Size-Inclusive Fashion Startup 11 Honore is Here to Change the Game

From Christian Siriano, to Prabal Gurung and Michael Kors —  who all sent plus-size models down their runways last season — most of the fashion industry is finally catching on to the fact that the plus-size movement is at a practical tipping point. But it’s one thing to see that gorgeous dress on the runway, and a completely different thing to be able to buy it, let alone in a size higher than eight, at a beautifully curated destination online.

Enter 11 Honore, the fashion startup offering ready-to-wear pieces sized 10 to 20 by designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen, Brandon Maxwell, Tome, Badgley Mischka, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung and more.

When co-founders of 11 Honore, Patrick Herning, a former HL Group executive, and Kathryn Retzer, a former Vogue editor, decided to combine their four decades of fashion industry experience, they wanted to create something meaningful. And disruptive. And they did just that by betting on inclusivity and launching an e-commerce that offers plus-size women the same elevated fashion shopping experience their size zero counterparts get everywhere else. Not only does 11 Honoré offer larger sizes of the same designer pieces available at traditional high-end department stores, but they are committed to price consistency, despite the fact that producing plus-size garments can often cost more than smaller-sized items.   That in itself is a game-changer.

Patrick Herning was in Chicago to present 11 Honore, and we chatted about fashion inclusivity, the Chicago customer, how the brand sources garments, and why 11 Honore is the Net-a-Porter of plus-size fashion.