One size doesn't fit all

For a long time, the fashion industry looked away from plus-size clothing. Not because curvy women aren’t interested in high fashion but because it wasn’t interested in them. This created an untapped market in the fashion industry, one that Patrick Herning knew he had to cater to.

He co-founded and is chief executive officer of 11 Honoré, a luxury online boutique focused on catering to women sizes 10 to 20. The company launched more than a year ago with a handful of designers behind it  — including Marchesa, Zac Posen and Brandon Maxwell — and today works with more than 80 brands such as Christopher Kane, Derek Lam and Adam Lippes. The site also expanded its products from gowns to outerwear, lingerie and swimwear.

“I think the size-inclusivity conversation is evolving,” he said. “I think the most important thing that changed was awareness. Awareness about us and awareness about the customer.”

He’s excited to see mainstream designers getting behind the movement. And they should. The Washington Post reported that 2016 sales of plus-size apparel has increased 6 percent to $21.4 billion compared to the overall women’s clothing market, which just grew 2 percent. Also, 80 percent of plus-size women would spend more on clothing if offered in their size.

Even stars are hitting the red carpet in 11 Honoré pieces. Most recently, Melissa McCarthy wore a star-studded purple dress by designer Reem Acra. 

Herning also has his eye on Palm Beach. A trunk show with exclusive styles from the website will be available at Irene Lummertz, in 150 Worth Ave. suite 214. There's a champagne reception at 2 p.m. today with the trunk show lasting through Thursday. Herning will be in town February for pop-up shops and to be honored at The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness’ ninth annual Valentine's Treats & Sweets event.

“So many people that struggle with binge-eating disorder are in larger-size bodies; and when you can't find clothes that fit you, it contributes to possible shame,” the organization’s founder Johanna Kandel said. “He started a company that created access to designer clothes and put it on an online portal, which is genius. We want to honor him for being a pioneer in the field.”

The online retail platform plans on more collaboration with designers and influencers on exclusive 11 Honoré collections and participating in New York Fashion Week in February. Herning's mantra: size-inclusivity is a movement and not a moment.

“The glass ceiling has been broken on this, we’re marching forward and we happen to be leading that march,” Herning said. “What I tell brands is ‘Look you either do it now or you do it later, but you will do it. So really, the timing is up to you and we'll always be here to be a supportive partner when you're ready’.”

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