I’ve heard some comments from fellow Fatshionistas that Igigi is priced out of their range, which is possible (especially in this economy). I admit that the first time I bought a shirt from Igigi in 2002, I thought of it as a splurge for a designer shirt. In truth, I think we’ve also become so accustomed to the cheapass world of plus-size clothing (ie. Roaman’s, Jessica London, Fashion Bug, anything at Walmart) that when we’re experiencing sticker shock when we see something that is reasonably priced. Compare Igigi’s pricing to the stuff at Banana Republic or J. Crew and you’ll see that it’s practically the same price points, if not a little cheaper. When you consider the quality and the designer work (Um, you think you’re going to see something like the Emma Halter Lace dress at the Gap? With that amazing petticoat sticking out of the skirt at the bottom? I am DROOLING), you’re now flying in the same category as Ralph Lauren, DKNY or FCUK, except that Igigi is more affordable (and has killer sales on a fairly regular basis).
If Igigi maintained the same quality as Old Navy, then sure, I would expect them to price accordingly, but they don’t. And Old Navy has cheap thin-ass t-shirts that sometimes fall apart after four washings and the garments are sewn in overseas sweatshops while Igigi’s work is all done in San Francisco by employees who receive a fair wage. We all know that it’s not apples to apples, right?
Sorry, I know I’m on a soap box here, but if we keep kvetching about pricing and refusing to invest in our pieces, then we’re telling the designers that yes, fat girls don’t deserve fine fashion, which means that we don’t get to whine when people like Karl Lagerfeld refuses to kick out designs above a size 10. We’re telling the industry that no, we’d rather buy 10 shoddy t-shirts that will end up in landfills than invest in one well-made garment that will look new and last for five or more years. You vote with your dollars, peeps, and I’m as guilty as anyone for buying Old Navy (and in fact, I’m wearing a sweater from there right now as I’m typing this) but I also understand that if you want high quality fashion, you’ve got to be willing to pay for it. And honestly, I believe that the moment that there are Dior or Chanel-grade fashions available for the plus size market, we’ll have made tremendous steps toward true Size Acceptance.
Get the scoop on spring fashion for the plus-size girl!
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