Plus Size ladies, it’s time to STAND OUT in fashion for the Carnival Season with Kelise Cowie Designs. STAND OUT is the first collection from this upcoming plus size designer, owner of KC Designs, who herself is a young, plus size, confident, sexy young woman, who knows and understands what plus sized women want.

I had the pleasure of interviewing this young, fresh and fierce plus size woman.

What is the name of your fashion design collection and why you chose that name?

My clothing collection is titled STAND OUT. This name represents a state of mind where a person is ready to stand up and be noticed.  I chose this name because I believe that full figured women in general have arrived at that place where they want to be noticed in the fashion industry and in their everyday lives.

What made you choose to design for full figured ladies?

Well, I myself am a young, energetic, full figured woman and hence, I know firsthand the issues full figured women face in the process of finding fashionable youthful clothing. I wanted to cater to women like myself and hence, in designing my collection, I designed clothing that I would wear. It’s loud, it’s bold, it’s energetic, and it’s me.

How or when did you learn to sew?

I learned to sew via a trial and error process throughout my lifetime. I came from a family of seamstresses and I’ve always been curious about garment construction. This ultimately led me to teach myself to sew and even to this date, I’m still learning. For me, the journey is never ending, there is always more to learn and I embrace the knowledge.

Where do you get your design 

inspiration from?

For the STAND OUT collection, I reflected on the carefree and energetic spirit of the local carnival season to get my inspiration. The collection is an interpretation of the Carnival spirit. The bright contrasting colours represent the energy of the various cultures coming together to form the Trinbagonian fabric.

What does fashion mean to you and by extension plus size fashion?

To me, fashion means the freedom to express myself through clothing and also to help others express themselves as well. Plus size fashion is very close to my heart, because it gives me an opportunity to give women like myself an opportunity to look fashionable and comfortable.

Why so daring with the bold bright hues, knowing that it is said by 

critiques that plus size women are not supposed to wear bright colours?

This collection is designed for the woman who swims against the current and makes her own rules. It’s signifies a new era for full figured women, where they too can dress in loud, fun, and fashionable colours.

What matters to you most as a 

fashion designer?

As a designer, the satisfaction of my clients matter to me the most. I aim to ensure high quality garments to my clientele.

Who is your favorite designer and why?

Honestly, I find it very hard to name just one favorite designer due to my appreciation for the unique essence that varies from designer to designer. However, I truly admire the work done by many local designers such as Heather Jones, Peter Elias and Anya Ayoung-Chee to name a few.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a 

career in fashion?

I would advise that person to do their research into the industry. Go out, meet persons in the industry and find a comfortable place where you can market yourself.

Where can people purchase your clothes?