Image: UKPress
Gemma Collins, 32, is pretty much unstoppable. Not content with being the most outspoken lady in TOWIE, Gemma has followed in the footsteps so her fellow castmates and opened a clothing boutique to house her own clothing line for bigger girls.
Gemma has also been honoured with a nomination for Best Designer at the British Plus Size Awards - something she is over the moon about.
We called her to have a chat about it all…
Have you launching the shop.
I’ve always had the idea for doing clothes but it took time to find the right premises. It’s been really exciting and now I can just get on with doing it for the bigger girls. I used to find it a real struggle to find anything to wear and I’d always find that I’d have to wear black but now I can show the girls that they don’t have to wear black, they can come to my shop and try on loads of colour and patterns, and be a sexy goddess!
How much have you been involved in the process?
Oh, right from the very start. I’ve always wanted to do it, I just had to do it right. I do like the high-street but the problem is you have all these slim girls designing clothes for bigger ladies and they just make normal clothes in bigger sizes, which isn’t the answer. Larger girls need better support and a bit of sleeve. That’s why they should come to me.
What’s your favourite item?
Nothing sells better than anything else and I don’t have a favourite – I love all of it. Everyone wants different things.
Do you try and design items based on feedback or do you just design what you want?
A mixture. You know, I have girls coming up to me and my mum in the supermarket saying “Gemma, you’ve done it for us. You’ve changed our lives” and they tweet me about it too. It’s a good feeling.
Which celebrities would you love to see wearing your designs?
You know what? I’m not bothered about the celebs wearing it. I’ve made clothes for real women, real girls. They’re the ones my range is all about. I want them to come to Gemma’s Boutique and enjoy shopping again.
Would you ever cross into menswear and create clothes for men, say for Arg or boyfriend Rami?
No, no. I wouldn’t do it, I know women and I know how to dress women so that’s why I’ll just stick to what I know. As for Rami, we’re just good friends and he’s been very supportive. I’m just grateful for the support.
You’ve been nominated for the Best Designer at the British Plus-sized Awards, what will you do if you win?
Oh my god, I am so chuffed and excited about it. If I win, I will just cry because it’s what I’m all about. I’m just trying to do it for the bigger girls – I’m so happy about it.
You can buy Gemma’s range at gemmacollinsofficial.com
Filed under: Celeb Tagged: British Plus Size Awards, clothes, designs, dress, gemma collins, Gemma Collins Boutique, shop, TOWIE
