Malu Fernandez and Tara Santos are no strangers to the fashion world. Malu has an extensive background in retail, having worked for the in-house labels of Robinson’s, Sari-Sari and Rustan’s VIP. She also handled discount retail store, Shopwise and the Duty Free shops in Subic and Clark.
Tara was executive editor at the glossy Preview for two years where she had a section dedicated to plus-sized dressing that created a lot of positive buzz. The ladies met at a photo shoot for Preview when Malu was one of Preview’s Best Dressed for 2002. The two became good friends and are now business partners.
"Tara and I got sick of going to stores and never finding our size," explains Malu. So the two decided to put their extensive backgrounds in retail and fashion to good use. They created Luscious, a clothing store dedicated to plus-sized woman. Primarily designed by Malu, the shop has started to attract a loyal following since opening a month ago. Women from the ages of 18 to 50 have come through their doors finding clothing not only fit for their size, but in tune with today’s trends.
"Most big women dress in a masculine manner," complains Malu, the more feminine dresser of the two. "What is sexy for me is not a physical look, it’s inherent. It’s the attitude that you carry yourself with." Malu tries to integrate trends in the fashion scene by adapting them to clothes that are tailored especially for big women. What is important is comfort. "Bodies of big women are differently structured. It might not even be because they are fat, it is also because of big bones," Malu says.
Carrying sizes from 14 to 28, Luscious is where large women are guaranteed to find their size. The response to the store has been so overwhelming that they have nearly cleaned out most of their stocks and are already rushing local suppliers to keep the shelves filled. Prices are quite reasonable, the average being P1,500. Soon to arrive are evening clothes and more importantly in our country’s sweltering heat, swimsuits. Their upcoming collection will have more feminine frills with details like eyelets and lace.
Malu and Tara give their customers not only fashionable clothing but sound advice to keep one looking good. For instance: Don’t delude yourself when you look in the mirror. Be honest with your size. Going a size lower does nothing but keep your clothes from fitting properly and everyone knows how odd too tight pieces of clothing looks (and feels!). Secondly, wear what is comfortable to you. If you’re fine wearing sleeveless tops, then don’t let anyone stop you. As long as you are within the boundaries of good taste and decency, you can’t go wrong.
One should always take her personal taste into consideration. Designers and trends should influence you but not dictate what you should wear. Also, although accessories go a long way, you should use those that fit your body type. Larger women should wear accessories that are a little bigger or chunkier. Small or dainty pieces are okay as well, but remember that accessories are there to be noticed and to enhance an outfit. Finally, don’t be afraid to show a little bit of skin. Being bundled up in layers of clothes never did anyone any good.
"We want women who come to shop here to feel like it’s almost a haven," Tara says. "This store is not a last resort. You are treated just like any customer in the shop." Tara even took great pains to make sure that the dressing room in the store is comfortable for their customers. "You’re at home here, there’s a nice big fitting room and an atmosphere of comfort and it’s fashionable," she says. "This is a place that makes big women feel good about themselves,"