Hello Vansters!

I hope you’re all doing well. I have been asked by various readers to document my days with ASOS as their FIT model for their CURVE brand. So we’ll skip last week’s because it was all a bit of a blur – an exciting one, but still a blur!

Yesterday I was introduced to more members of the team but the most consistent member I’m working with is Jennifer who is the Senior Garment Tech for the range and she is a fabulous lady to work with. I instantly warmed to her as a person, her passion for the brand and her desire to give full figured women fantastic well made clothes to wear. She’s a breath of fresh air!

So back to the fitting:

My time at ASOS consists of trying on new designs and making sure they fit ASOS specifications in look, functionality, sizing and finish. Each process has a ‘seal’ attached. There are red seals, green seals and gold seals. When it gets to gold seal the garment is ready for release. I’m asked what I think of the clothes in style and functionality – so hopefully they can get to gold seal.

There are various design companies who provide clothes as well as in-house designers. During the red and green seal stages clothes can be changed if they don’t fit or the look needs to be altered. Even down to which zip should be used. Of course various things need to be taken into account such as costing. For instance, if a garment needs a hook and eye fastener at the top of a zip dress the item needs the cost recalculated so it’s important for the team to make sure these things are taken into consideration. Ultimately though it’s their job to make sure the garment will be easy to put on and is made well for the customer.

The looks vary but for summer I can hint there will be some beautiful prints on garments that really are divine to behold. Themes/styles range from Aztec / Greek inspired as well as easy to wear beach dresses which flow beautifully.

Black basics are also in the mix and range from evening dresses, bomber jackets, easy-to-wear all-in-one flowing pant jumpsuits.

Of course as well there are t-shirts and maxi-dresses – fun, easy to wear and look great.

Of all the garments I tried on from the rail I’d say I’d wear 90% of it. There were a few things I wouldn’t wear but I know some people would. And let’s face it – ASOS try and have diversity.

It’s interesting to note that it is so much harder fitting for the 20+ figure because we are all so diverse. Bust size seems to be the most difficult to get ‘just right’– this is where designer engineering comes in. Two cm off here or there – a different neck line and boom – it fits almost all busts!

For the business woman there are some well tailored dress and jacket combos. I think when they come out you could buy them separately but they do look awesome together. There was one combo that really does look the bomb when both items are worn. The jacket really brought out the detail of the dress. It was dynamic and said to me, ‘Here I am with my curves. I’m the boss – let’s do business. HA!

I think from my first two sessions with ASOS I’m really appreciated the process and indeed the costing of garments. It takes a lot of work for the designers, garment techs and buyers to get things just right.

Two things you will need this summer though girls are a multi-way bra (that has the option of being strapless) and a closet savings account (LOL – honestly start saving or put ASOS clothes on your wish list).

Expect more one shoulder or cross back garments coming from ASOS. They are fun and often as plus-size women we tend to shun them a bit because they do require more fore-thought in the underwear department. But don’t let that put you off. ASOS Curve is bringing it on in terms of daring! I’m going to make it my mission to find a good multi-way bra and buy it in a few colours if I can.

I will let you know when any of the styles I’ve had a hand in are up on the site. I think they have a two/three week turn around so some of the garments I’ve tried and tested should be up on their site soon.

To see the current line for ASOS Curve click here.

V x