I feel like I need to preface this with saying I’m not out to get every store that doesn’t cater to plus-sized fashion. I get that not every fashion institute would feel secure in their design talents to create stunning wear for 14+ figures. I also get that many designers and marketers are more comfortable believing people over 14+ simply don’t exist in the fashion world.
Through some email marketing efforts directed at me and my blog today, I was enlightened to la Vie en Rose’s unfortunate choice of wording within their elevator pitch: “La Vie en Rose is the leading Canadian specialty lingerie retailer. The brand caters to all women aged 25-45 delivering exceptional lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear collections while staying true to the company motto. La Vie en Rose offers an array of well-fitted bras and specialty lingerie selections designed for every silhouette, every look, and every woman.”
At first I rolled my eyes and just assumed that the affiliate account representative emailing me had made this bit of flare herself, and replied back with, “I was at the understanding that la Vie en Rose did not sell plus-sized wear. If they do, please let me know as I would love to discuss this with my readers! If its not the case though, this statement isn’t exactly accurate -> ‘designed for every silhouette, every look, and every woman.'”; and I was okay at leaving the issue right there. But one thing that has been my downfall on more than one occasion is the fact that I need to know. I need to check out facts (which is why I probably should have gone into journalism instead of website design for college, lol,) so I went online and googled, “la vie en rose designed for every silhouette, every look, and every woman.” And guess what, that tag line is everywhere, including on their site.
So does en Vie la Rose design for every silhouette, every look and every woman?
Sorry to disappoint you…
As much as I was hoping that en Vie la Rose had changed their business model to truly design for every woman (and explaining why Geek with Style might be interested in becoming an ad affiliate,) their largest size is still only X-Large/14.
So either they’re marketing falsely, or in their eyes, I can’t be defined as a woman.
12 Comments
pretty insulting huh? every woman? not even close
Wow. Only up to 14? I know many women over 18, and they are beautiful women, who want to feel sexy in lingerie. Buying lingerie for plus sized girls always seems to be hard. Although I know it is getting a little easier with specialty shops. But why do we need specialty shops, why can’t you buy lingerie at these regular shops?
GRRR one of the stores that makes me mad! Even though they say they cater to these sizes (I’m a 6 on the bottom and unfortunately a 14 on the top), not one of their bras would fit me! A 14 doesn’t apply to any cup size over a D (I’m a 34DD) and even their band sizes are super small. They do offer a DD size cup but I’m telling you they don’t follow the regular sizing format that most other stores do – I couldn’t even get my DD into their DD cup size.
I WISH all stores had the same sizing format – shopping can be a nightmare!
Yep, and I’m surprised they don’t have extra small. 34-27-37 is not THAT small! In fact, it borders medium for women my height (just a smidge under 5’2″ – I usually tell people I’m 5’2″).
It IS frustrating. I’m petite and only 5’1 but have a large chest, so it’s difficult to shop at these sorts of stores. Winners is great for petite, “regular” AND plus sized lingerie.
Eek! How blatantly wrong! Language and how we talk about women and women’s bodies is SO important and it’s always hugely disappointing to see companies create advertising without the mindfulness for language. I am glad you complained and, perhaps, the company will see this post and it will move towards change!
Did you get a response? Thank you for being outspoken about the truth, and inspiring me to be confident to do the same.
I actually did Victoria, but it didn’t really address the concerns I made. :/ I decided to not add it to this post, ’cause it felt like beating a dead horse, lol. But they did see the reaction, even if they couldn’t respond candidly. 🙂 I’m really glad that we can mutually inspire each other to be confident! *hugs*
I maintain some degree of faith that behind every lukewarm, superficial reply I get from customer service reps, is a empathetic, genuine human being, taking up my cause for me behind the scenes.
Yeah I discovered many years ago that every woman meant bupkis
That’s ridiculous! Why stop at 14 leaving out many curvy women who would otherwise flock to their store?
I hate going into these stores where I look at an XL and it wouldn’t even come close to fitting me… if that is extra large, what in the world am I???? Thanks for doing what you do!