What was the catalyst for you in starting Clique to Know?
“I started Clique To Know because I have lots of friends and family that are size 10 and up, and I wanted to create a destination where they could find their favorite brands in their sizes. I find it incredible that despite the fact that the average U.S. woman is a size 14, it is still much more difficult to find great designer labels in these larger sizes. I want Clique to Know to be the first place curvy women head to shop online because they will be able to find their size in the brands they love. This will be an online shopping destination for curvy women who have money to spend, but have a hard time finding these coveted sizes in their favorite fashion brands.
How have your backgrounds in fashion helped to prepare you for this venture?
“We have both worked in different areas of the fashion industry (I worked in public relations and marketing and Patricia in fashion production), and are very aware that there are discrepancies between what the fashion world offers (in terms of sizing) and what the reality is. Women are all shapes and sizes, and should be able to find their size in the brands they love."
What do you think is lacking in plus-size fashion, and how does Clique to Know respond to those needs?
“I think that there is still not nearly enough selection for women looking for great designer labels in larger sizes. There is a hesitance in the fashion world to cater to larger sizes, and we hope that once Clique to Know is established, our success, image, and reputation will help to encourage brands to increase their size offerings.”
How did you establish the brand and identity for the site?
“We have worked closely with an international creative agency, VIEW Creative [with clients like Aquascutum, Pringle of Scotland, The Savoy, and more luxury brands in their portfolio], to develop the look and feel for the website. The Clique to Know brand image and identity has been developed with the high-spend consumer in mind. Production and styling values are high, to ensure quality of images and art direction. The contemporary editorial feel has a classy-but-discreet look, which allows a brand’s image to shine through and the product to look great.”
What can customers look forward to from Clique to Know?
“Members can look forward to an excellent offering of fashion brands! We hope that as the site builds its success, we will change perceptions in the industry and encourage more brands to expand their size ranges.”