When it comes to full-figured fashions, designer Abby Z. figured it out long   ago.

“Women of all shapes and sizes want to feel hot and look smokin’ hot,” she   says. “Women want to be fashionable no matter their size. They want the clothes   all the other girls are wearing. But they want them to fit.”

While her clothing sizes range from 2 to 24, Abby Z., whose real name is Abby   Zeichner, has established herself as a designer for curvaceous women. The niche   market found her, she says.

“I was always invited to dress celebrities and the music world with my   younger lines,” says Zeichner, who wears a size 16. “I would always get asked by   women size 10 and over, “Where did you get that?” Then celebrities like Emme,  Camryn Manheim, Angie Stone and Wynonna Judd started reaching out to me. They   wanted to wear a cool pair of jeans with no elastic waist bands.”

She describes her designs as contemporary and fashionable. “I create stylish   clothes that fit. People have had big booties forever. They’re curvy. Marilyn   Monroe was curvy. I try not to make it about being a bigger person, but being   curvy. I focus on the fit of my clothes; that’s the most important thing. I want   all women to be able to wear my clothes.”

The New York-based designer’s spring/summer   collection is available online at HSN.

Here, she shares her thoughts on the full-size fashion market and how to be   stylish at any size.

Q: What sets you apart from other plus-size designers?

A: The plus-size market overall needs so much love. I try to create   clothes that fit well and look good. I put necklaces on my shirts, detachable   camisoles under the blouses. I try to finish women with my pieces. And my   clothes are made to fit.

Q: Are mainstream designers finally starting to pay attention to the   plus-size market?

A: Each individual company understands it’s a necessity. I feel like   I could sit down with each company and consult with them. You understand you   need to start something new, but where do you start? They’re really trying and   there seems to be a movement toward change, but mostly in the teen   (department).

Q: Obesity is such a serious problem in the United States. Does   making larger size clothes help or hurt?

A: If you talk to the kids, they aren’t as body conscious as   we were. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, we were much more body conscious. Kids are   getting bigger because they’re sitting in front of the computer more and not   exercising. But still, you want to be able to offer everyone pretty fashions and   colors and styles that are going to make them feel and look good.

Q: What’s your best design for curvy girls?

A: My “sit down jeans,” jeans with a waistband cut on the   bias that curves with your lower back. Say goodbye to exposed intimates and   lower backs. I also love the “Airplane Duster,” a sweater wrap that can be worn   seven different ways.

Q: Can you offer some tips for dressing fashionably when you’re   plus-sized?

A: Wear a V-neck. A V-neck is always better than a crew neck   if you’re bigger on the top; it shows your bone and neckline versus covering you   up. A crossover top is also very flattering on women in general. And wear a lot   of color. Color will liven you up.

And always wear the appropriate size. Don’t wear bigger sizes; it only makes   you look bigger.

Always focus on what’s good about yourself, not the negative.

Reporter Cloe Cabrera is a staff writer with Media General News Service in Tampa, Florida