pure Energy.
I'm a fashion stylist and consultant based in London. I'm Fashion Editor at Phoenix magazine, and I've styled for many musicians from Kate Nash to... (more)
Latest Twitter Posts
A great day with The Ones To Watch @fashionscout @novachui and Myrza de Muynck! 7 hrs ago
I’ve known Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum for a few years and was quite excited to hear that she recently launched her own plus size magazine, SLiNK. It’s an online monthly about fashion and lifestyle aimed at women size 14+. I was able to have a quick chat with Rivkie about SLiNK magazine.
