The New Plus-Size Retailer You Need To Know

Minimalist fashion can be polarizing: Some are drawn to the sleek style like a Kardashian to a camera, while others see the lack of flair as a snooze-fest. Call it bedazzlement burnout, but lately we've been craving the easy, clean chicness of tailored minimalism. And, while that's fairly easy to find when you're a size zero to 12, where's a size 14+ woman to go when she's weary of skin-tight sheaths and over-embellishment? Easy: to Mei Smith.

Launched by Ayanna Wu Celestin just over a month ago, Mei Smith carries clean-lined styles in sizes 12 to 24. Stocked with designers who typically don't offer plus, like Shaina Mote and Hackwith Design House, and expertly curated picks from Danish favorite Carmakoma, the contemporary site fills an obvious hole in the plus market. While the price point may be steep to some — items range from $62 to $364 — there are plenty of worthy wardrobe investments in the bunch.

We sat down with Celestin to learn more about her love of minimalism, what she thinks of the controversial label “plus size,” and why every woman deserves well-made clothes.