These days there is so much written about plus sizes and plus size models, but there are still not enough retailers or designers who provide good clothing, quality or tailoring – not to mention trendy designs for plus size women. It seems that many do it – because it is kind of an obligation- but their heart and love is just not in it, which can be seen their in product ranges and designs. Many of them are just badly executed , boring or mumsy. It is almost when you are plus size you are being considered of not having a love for fashion, life, having fun in what you do or who you are.
In the past I found it in my line of work as a personal shopper and stylist sometimes quite challenging to meet the brief of my plus sizes clients to find clothing that suited their age, personality, occasion and budget. Simply because the choices were limited and many times the quality of the garments was so bad that one with any sense or a good consciousness couldn’t recommend them. So, my heart was making big jumps when I came across the designer Anna Scholz 4 years ago. Her clothing has given plus size women a sexy, confident edge to create their own fashion statements with sophistication and style.
She is also recognised that there is a great demand among women sized 12-28 for designer clothing that is chic and stylish. And her success proves her right. She offers silk, cashmere, leather and all of the luxe fabrics that everyone wants and who enjoys fashion.
Attention to detail and the perfect fit are always a priority with Anna Scholz. “My designs are all about body enhancing to make a woman feel sensual and feminine,” says Anna.
This philosophy has earned Anna numerous accolades in the fashion industry and among her growing customer base. Luxury retailers such as Harrod’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus all stock the latest annascholz styles, as do numerous boutiques throughout Europe. Regular press coverage and spots on popular TV shows such as “Gok’s Fashion Fix” and “Mary Queen of Shops” also have led to increased sales.
I was delighted to have an interview with Anna Scholz. Here is what she told me:
- When did you become a fashion designer?
I started making my own clothes when I was 13 years old , 6ft tall and a size 16.
I couldn’t find anything young funky, interesting or feminine in the stores , so I started a sewing class and made my own garments and customized stuff.
When I was 16 I was making clothes for my first private customers and started learning about pattern cutting.
After finishing school I moved to London in 1990 and studied fashion design at Central St. Martin’s College and set up my own label straight afterwards.
- What are your favourite pieces of your new collection?
- What was/is your inspiration?
You can find inspiration in everything, a stamp , a cushion , a painting, on your travels… whatever. Last night flying back from Berlin I thought about doing a cityscape by night print in my next collection…my mind is constantly busy and my eyes always open. My favourite place is Portobello market where I Iove hunting for vintage finds.
- Who are you designing for?
Women. Women who like to be women. Women of all shapes and sizes. I want women to enjoy clothes again.
- What is your favourite fashion quote?
‘ When a woman does not want to be noticed , she should lie in bed with a cup of tea and wait for the moment to pass’ ( Azzedine Alaia)
- What is your favourite fashion item?
The softest cashmere cardigan for comfort and a statement print maxi dress for ultimate cool.
- What do you love about fashion and what do you dislike in fashion?
I love experimenting with new colours and shapes, discovering new favourites in my wardrobe and making things clash… I love how you can reflect your mood with your outfit. I love making women feel better about themselves.
I dislike it when people follow every silly trend without thinking about their personal style or shape. I dislike it when women constantly put themselves down . You should make clothes work for you and enhance your beauty, you shouldn’t transform yourself to fit into the clothes you like.
- Where do you shop besides at Anna Scholz?
Choices are limited being the size I am , so I nearly only wear my own collection and can only accessorize with the designers I love like Dolce& Gabbana, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Matthew Williamson, Pucci. But I do love wearing my friends Jessica Svoboda’s jeans.
- What do you love/enjoy doing when not designing clothes?
I have just bought a new house so at the moment it is interior shopping/designing/ arranging. Very exciting to make a new home your own. I love spending quality time with my close circle of friends and going for long walks with my dog Frida. Living in London provides me with a constant stream of new restaurants, exhibitions and events and luckily I have to travel for work regularly to places like Berlin , New York and Shanghai which are always stimulating.
- What is your favourite holiday get away?
The most relaxing place for me is Camber Sands near Rye, I love being by the sea and with only being 2 hours away from London it has become my favourite destination for short trips.
For long haul my favourite places have been Mexico and South Africa.
Michaela
P.S: These are my favourite pieces from Anna ‘s latest collection:
Click here to shop more Anna Scholz on Joy of Clothes
Tags: Anna Scholz, Apple body shape, Body Shape, body size, full hourglass body shape, Inverted triangle body shape, Pear body shape, Plus size, rectangle body shape
Absolutely love Anna’s new collections! Thanks for putting this interview together, it is really interesting getting to know what inspires fashion designers to create these gorgeous designs!
Hi Michaela!
I loved reading your piece on Anna Scholz. I have a large-size fashion store on the south coast (Brighton) and we have stocked Anna’s clothes since her very first collection. In fact (I’m boasting here!) we are the only store to have stocked every collection that she has ever produced.
We’ve done this because she really is unique…there is simply no other designer like her. She has moved the cause of larger-size fashion on immesurably. New collections that are comming through today owe an enormous debt to the pioneers like Anna who were the first to see that larger women were beautiful, sexy people who need the clothes to reflect these characteristics!
[...] Check out the full interview with Anna on the Joy of Clothes blog! [...]
Hello Emma
Thank you for your comment. I passed on your comment to Anna, who will be happy to read that you are such a big fan of her. Michaela
Hello Sarah, thank you for your nice comment, which is very much appreciated. Michaela