Michaela Meade
A market that offers plus size clothing that is ethically and environmentally conscious is coming to Werribee.
A Plus market creator Erin Cox has made the market the only regularly available market for plus sized women, and said it was born out of her own need.
“I wanted to shop for affordable, environmentally-friendly, and ethically-produced products,” Ms Cox said.
“I found it wasn’t available… so I made it.
“[There have] been on and off events for plus size of environmental focus… but we’re the only ones that run regularly and at this scale.”
Ms Cox said the response to the “bargains galore” market since it first ran in 2013 has been “overwhelming”.
“We had a lot of people really excited about it on our first day, and a lot of those people still come.
“People find the place to be a safe and accepting place to be… we attract other marginalised groups, such as LGBTQI+, which is excellent.
“There’s a really big sense of relief for people… they have the space to take up space.”
The market showcases “pre-loved” clothing, along with clothing from local designers.
Designer from BeKeane healthy and fit Brenda Keane said said she loves the A Plus market as it provides a great opportunity to broaden her customer base.
“The A Plus market provides an opportunity for people to look, feel and try to see how it feels and fits,” she said.
“It’s also an opportunity to let people know what we have, and [our] customers know we will be there, so it builds our community.”
Sole designer and maker of Simply Christene, Christene Zlatkovic said, “A Plus offers a place for me to come in contact with other curvy women and share my designs”.
“Erin and her lovely helpers have created a safe and inclusive environment for my clients to come and try different looks, experiment, have fun and build relationships with the people who are involved wholeheartedly and passionately with curvy design.
“Personally, markets enable me to perfect my design and craft.
“The feedback and input I get from my clients and seeing them in my clothing helps me improve and cater for what people want.”
The A Plus market will be in Werribee at the Italian Sports Club on Saturday, May 8.
