Monif Clarke started her eponymous fashion line after growing frustrated with the lack of fashion selections for plus-sized women. Considering herself a “stylish woman,” Clarke and her mother, Elaine, founded Monif C. in 2005. “After a life-changing trip to London in 2004, I decided to take a leap of faith and start Monif C.,” Clarke offers.
Here, the designer shares why it’s important for women to celebrate their curves. –yvette caslin
Why do you feel compelled to share the message to celebrate your curves?
I share this message of celebrating curves because I am a plus-sized woman. I carry my size 20 body around every day and if there’s anyone who understands the need to not only love and accept myself but to combat all the negativity that people try to place on plus-size women, it’s me. How you dress says a lot about how you feel about yourself. If you walk into a room with a beautiful outfit on, you exude confidence and the right people are drawn to you.
What does confidence mean?
Confidence is a state of mind that isn’t about your body and I hope women understand that. Confidence comes from being centered and grounded in who you are as a person, and accepting your beauty just as you are. I also learned that rather than worrying about flaws, I accentuate my great qualities. Too many women are walking around saying I don’t like my knees or my arms or whatever. Stop looking at what you don’t like and love what you do like. Plus, the secret is the “flaws” are really the quirky things that make you, you. Love them!
How do your designs help women to embrace and flaunt their curviness and sex appeal?
When I design, I design for plus size women. I am inspired by beautiful plus size women that I see everyday so I make clothes for us. I don’t make clothing to hide, so that’s why when customers get a Monif C. dress they realize it’s about body-conscious, fashion-forward clothing and I believe that is really refreshing. All women want to look beautiful in their clothing, plus-sized women are no exception. They want to wear the same styles and fashion as their smaller-sized counterparts.
Is this a celebration of obesity? If not, how do you overcome this perception?
Monif C. first and foremost is about fashion. I always say I am about celebrating healthy living and part of that is loving yourself as you are. I don’t think anyone has the authority to tell someone else how to live their life, what size they should be or how they should dress. That is a personal decision. My line represents that women come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and that’s a great thing.
Why is it important for women to dress properly for their body type?
Dressing for your body type allows you to celebrate those things that you love about yourself. When you look your best, you feel your best. Every woman has attributes that they want to accentuate.
Where can our readers find your designs?
The Monif C. Plus Sizes collection can be purchased at www.monifc.com, our flagship Manhattan boutique located in the heart of NYC, in specialty boutiques worldwide and by calling 212.842.1641. For those traveling to NYC, our boutique is located at: 325 W. 38th St., Suite 207, New York.
