Yesterday the brand new label ‘Plus Equals’ founded by the stylist Jazmin Lee officially launched, showcasing the collection of upcycled pieces for the first time in the pop up shop ‘It Is What It Is’ situated in Brighton’s popular North Laine.
Plus Equals, as the name already indicates, is a dedicated styling service with a range of out of the ordinary clothing items that aims to provide plus size women with a range of stylised pieces. When you walk in, you immediately feel welcome in the intimate but cozy space that despite a little bar area with a massive Italian coffee machine (occasionally the pop up shop functions as a cafe) has several hangers with one-off pieces as well as a table that displays beautiful silk products, scarves and bags, by the designer label MOSE. The shopping experience definitely differs to a visit of any high street shop, not only because of the privacy that the interior design of the shop creates, but also because founder Jazmin Lee gives everything to ensure a personal styling service in a comfortable environment.
I spoke to Lee and asked her what inspired the idea behind Plus Equals and she explained that ‘a lot of [her] frustration of being both a larger “plus size” and a smaller “plus size” was channelled into the creation of PE.’ Furthermore, she says that ‘the market is dry and dull (…) and so many women aren‘t represented properly,’ which is why her aim is ‘to bring a vivacious reclaimed and upcycled style to girls and women.’ The more we talk about the representation of “plus size” fashion within the industry, the more it becomes obvious that there is a huge lack in the market and for Lee the high street is ‘possibly the worst place to shop as the colour palettes, cuts and fabrics are simply unflattering and boring.’ Something that I really loved, despite the welcoming atmosphere and the unique clothing items, is that every customer is encouraged to write what they love about themselves on the window of the shop. If you have a chance to pop down to 102 Gloucester Road (shop closes on 1st of November) in Brighton to experience a different sort of shopping spree and get to know the inspiring person behind Plus Equals, definitely do.
To find out more about Plus Equals, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
By Nina Molnar
