Plus size fashion label Carolyn de la Drapiere joins diversity catwalk show

March 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Plus size fashion label Carolyn de la Drapiere has been chosen to take part in a special catwalk show celebrating diversity at London's Ideal Home Show later this month.

The independent brand, which specialises in bespoke women's wear for sizes 12 – 28, will be working with acclaimed modelling agency and fashion industry campaigners Models of Diversity on the two-day fashion show.

The show — taking place at Earl's Court on March 17 and 18 — will promote the latest fashions designed exclusively for “more natural” body shapes and will features an “exciting and diverse” group of models promoting beauty and style in race, size, shape and disability.

Among them will be  models Kelly Knox and Emily Carenza, who have both overcome disability to succeed in their careers.

Kelly, born with a missing hand and forearm, won BBC3’s Britain’s Top Missing Model and went on to feature in Marie Claire magazine and be signed by a top London modelling agency.

Carenza, meanwhile, recently hit the headlines after recovering from a major car accident where doctors told her she would never walk again.

London-based Carolyn de la Drapiere will dress the two plus size models involved in the fashion show, including Size 12 model Carenza, as well as creating the big “shop-stopping” dress.

Drapiere founder and designer Carolyn Draper said she was “honoured” to be taking part in the catwalk show.

Speaking from her boutique in Barnes, South West London, she said: “Teaming up with Models of Diversity for the Ideal Homes Exhibition is a dream come true.

“We both share the same passionate desire to increase awareness of diversity issues in the fashion  industry and promote a wider range of age, race, disability and size in the media and on the catwalk.

“As a curvaceous woman myself it is fabulous that plus size models are being included in high-profile events likes the one at Earl's Court, showing that real size women can be healthy and look gorgeous.”

The Models of Diversity Catwalk Show is being styled, choreographed and staged by acclaimed campaigners Models of Diversity, who last November achieved recognition for their Curves in Couture fashion show, supported by the British Fashion Council.

MoD founder Angel Sinclair said: “It is a great opportunity to be asked to present these catwalk shows at the Ideal Home Exhibition, and a fantastic platform to show the people of Britain that beauty is much more than skin deep.

“Our exciting shows will feature cutting edge fashions and styling, and a few surprises too, and we are delighted that Carolyn de la Drapiere, one of the UK's hottest labels for more curvaceous women, will be a part of it, dressing some of our models in her stunning designs.”

For over 100 years the multi-award winning Ideal Home Show (formerly the Ideal Home Exhibition) has been bringing ideas and inspiration to generations of British home owners.

This year it will bring together more than 600 quality exhibitors from across the UK to offer a unique shopping experience for all areas of the home.

The Ideal Home Exhibition takes place at London’s Earl’s Court from 16 March–1 April. MoD will be presenting their catwalk shows on Saturday, March 17, at 1.15pm and Sunday, March 18 at 11.45am and 2.45pm.

For more information about Carolyn de la Drapiere visit http://www.drapiere.com.
ENDS

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About Carolyn de la Drapiere

Carolyn de la Drapiere makes ready-to-wear and bespoke clothing for sizes 12-28 that is truly unique and flattering for the curvaceous woman. Each item is made using beautiful fabrics with couture finishings and is carefully considered and designed to enhance, emphasise and show to advantage the curvy parts of the body while subtly covering the more problem areas. Founded by designer Carolyn Draper in 2009, the brand aims to make curvaceous women to feel fabulous, confident and glamorous.