Thinking big

Here's a fashion first - trendy clothes for the fuller figure. Maxine Gordon finds some new arrivals on the high street

Pretty paisley prints, leatherette biker jackets and embroidered denims are the fashions that every woman wants this spring. And the good news is that this year most women - no matter what their size - will be able to wear the latest styles.

Several new collections have appeared on the high street aimed at providing funky and affordable fashions to the size 16-plus.

And not before time, too. While some high street stores now stock clothes in a 16, women over that size have largely been abandoned to a fashion wasteland.

And with around four in ten UK women a size 16 - and getting larger - there's been a gaping chasm in the market.

Evans has led the way in catering for larger women's fashion needs. Its pioneering reputation has been enhanced with the launch of its super-trendy Seven range, catering for sizes 14-28 and modelled by the voluptuous Mia Tyler (sister of Hollywood actress Liv).

Handkerchief fringed skirts, ruffle blouses and pvc biker jackets all feature in the collection, proving that anything the mainstream shops can provide, Evans can do equally well.

As the company says: "As the high street's number one retailer for larger women, Evans knows a thing or two about what those over a size 16 want to wear. It's exactly the same as those under a size 16 want to wear - fantastic fashion."

New Look couldn't agree more. On Monday, it brings out a new outsize range, Inspire, which can be checked out at its outlet at Monks Cross Shopping Park, York.

Featuring high-fashion looks as well as smart work wear in sizes from 16-24, the collection is aimed at women in the 20-34 age group.

Look out for paisley print dresses, hot pink cardigans, three-quarter jeans in indigo denim, crochet fringed dresses, pink snakeskin shell tops and corsets in cerise and black. Or for the office, there are long-line jackets and shirts and drawstring long skirts.

Also hoping to exploit this niche in the market is York's latest fashion store, the German-based Pat Too Pat. Well established on the continent, its new Fossgate store is the firm's first outlet in the UK.

Its team of designers make three labels: Pat Too Pat, high-street fashions in sizes small to extra-large; Won't, young fashions in sizes small to extra-large, and the outsize label Ciccia Bella catering for sizes 16-30. Prices will be very competitive with the high street big names.

Martina McEleavey, who is running the UK operation, said the emphasis was on catering for all women, no matter what their shape. "Everybody can come into the shop and buy high-fashion garments," she said.

And with the firm's design team turning out new collections every two months, the latest looks will be guaranteed, promises Martina.

Another welcome addition is the new plus-size collection available from M&S by mail order. The range, unveiled in the new Marks & Spencer Spring 2000 Direct catalogue, features contemporary looks in sizes 18-26.

M&S says: "All the garments have been trialled on both size 18 and 26 models to ensure fit and comfort."

Cargo pants, capri trousers, drawstring skirts and gilets are at the fashion edge of the range with tailored items such as skirts, trousers, two-piece dresses and twin sets also available. The collection also has footwear for the larger lady, with mules, loafers and sandals in a wider fitting.

The catalogue can be bought in M&S stores.

PICTURE:T-shirt £18, hooded gilet £40, capri trousers £27, all in sizes 18-26 from M&S Spring 2000 Direct catalogue