If there’s one factor we love at The Curvy Fashionista, it’s seeing vogue that empowers. So when the plus-size-positive film Empire Waist hit our radar, we couldn’t assist however fall in love with the way it portrayed the wonder, confidence, and energy that comes with proudly owning your model, no matter measurement.
And who higher to speak about this than the costume designer herself, Francesca Roth? We sat down with the movie’s costume designer to get the within scoop on how she labored her magic to convey the movie’s characters to life—wardrobe first, in fact!
Dressing for Confidence—With a Aspect of Magic
Francesca Roth didn’t simply gown the characters of Empire Waist—she empowered them. Roth shares how the costumes had been extra than simply garments; they had been transformative instruments that helped the forged embody their roles, and generally, even reshape how they felt about their very own our bodies. “I believe it turns into an area that helps flip a private discomfort into confidence,” she says. That’s the magic of costume design.
Whether or not it’s a pair of denims that work completely for Marcy (performed by Daisy Washington), who makes use of a wheelchair, or the long-lasting closing gown worn by Lenore (performed by Mia Kaplan), Roth ensures that every look represents each the character’s persona and their development all through the movie.
And the challenges? Roth didn’t shrink back from these both. “The problem is that almost all garments immediately are made for such a slender vary of idealized physique sorts,” she notes. Sound acquainted, vogue lovers? Empire Waist confronted these hurdles head-on, exhibiting the truth of discovering garments that truly match and flatter in an business nonetheless taking part in catch-up with inclusivity.
A Forged as Various because the Wardrobe
We’ve received to speak about that beautiful and numerous forged. With so many alternative physique sorts, Roth had her work lower out for her. However, like the professional she is, she took all of it in stride. She revealed that lots of the magic got here from understanding how every actor moved by the world and the way they expressed themselves by model. “I lean into their model and persona as strengths to make their character extra dynamic,” she says.
The top end result? A variety of wardrobe items that felt true to the characters—and, most significantly, that felt genuine to the actors carrying them.
Take Kayla, for instance, who will get her Clueless-inspired debut outfit. Roth shares how the over-the-top plaid skirt and faux-fur coat had been pieced collectively from not one, however two skirts sewn collectively to accommodate sizing. Roth’s flexibility and ingenuity spotlight the true wrestle of discovering on-trend, plus measurement garments that match correctly. However the completed product? Pure gold!
Designing for the Plus Measurement Physique—It’s All In regards to the Match
Certainly one of Roth’s key alternatives in Empire Waist was dressing plus measurement our bodies in a approach that was each defining and narratively impactful. “Usually there’s a discrepancy between the sizes we predict we must always put on and what measurement we really want,” she shares. Oh, Francesca, we really feel that wrestle!
Roth took the time to get to know every actor, asking about their measurements, their favourite manufacturers, and the way they personally really feel about their our bodies. This meticulous consideration to element ensured that each costume not solely match however flattered.
The Iconic Seems: From “Clueless” Homage to the Showstopper Gown
When it got here to dressing plus size characters, Roth made positive that every outfit felt intentional and empowering. The answer to ill-fitting clothes? Alterations, alterations, alterations! And let’s simply say, Kayla’s two-skirt combo was removed from the one instance of Roth getting artistic with a needle and thread.
Okay, we couldn’t discuss to Roth with out fangirling over a number of the movie’s most iconic seems. Her private favourite? Kayla’s Clueless-inspired ensemble that was each dramatic and so true to her character’s arc. “It’s Kayla’s ‘Clueless’ second,” Roth gushes, citing Mona Might, the legendary designer behind the unique Clueless costumes. Discovering a colourful faux-fur coat throughout a pandemic wasn’t straightforward, however Roth pulled it off.
After which, there’s the pièce de résistance: Lenore’s closing gown. This tradition-made magnificence is the epitome of character growth, representing Lenore’s journey towards self-love. Designed with a metallic pastel material, it was created in simply 5 days, however the impression? Chef’s kiss.
As Roth places it, “The gown is supposed to symbolize Lenore’s development towards loving herself and accepting her physique.” And in case you ask us, that’s precisely what it does.
Indie Designers, Are You Listening?
Plus size indie designers, take be aware! Roth is looking out for you. Whereas the costume division usually turns to big-box retailers for ease and fast returns, she encourages indie designers to slip into her inbox. “By no means underestimate the facility of the chilly electronic mail,” she says, providing a cheeky wink to up-and-coming designers.
Roth retains an inventory of designers and types she loves and could be completely happy to succeed in out when the fitting venture comes alongside. So, in case you’ve received a novel, size-inclusive line, what are you ready for? Closed mouths don’t get fed… proper?
Empire Waist isn’t only a movie about vogue, physique positivity, or highschool drama—it’s about all of this stuff and extra. And Francesca Roth’s costume design introduced this story to life in a approach that solely a real visible storyteller might. By means of her dedication to creating each character’s wardrobe really feel genuine and empowering, Roth ensured that Empire Waist isn’t only a film. It’s a motion.
For our fellow Curvy Fashionistas on the market trying to categorical yourselves, take a web page out of Roth’s playbook: be unapologetic, get artistic, and, as Roth would say, in case you love it—don’t hesitate!
What do you consider Francesca Roth’s work in Empire Waist? Are you excited to see the movie’s fashionable tackle physique positivity? Tell us within the feedback!
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