MONIQUE THOMPSON WILLIAMS

The reason I chose to become a plus size designer was the fact that I could relate and understand the need for more trendy clothing for young girls like myself that are plus size. I love wearing bright colours and prints and I love to take risks with fashion. For my final major project I’ve designed a 6 outfit collection based on Self-image and unrealistic concepts of beauty. I wanted to explore the idea of what makes a woman beautiful and how the idea of being perfect affects women. I created a questionnaire based on self-image and beauty standards which really helped develop the direction of my project. One of the questions I asked was ‘What makes a woman beautiful?’ I found it interesting majority of answers was confidence and not and vanity based answers. I also asked if they felt the media represented real women and all responses was no as the media portrays women to be a certain size and look a certain way which is not realistic. So with that in mind I wanted to represent the positive things about being an individual and design a collection that empowers women.

Through my development of self-image and body image I was really inspired by the shapely silhouette of Sarah Baartman and I felt inspired to create abstract seam lines and curvy silhouette garments that were inspired by her silhouette.  Combining my Henri Matisse artist inspiration for my print and detailing and also bright colour palette, I chose to go for a variety of textured fabrics that would form structure when worn on the body. The title of my collection comes from the idea of everybody having imperfections and that is what makes us all unique and beautiful.

On Wednesday 13th May my fellow fashion classmates and I had to present our graduate collections to Hilary Alexander where she would make the decision on who would get the opportunity to showcase their collections on June 5th at London Free Range Show. Although it was a very nerve racking experience it was a great opportunity to get her advice and feedback on my collection. Only 18 students (out of 29) were chosen and I was over the moon to be told I was one of the 18 to get to showcase my collection. Meaning i am the first student to design a plus sized collection to showcase for my university. 

In the near future I hope to gain more experience in the industry with internships and placements. And one day see my designs be sold internationally.  I am excited for what the future holds, Stay Tuned…