Photo: Courtesy of Sizepico
Beirut-based label Sizepico follows a simple, yet somehow still rare goal in the realm of fashion: to ensure that everyone in the region has a safe space to shop at regardless of size. Strong ethics and ideals are, of course, an integral part of the brand that strives to make people feel comfortable in their skin, offering up on-trend pieces ranging from 2XL to 5XL. What’s more, Sizepico is also taking things a notch further by committing to sustainability and zero waste production.
Vogue Arabia conversed with Rita Lamah, co-founder of Sizepico and renowned Lebanese stylist, to discover more about the brand.
Photo: Courtesy of Size Pico
How did you venture into the fashion industry?
We are a team of three people: a graphic designer, a marketing specialist, and a designer. We’ve technically been working in fashion for years now. Given that the fashion market is saturated with brands, we believe that the world doesn’t need another fashion label that lacks soul and a clear, powerful, or vivid identity. This is where Sizepico saw the light.
What inspired you to design for plus-sized people in a market where very few are doing so?
I believe we’re the first to launch an exclusively plus-size fashion label in the region. Other brands’ items might go up to 3XL tops, or you could find brands that offer oversized items that are generally accepted on slim bodies in terms of fit. Some other fashion names might offer a limited collection of plus size items that are often found in a classic style, upstairs in a store, or in some corner. This causes a huge struggle to find clothes for plus-sized people. It has also been the personal experience of our cofounder, George, who is size 48, as he used to have fit, style, and availability issues. The brands in the region do not take into account the multiple body types when designing their clothing line, which makes this particular chunk of society feel left out.
Photo: Courtesy of Size Pico
Can you walk us through the process of creating for Sizepico? What are the most important elements?
Comfort, style, inclusivity, and sustainability are the core elements of Sizepico. When it comes to plus size designs, we have the know-how, since plus size fashion design needs specific requirements in terms of patternmaking, grading, choice of textile, and styling. Proportions are carefully considered in order to accommodate a larger body.
How would you describe the brand identity of Sizepico?
A big, bold urban brand that is all about stepping up for all the men and women who are bound by whatever clothing is available for them, never able to express their true selves through fashion. We put care into designs and structures while choosing the right fabrics so that the garments stand out and fit well.
Photo: Courtesy of Size Pico
Who is the ideal Sizepico customer?
We believe that our customers create our Sizepico Community #SizepiCommunity. They are fashionable people who love to go that extra mile when it comes to physical appearance; they are self-confident and body-positive, despite the stigma they have been subjected to.
How important is sustainability for Sizepico? How does it come into play?
We are big advocates for sustainability in our daily lives. Each piece of Sizepico is ethically and responsibly created through our close partnerships with small factories in Beirut, while using deadstock fabric. Furthermore, leftover fabric from our main designs is used to accessorize and add value to the garment (like the Picocut and the Inky) to create stylish, edgy, and unique pieces.
Rita Lamah. Photo: Courtesy of Size Pico
Who inspires your work?
It is mainly inspired by the bold and fast-paced lifestyle of the Arab youth, their unmatched ambition, and their aspiration for change.
What does the future hold for you?
We are focused on creating capsule collections that cater to the plus-size community in the Arab region for now, breaking the cycle of frustration that comes with the shopping experience, and providing our customers with more plus-size clothing options. Sizepico is a click away, as our statement pieces are available online on our website Sizepico.com, and on our Instagram and Tiktok pages @sizepico. The collection will also soon be available in stores in Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
