UK businesses on a mission to prove that big is beautiful

Two UK entrepreneurs are on a crusade to prove that big is beautiful when it comes to women's fashion and body shapes.

John Wesdorp and Jemma Smart both own businesses catering to larger ladies: John's dating site, Dating BBW (Big, Beautiful Women) is aimed at women dress size 16 and over, while Jemma runs Big Girls' Wardrobe, a fashion empire for plus size females.

Now the couple (who plan to marry next year) are issuing a challenge to the UK fashion industry – get real, or get out!

"The average woman in the UK is a size 16 or over," says Jemma, who quit her career as a buyer to start Big Girls Wardrobe, "and yet many high street stores just don't stock these sizes. Designer fashion is even worse, with clothes typically only produced in sizes 6 – 14.

"I started Big Girls Wardrobe out of sheer frustration when I found myself returning from high street shopping trips empty handed time and time again because so many stores just don't stock sizes for real women. I would love to see our UK designers and clothing manufactures start producing fashionable clothes for real women: it will be interesting to see if they can rise to the challenge!"

For partner John, formerly the managing director of an international recruitment firm, the issue is a serious one, which needs to be addressed urgently. "I think many people are tired of seeing female role models who are clearly underweight and unhealthy," he comments. "The fact is that big is also beautiful, and women should be encouraged to be proud of their fuller figures."

John's dating site does just that. A haven for curvier women, and the men who adore them, the site has grown rapidly since its launch and is now the largest of its kind in the UK, with tens of thousands of members.

"I think the popularity of Dating BBW is testament to the fact that although we're inundated with images of stick-thin celebrities, the reality for most women is completely different. Both Jemma and myself intend to continue to promote curvy women through our businesses: we would encourage other businesses to do the same."

Visit John and Jemma's businesses:
www.datingbbw.co.uk
www.biggirlswardrobe.com

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Issued by Hot Igloo Productions Ltd – http://www.hotigloo.co.uk .