When Vogue Italia put three larger-than-normal models on its recent cover, both major media and bloggers were all over it (including this site), discussing whether Vogue did the right thing. Many complained about the fact that the models were wearing lingerie and not, say, evening gowns or casual wear. Many times, the excuse is that there isn’t anything that the models COULD wear, since sample sizes are much smaller (no use putting the models in clothing available during the time of the shoot, since they’ll be gone by the time the magazine hits stores). Though the use of plus sized models is a very hot topic in fashion and comes up several times a year, very little exposure, especially from mainstream media, is discussed about height. Perhaps the relaunch of Teresa Le’s line as Petite Nation would change that.
First founded in 2007 as TLe (we first profiled Teresa in 2008 when we were Prospere Magazine), the line is a collection of versatile dresses, skirts and tops especially made to fit women 5’4″ and below. Unlike most petite lines, Petite Nation is not only a standalone (no connection to a “regular size” line like say, J.Crew or Banana Republic) but uses petite-heighted women as models. This gives the line a more realistic look at how the looks might appear on the typical wearer. The pieces are all appropriate for work, weekends as well as nights out on the town, depending on what they’re paired with. A favourite of ours? The black top with asymmetrical sleeves – a flowy one on one side and straps on the other).
Being based in Tennessee, Teresa believes that she is at an advantage over other designers who are trying to make it big in larger markets as there is less competition. Still, Teresa faces some issues with showrooms who don’t quite understand petite sizing (there is a negative view of petite sizing as being matronly). It’s all about exposure and education. Despite the growing number of petite-focused blogs, Teresa believes that the petite movement is currently lacking a “real” leader to truly bring these issues to the forefront. Social media is a good thing, of course, but a stronger presence is needed to make true changes. As to what it’ll take for a petite-focused line to show at a events like New York Fashion Week? “Style innovation (draping, cutting, etc) and/or innovative fabrics to change the mindset of the established market on what petite clothing is like.”” and of course “high demand from celebrities and non-celebrities.” Perhaps in the near future, we’ll see a star in the petite fashion industry. And maybe the petites magazines put on their covers will actually have real petite clothing to wear. Hear that, Vogue?
