Plus Size Style, Sophistication & Inspiration: Ashaki Charles Designs

Created by Toronto-born pair Tene Charles and Julie Thomson, Ashaki Charles Designs combines creative jewelry design with the added flare of precious metals and semi-precious stones. When paired with our vintage and vintage-inspired clothing line, the result is a complete look. Style. Sophistication. Inspiration.

This year Ashaki Charles Designs are one of the fashion design teams showcasing their garments during Full Figured Fashion Week™.

How did you get into fashion?

With regards to jewelry, it was a combination of necessity and opportunity. Being curvy women ourselves, we had a difficult time finding bracelets, rings and necklaces that fit properly. We had talked about making jewelry, but nothing materialized. One day at work we were called in and advised the entire staff was being laid off due to corporate downsizing. We figured this was a door that God opened for us and we decided it was time to make it happen. As for the clothing, it was an offshoot of the jewelry business. We started out altering vintage finds for our photo shoots. It gave us more creative control allowing us to ensure the accessories and the clothes really complimented each other. We’ll be debuting our original collection at FFF Week™.

When did you realize you wanted to be a fashion designer?

At a young age, Tene had a sewing machine and was sketching her own designs and making clothes. In high school I started making a few pieces on my mom’s machine and redesigning jeans for friends. With college and 9 to 5’s, our dreams of designing were placed on hold. Even when we decided to start making jewelry, we agreed that we would eventually return to clothing.

Is there anyone or anything that inspired you?

Inspiration came from our immediate families and close friends. Both of our mothers and fathers took fashion very seriously back in the day, and looking through their old photos helps fuel our creativity. Classic television shows and movies inspire us as well.

What are your thoughts on plus size fashion?

There are some great designers and retailers, but the industry still has a long way to go. We need more variety, more options and more sizes, especially in Canada. No teen should have to fight a senior citizen for the last size 26 on the rack! Based on what major retailers carry, you’d think plus size people lounge around in sweats, spandex and jersey knits all day. Yes, clothes should be comfortable, but that shouldn’t be the number one selling point.

Ashaki Charles Designs will carry size 2-32. We could not, in good conscience make clothes that only go up to a size 22 or 24. We’re also making our collection available in average and tall. It’s unacceptable for a big woman to have to wear what basically amounts to a belly top just because she’s over 5’5”. Longer clothing can always be altered, but if clothes are too short, you’re out of luck. We’d love to see the day when plus size women can shop in the same stores as their thin friends instead of waiting outside on a bench for them.

How does it feel to be a part of Full Figured Fashion Week™?

We feel blessed. It’s still a little hard to believe. In 2009 we were given an opportunity to accessorize in the finale. Last year we sponsored the event and this year we’re actually IN the show. We have both had a rough couple of years health-wise, so getting here hasn’t been easy but we take it day by day. FFF Week™ has given us the opportunity to meet and to connect with a lot of talented and intelligent individuals.

What inspired the garments that we will see during the Finale Fashion Show?

The garments at the Finale are inspired by the 1970’s. The ‘70’s were a great decade for fashion. There were so many options for looking stylish. You had disco chic, the hippie look, mini and midi skirts and maxi dresses. You’re going to see a little of each of those trends. Women of all shapes and sizes influenced our collection because we wanted pieces that were flattering to any figure.

What kind of woman does your fashion appeal to?

I think our fashion will appeal to women wanting quality, sophistication and tasteful sexiness. She takes a pride in her appearance and has a desire to look and feel good. A woman with style and a love of fashion would find our collection appealing. Our customers should be confident because they will definitely turn heads and garner attention.

To find out more about Ashaki Charles Designs visit www.ashakicharlesdesigns.com