Several months back I was browsing the web like I usually do when nothing else is worth doing and I chanced upon an article that talks about Forever 21’s venture into plus sizes. I found it curious..
It seemed strange that they dared to taint the image they’ve painted for their name. With the way they’ve been advertised who wouldn’t have it branded in their brains that Forever 21 is a clothing line for petite women and you know how size and social status go hand in had these days. I for one try to steer away from the influence of stereo types or in this particular instance, capitalist commercialism, pardon me if I come off as a bit hypocritical but even those who recognize and acknowledge their effects can find themselves unable to resist. Getting on with my original thought, I was so off. No changes were made in the clothing line, they created a whole other brand for plus sized clothes called Faith 21 and I may be going out on a limb by saying that it was done so as not to stigmatize their reflection to the younger, hip-er consumers whose weight is proportionate to their height.. you know what I mean.
As a marketing strategy its the most cost-effective move to make. They maintain their preferred pose for the public hence preserving the general notion -Forever 21 is still for the young, hip, and socially acceptable fashionistas, but wait! If your body mass index isn’t in THE desirable range they still have something for you over at Faith21, ergo increasing profits by tapping into a previously overlooked market with out disrupting established business. I admit that there may be a chance that I’m reading too far into this whole thing but its OK because this proves that my brain still functions.
Artsy Zipper Strap Portrait Tunic
With that said, Faith 21 was launched May of this year, available only at selected branches in the US. It really is hard to find plus sized clothing that don’t make you look frumpy or like you have 5 kids at home waiting for their momma, so aside from hating the rationale behind the separate “labels” and the fact that they aren’t available internationally, I will be fair enough to admit that I am digging the look.