WORDS BY CRIBBS AND MAGGIE ZHOU
No shortage of colour.
For most straight-sized people, walking into a store and finding clothing they like in sizes that fit them is an expectation of the shopping experience. For people who fall outside of this rigid structure, in-person shopping can be stressful and alienating.
Proud Maori and Samoan woman Cribbs, whose style favours intricate shapes, eye-catching patterns and vibrant colours, was driven to provide an antidote to this narrative. The Sydney-based cohost of the Two Brownish Girls podcast, alongside her friend Tess Royale, launched Radically Soft at the start of 2023.
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A first for Sydney, Radically Soft is an in-person plus-size market for preloved and new clothes. As someone who spends a lot of her time thinking about clothes (particularly those that tread lighter on the environment), Cribbs has an impressive running list of size-inclusive and fun fashion labels she swears by. Here, she shares her eight favourites.
We Are Golden Hour
I recently picked up my first We Are Golden Hour set, [a] shirt and pants, at our [second] Radically Soft market and I’m truly obsessed. They are so comfy and roomy, while also being extra loud and bright. We Are Golden Hour has a range of statement pieces such as the Izzy, which is this beautiful green satin wrap skirt that’s versatile and can be styled in so many ways. Totally up my alley.
Dyspnea
Dyspnea is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. They have such beautiful garments that include corsets, bodycon dresses and halter neck tops that are entirely hand-beaded. I love that any size can be made to order to reduce wastage and be as inclusive as possible. From pastel pinks to sultry noires, it’s so perfect for any occasion!
Golden the Label
Back to my prints, I’m in love with [Golden the Label’s] Zanzibar linen set. Their linen feels so luxurious! If there’s one thing about me, I love a lounge[wear] feel in what I wear and always prioritise my comfort. Golden the Label also goes up to a size 32 and is bringing out a capsule range, which is so rare for the plus-size baddies! Not to mention their candy pink overalls – such a cute addition to the wardrobe.
Snake Palace
Snake Palace is my latest find, and I love that it’s a small collection of sustainable pieces made by the owner Alice in their home in Adelaide. I love that they’ve carefully thought about their impact on the planet, and have gone above and beyond to ensure their brand has zero wastage, no plastic package and carbon-neutral shipping to customers. My current fave is their Wilma collection. With block colours on each side, it feels like a big checkerboard and I’m obsessed!
Hone the Label
I adore a good staple dress, [which means] Hone the Label is on my radar. They prioritise sustainability and slow fashion and their Kellah midi dress in the colour pistachio has been at the top of my wishlist for a hot minute. Their garments are so beautifully made; I was speechless when I saw a close friend wearing one of them!
Nala
Nala is a beautiful, affordable and ethical bra and underwear brand that prioritises comfort and sustainability. The comfy mesh feels so luxe and makes me feel sexy!
Warmcore Clothing
Warmcore prides itself on having soft, non-gendered clothing [that’s] made to order. Keyword [here is] soft. A mix of solid block colours and emoticon [pieces are] made [in] the kitchen of a home in Melbourne. The Dylan top is my favourite, which is a singlet that I’ve probably worn too many times, but not enough for me to take it off.
Patience Made
I’ve saved the best for last. I recently went to shoot for Patience Made and Lucy the owner is SO passionate about what she is bringing out. I could feel and see it in the garments she has made! Patience Made has these beautiful size-inclusive robes with bright colours and loud prints that can be worn indoors at home or to go out in!
They are functional, fun, roomy, such high quality and they feel so soft on my skin! The thing I love the most is that the sizing chart is based on measurements and not on numbers or letters. Especially in a world where there is no universal sizing standard, Lucy uses words like ‘midnight’ and ‘aurora’ as the size names.
To learn more about Radically Soft, head here.
