If there’s one factor we love at The Curvy Fashionista, it’s seeing style that empowers. So when the plus-size-positive film Empire Waist hit our radar, we couldn’t assist however fall in love with the way it portrayed the sweetness, confidence, and energy that comes with proudly owning your type, no matter measurement.
And who higher to speak about this than the costume designer herself, Francesca Roth? We sat down with the movie’s costume designer to get the within scoop on how she labored her magic to deliver the movie’s characters to life—wardrobe first, after all!
Dressing for Confidence—With a Facet of Magic
Francesca Roth didn’t simply gown the characters of Empire Waist—she empowered them. Roth shares how the costumes had been extra than simply garments; they had been transformative instruments that helped the solid embody their roles, and generally, even reshape how they felt about their very own our bodies. “I feel it turns into an area that helps flip a private discomfort into confidence,” she says. That’s the magic of costume design.
Whether or not it’s a pair of denims that work completely for Marcy (performed by Daisy Washington), who makes use of a wheelchair, or the enduring ultimate gown worn by Lenore (performed by Mia Kaplan), Roth ensures that every look represents each the character’s persona and their progress all through the movie.
And the challenges? Roth didn’t draw back from these both. “The problem is that almost all garments as we speak are made for such a slim vary of idealized physique varieties,” she notes. Sound acquainted, style lovers? Empire Waist confronted these hurdles head-on, displaying the truth of discovering garments that truly match and flatter in an trade nonetheless enjoying catch-up with inclusivity.
A Forged as Numerous because the Wardrobe
We’ve bought to speak about that attractive and numerous solid. With so many various physique varieties, Roth had her work reduce out for her. However, like the professional she is, she took all of it in stride. She revealed that a whole lot of the magic got here from understanding how every actor moved by way of the world and the way they expressed themselves by way of type. “I lean into their type and persona as strengths to make their character extra dynamic,” she says.
The top end result? A variety of wardrobe items that felt true to the characters—and, most significantly, that felt genuine to the actors carrying them.
Take Kayla, for instance, who will get her Clueless-inspired debut outfit. Roth shares how the over-the-top plaid skirt and faux-fur coat had been pieced collectively from not one, however two skirts sewn collectively to accommodate sizing. Roth’s flexibility and ingenuity spotlight the actual battle of discovering on-trend, plus measurement garments that match correctly. However the completed product? Pure gold!
Designing for the Plus Measurement Physique—It’s All Concerning the Match
One among Roth’s key alternatives in Empire Waist was dressing plus measurement our bodies in a approach that was each defining and narratively impactful. “Typically there’s a discrepancy between the sizes we predict we should always put on and what measurement we really want,” she shares. Oh, Francesca, we really feel that battle!
Roth took the time to get to know every actor, asking about their measurements, their favourite manufacturers, and the way they personally really feel about their our bodies. This meticulous consideration to element ensured that each costume not solely match however flattered.
The Iconic Appears: From “Clueless” Homage to the Showstopper Gown
When it got here to dressing plus measurement characters, Roth made certain that every outfit felt intentional and empowering. The answer to ill-fitting clothes? Alterations, alterations, alterations! And let’s simply say, Kayla’s two-skirt combo was removed from the one instance of Roth getting artistic with a needle and thread.
Okay, we couldn’t discuss to Roth with out fangirling over a few of the movie’s most iconic seems. Her private favourite? Kayla’s Clueless-inspired ensemble that was each dramatic and so true to her character’s arc. “It’s Kayla’s ‘Clueless’ second,” Roth gushes, citing Mona Might, the legendary designer behind the unique Clueless costumes. Discovering a colourful faux-fur coat throughout a pandemic wasn’t straightforward, however Roth pulled it off.
After which, there’s the pièce de résistance: Lenore’s ultimate gown. This tradition-made magnificence is the epitome of character growth, representing Lenore’s journey towards self-love. Designed with a metallic pastel material, it was created in simply 5 days, however the influence? Chef’s kiss.
As Roth places it, “The gown is supposed to symbolize Lenore’s progress towards loving herself and accepting her physique.” And if you happen to ask us, that’s precisely what it does.
Indie Designers, Are You Listening?
Plus measurement indie designers, take notice! Roth is looking out for you. Whereas the costume division usually turns to big-box retailers for ease and fast returns, she encourages indie designers to slip into her inbox. “By no means underestimate the ability of the chilly e-mail,” she says, providing a cheeky wink to up-and-coming designers.
Roth retains a listing of designers and types she loves and can be completely happy to succeed in out when the best challenge comes alongside. So, if you happen to’ve bought a novel, size-inclusive line, what are you ready for? Closed mouths don’t get fed… proper?
Empire Waist isn’t only a movie about style, physique positivity, or highschool drama—it’s about all of this stuff and extra. And Francesca Roth’s costume design introduced this story to life in a approach that solely a real visible storyteller might. By her dedication to creating each character’s wardrobe really feel genuine and empowering, Roth ensured that Empire Waist isn’t only a film. It’s a motion.
For our fellow Curvy Fashionistas on the market trying to specific yourselves, take a web page out of Roth’s playbook: be unapologetic, get artistic, and, as Roth would say, if you happen to love it—don’t hesitate!
What do you consider Francesca Roth’s work in Empire Waist? Are you excited to see the movie’s trendy tackle physique positivity? Tell us within the feedback!
