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Big is beautiful

There is hope yet for those with ever-expanding waistlines

LARGE 'N' LOVELY Revolution takes pride in stocking clothes that fit all sizes

If you have been despairing at all those classy and stylish blouses cut not to your size but that of Barbie's, here's some good news. There are actually places that sell outfits that are not just for teens and those continuously monitoring the scales but for the "real" women. One such is Revolution takes pride in stocking clothes that fit all sizes.

Sizes ranging from medium to five sizes in extra large are the speciality of the store in Eva Mall, Brigade Road. Here, you can thus pick up clothes that fit anything from a 28-inch waist to a 44-inch one. The place is home to casual, formal as well as party wear. These outfits are tastefully done, ensuring that the designs are not too loud. They are stylish with some tasteful embroidery to perk up the fabric. Even the party wear is fairly toned down to lend a sober feel. "We target the 25-plus age group. Our outfits are not an apology for the older woman or the large-sized woman, but an acknowledgement that differences exist, with the underlying truth being that all women like to look good and be complimented," says Nisha Somia, Director, Revolutions Clothing.

Being large-sized herself, she "understood the difficulties in procuring dresses that fit large sizes. Any party or an important occasion would leave me troubled earlier as I would have nothing exciting to wear or pick from regular outlets." This constant hunt for her size and continuous disappointment in not finding one prompted her to come out with clothes for bigger women.

For Indian frame

The sizes are not just large, but are shaped to suit the unique Indian frame. "The typical Indian woman is narrow at the waist and heavy at the bottom." She recalls how "we had to literally put up a fight with the master tailors to accommodate this unique shape" as most of them were expert tailors trained to cater to the foreign market.

In cases where the waist is too narrow and the size disproportionate to accommodate proper structuring, elastic or drawstring is used. "The fabric used is stretchable, allowing comfort and freedom of movement." For extreme cases, you have the "magic pants" which stretches all over, ensuring maximum free movement and comfort.

Though trendy designs occupy the pride of place and the outlet caters to western wear, Nisha believes in drawing the line in certain areas. "Our trousers do not sport the dangerously low hips that teenagers wear. The hips are low but do not venture below the navel." Nisha claims that some customers literally leave the shop in tears relief as they now have a place to pick up attractive pieces that actually fit them.

Pranay Somia, Joint Director, wastes no time in picking the suggestion book to reveal the endless comments of relieved and grateful customers. Her customers, she says, are mainly professionals, forming close to 80 per cent of the clientele. She has outlets in Delhi and Mumbai too.

Surprisingly, in spite of the exclusive nature, her outfits are affordable. Her casual shirts range anywhere between Rs. 299 to Rs. 999 depending on the extent and nature of work on the fabric. While her formal wear ranges between Rs. 799 to Rs. 1,299, party wear, depending on how exclusive the work and fabric is, goes up to Rs. 3,000.

Revolution can be contacted on 30922297/8 or 51531169.

Nandhini Sundar

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