Sure, we could (and do) talk endlessly about the clothes we love, but for our column Line Item, we ask some of our favorite designers to tell us what they think about the best pieces from their newest collections. Today, Irene Agbontaen of Taller Than Your Average tells us about their signature length Maxi Skirt which is available for sale at online and at Selfridges in London.
Being 5'11" I've always struggled to find clothes that fit. As a fashion stylist in London I'm always on the go, so a lot of the times I want to throw on something pretty light, clean cut and well fitted, but the fit always became an issue. Long sleeve tops always stopped just above the wrists, leggings stopped way above the ankles and maxi skirts were like midi length skirts on me. I'd spend time altering my outfits so that they fit well and I wouldn't look odd. I was forced to roll up my sleeves or wear boots over leggings to hide the fact that it just wasn't long enough! (#tallgirlproblems) I remember one time on a trip to Vietnam, on a hot and humid night my girlfriend and I were out having dinner. I had on a maxi skirt, which was a midi skirt on me, and my ankles were eaten alive by mosquitos!!! Obviously my girlfriend left dinner completely fine as her maxi skirt was an actual maxi skirt on her, so she was completely covered! That swinging above the ankle "maxi skirt" is such a bad look!
Working with models everyday, some of the tallest girls around, I saw that they also shared the same problems as me. I was lucky enough to have access to tall girls of different shapes and sizes. We had focus groups—which included wine and a lot of talk about finding tall men lol, but it also let me connect directly with the consumer and really ask them what their wardrobes needed. Since we were all unable to find that perfect fit, I decided just to make my own line. Taller Than Your Average offers well-fitted jersey basics and wardrobe essentials to the taller women. It's amazing how a well fitted garment can change your posture and how you feel about yourself. Finally, good riddance to wrist grazers and no more ankle swingers girls!!
