Huge congratulations on the award!
I still can’t believe it! I only started the Gemma Collins Collection 18 months ago because I was so fed up with not being able to find anything that I liked on the high street. I was also the only TOWIE star that never got sent any clothes and it really did upset me. I've had such a great reaction for the clothes from my customers, I'm thrilled.
Why do you think its been such a huge success so quickly?
I've worked hard on getting the fit and fabrics perfect, getting the right amount of stretch and using clever ruching techniques that pull you in, but still let your body move and feel comfortable. I also wanted it to be affordable, who wants to pay over £100 for an outfit? Most of the collection is around the £60-£70 mark.
What are your top tips for dressing a curvy frame?
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Stay away from waistbanded dresses, they are big no no, bin them burn them get them out of your life. Same goes for skater shape styles, it's the worse style out there, big girls should steer clear.
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Keep it sharp ladies avoid too busy layers and too heavy fabrics, Christmas time always seems to bring out all these netted style dresses, terrible! I don't want to look like a bridesmaid I want to be the bride!!!!
So what's your Christmas party style?
A bit of glitter and a good print is always a winner at Christmas, I’ve got some lovely sequin pieces in the collection for the party season, sequin panels down the front with matching cardies if you want to cover your arms. Loads of big girls tell me they wont wear a tight dress, but why not, flash a bit of shoulder, add some clever ruching and a knockout print and you'll look a million dollars.
http://www.gemmacollinsofficial.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=90&product_id=335
http://www.gemmacollinsofficial.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=97&product_id=345
Are you a believer in things like Spanx?
YES! I actually never leave the house not in them! Ive tested all the brands and can honestly say Spanx is the best, its the only brand ill stock in my shop, but M&S comes a good second.
The skirts are a bit pointless for big girls, there's not enough coverage, I only ever recommend the bandeaux style dress, because you can wear it over or under your boobs with your own bra and it comes to the knee which is great. I’ve washed mine a million and one times and its still tight on me now.
Truthfully its devastating the effect the wrong underwear can do to how big girls look, women come in the shop and its the first thing I get them to try on, the difference to how they look and feel is amazing. Every woman has their down days but if you have those Spanx on you can take on the world, literally!
Are you looking forward to 2014?
I'm in my thirties now and its the happiest time of my life, I know who I am, don’t mess with me, just let me get on and be creative. Ill turn up for work in my shop on a Saturday wearing my tight ruched dresses on and matching cardigan, people see me and say oh Gemma I would have never have worn that, I’m like try it, get out of your comfort zone.
Not everyone has got my confidence but that is what I hope my collection can give bigger girls. I’m always going to struggle with my weight its a battle everyday but you’ve got to accept who you are, I used to do every fad diet going for years, I just had to get to a point where I felt comfortable in myself. Its the best feeling ever.