Once upon a time, the only sources for plus size fashion and news were monthly magazines and newspapers but thanks to blogging, that has changed. As more plus size centered magazines and blogs begin to emerge Stateside, bloggers such as Gaëlle-Vanessa are making an international name for themselves by appealing to her fellow Parisian Curvies as well as her readers in other parts of the world. This month, we continue our curvy travels with our next stop in Paris, France as we get to know Gaëlle-Vanessa and find out what’s so special about her blog, Les Pitreries de Vanoue.
What inspired you to start your blog?
It all started in 2007 when I was on the biggest French online plus size platform. The girls on that website used to share their outfits of the day. That seemed funny and most of the time it was positive for them. So I thought I could get some advice and started sharing my own looks.
I got a huge response and started feeling confident. That really makes me laugh when I think about the begining because I was in a total mess! I didn’t know how to compliment my own shape!
Well once I moved from my college town to Paris, I decided to get my own “name” and started Les Pitreries de Vanoue. My first followers were the ones I met on the platform but having my own blog definitely helped me getting more visibility in the plus size fashion community.
Are there many plus size fashion blogs in Paris?
Oh yes. I think that “our” plus size fashion revolution starts through the blogs. There are some famous ones like Le blog de Big Beauty who designed a collection for La Redoute and has a beauty rubrique on a French television. I don’t know how many blogs start everyday but there are a lot. I think that it helps women feel better in their own body.
How is the plus size fashion scene in Paris?
Can I say we are 30 years behind the US when it comes to plus size fashion? Well, not really. Firstly, in France when you talk about plus size, people think of obesity and health. They don’t feel like supporting women who “don’t take care of themselves”. So the fashion industry works step by step. Everything mostly happens on the web. There are popular online fashion boutiques like Castaluna who only after a year, has become a branch of Redcats. There is also One Stop Plus. I think they have understood that there is a lot of money to make on plus size. Let’s be honest about that! When it comes to plus size models, I can say that there is only Le Cartel de la Mode who doesn’t work with faux plus size models. That designer organized a fashion show where each plus size woman could recognize herself in the models walking the runway which is just huge in France. I hope that the plus size fashion industry is just at the beginning. You know fat french women also need to be trendy!
What’s the difference between featuring an outfit that you’ve worn and doing a clothing review?
An outfit I have worn is an outfit I bought and a review is when designers or retailers offer you clothes to talk about or even pay you to feature them on your blog. The French plus size industry is way too young for bloggers to review clothes. Now thinking about that, anytime I do one it’s for a US or UK designer. Funny, isn’t it? I remember when I was about to attend Full Figured Fashion Week™ (FFFweek), I asked for clothes I could wear during the event. English brands were so excited about seeing their clothes in FFFweek pictures whereas a big french online store said “what are we getting in exchange?” This is why I think the industry in France is mentally very young!
Why do you think plus size fashion blogging is so popular?
It’s because one can easily identify themselves with everyday women who share their daily outfits. It’s a way to learn how to embrace our curves. I follow many blogs and get inspiration from each one of them.
For a person visiting your blog for the first time, what can they expect to find?
Fashion and happiness. My blog is about my journey to self acceptance. I am not a really trendy person. I like shopping, for sure, but above all I like showing that we can be fat and well dressed. I found out that clothes made me find my real personality so I hope that each one visiting the blog will leave with a smile and inspiration.
What is your favorite places to shop? Who are your style inspirations?
I shop on the web. Asos Curve is my favourite online retailer so far. I used to shop on Torrid.com but the shipping cost and taxes were too expensive and really didn’t worth it! My style inspirations are bloggers. Big or small and every woman I meet during my fashion journey.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
Such a positive post about the French plus size fashion industry. Who knew the mecca of fashion had such a vibrant plus size community?