About the design cooperation
Arched Eyebrow launches the collection she always wanted as a plus size fashionista. The range is the first from a UK plus size blogger and is exclusive to navabi.
When I designed this collection I wanted it to be a wardrobe of really luxurious everyday pieces which can be carried over into the evening. I thought carefully about fabric and style, and hope I've put together a collection of clothes you'll love wearing and find easy to style.
Meet the influencer
Name, Job Bethany Rutter, social editor at navabiCareer path / highlights I’ve been blogging since 2011 and had a career as a journalist before being offered the job at navabi. In the time since I started my blog, some highlights have been appearing in a national ad campaign for a plus size brand, having my blog featured in the New York Times, writing fashion features for national magazines and most of all, getting this job!
If I would be a piece of clothing, I would be ... A really great coat. I can’t get enough of outerwear.
What are you working on at the moment that's really inspiring you? ’ve really enjoyed running the navabi Blog Awards! It’s been so good to feel the love for all the plus size bloggers nominated.
Who would you most like to work with and why? Beth Ditto! She’s been my guiding light for so many years, she’s given me so much and I would just love to talk to her for my podcast.
What do you associate with the term plus size? It’s my identity! It’s a label I’ve based so much of my career around and I love it.
How would you describe your style? A bit rough around the edges and generally quite casual but always finished with perfect makeup.
If there was one thing you could change about the fashion industry what would it be? I think there’s still a lack of choice. I don’t think the plus size world has really, fully got on board with the idea that we should have the same kind of variety as thin women have.
How would your friends describe you? Charming, assertive, affectionate, strong-willed. I think, anyway.
Advice you would give your younger self? If you learn the Arabic alphabet in the first week of class you’ll be able to keep up, but you won’t, so don’t sweat it.
How would you describe your collection? Everything is done in solid colours and I’ve tried to keep details structural rather than fussy.
What is the look and feel of the collection? Weil sie genau das sind, was ich gerne tragen möchte und bisher nie gefunden hatte.
Why did you design the pieces you did? Because they’re what I want to wear and haven’t been able to!
What are your favorite brands? Manon Baptiste - it’s where I’ve got all my most chic summer stuff from this year.
What is your favorite trend? Off-the-shoulder tops! So flirty.
About the collection
Orange felt coat
For me, the key features of this coat are the tie waist belt and the large front pockets. I always like to belt things at the waist, and I need to have pockets big enough for my extra large phone, so this is very important to me. I went for a rust colour because it felt suitably wintery without being too gloomy. I love the thickness of the felt fabric and I keep getting compliments on the amazing dual coloured lining.
For me, the key features of this coat are the tie waist belt and the large front pockets. I always like to belt things at the waist, and I need to have pockets big enough for my extra large phone, so this is very important to me. I went for a rust colour because it felt suitably wintery without being too gloomy. I love the thickness of the felt fabric and I keep getting compliments on the amazing dual coloured lining.
Pink faux fur collar coat
In every collection I’ve designed, there has been a pink and red coat or jacket. This collection is no different, but I’ve made the amazing clashing colours even more avert with this huge red faux fur collar. The faux fur itself is incredibly soft and luscious, while the body is a great mid-weight wool-blend with a lining.
In every collection I’ve designed, there has been a pink and red coat or jacket. This collection is no different, but I’ve made the amazing clashing colours even more avert with this huge red faux fur collar. The faux fur itself is incredibly soft and luscious, while the body is a great mid-weight wool-blend with a lining.
Belted jumper
I often find it hard to get the perfect knitwear, so I thought I would design something to my own specifications. That means a waist belt and a slightly higher neckline. But, I know not everyone loves to belt as much as I do, so it’s optional and detachable. The thick wool-blend knit will keep you warm but isn’t so chunky that you’ll overheat. Now the only question is: navy or mustard?
I often find it hard to get the perfect knitwear, so I thought I would design something to my own specifications. That means a waist belt and a slightly higher neckline. But, I know not everyone loves to belt as much as I do, so it’s optional and detachable. The thick wool-blend knit will keep you warm but isn’t so chunky that you’ll overheat. Now the only question is: navy or mustard?
Cropped lilac jumper
I love the slightly fuzzy texture of this cropped lilac jumper, as well as the intricate intarsia weaving down the front. While the other knits in this collection were designed to be worn with trousers, I envisaged this worn tucked into a skirt – maybe even the PVC skirt from this collection.
I love the slightly fuzzy texture of this cropped lilac jumper, as well as the intricate intarsia weaving down the front. While the other knits in this collection were designed to be worn with trousers, I envisaged this worn tucked into a skirt – maybe even the PVC skirt from this collection.
A-line PVC skirt
We worked very hard to get the right fabric for this skirt, as I had such a clear vision of how I wanted it to be. I knew I wanted it to be thick and have a shine effect, but also fall effortlessly on the body. It has a deep waist band, follows an A-line silhouette, has handy pockets on each side and in my opinion, is the perfect midi length, making it a skirt you will come back to again and again.
We worked very hard to get the right fabric for this skirt, as I had such a clear vision of how I wanted it to be. I knew I wanted it to be thick and have a shine effect, but also fall effortlessly on the body. It has a deep waist band, follows an A-line silhouette, has handy pockets on each side and in my opinion, is the perfect midi length, making it a skirt you will come back to again and again.
Wrap dress
Every wardrobe needs the kind of dress that will make you feel comfortable in a job interview, but you could wear on a first date too. The tie waist makes it adjustable, so that it suits many body types, and it finishes just below the knee. A chic must-have you will not regret investing in.
Every wardrobe needs the kind of dress that will make you feel comfortable in a job interview, but you could wear on a first date too. The tie waist makes it adjustable, so that it suits many body types, and it finishes just below the knee. A chic must-have you will not regret investing in.
Jumpsuit
Navy is hands down my favourite neutral shade: I think it looks amazing with gold, and that is why I made the buttons and hardware on this jumpsuit gold-toned. This is a super sleek eveningwear piece to mix into your usual wardrobe of dresses.
Navy is hands down my favourite neutral shade: I think it looks amazing with gold, and that is why I made the buttons and hardware on this jumpsuit gold-toned. This is a super sleek eveningwear piece to mix into your usual wardrobe of dresses.
Leopard print dress
I had originally conceived this as a shirt dress, but knew that those are often difficult for anyone with a bigger bust. I figured it if I made it an O-shape and got rid of the buttons, then it would work for more people. By adding an optional obi belt, it means you can wear it belted or loose, for a more casual look.
I had originally conceived this as a shirt dress, but knew that those are often difficult for anyone with a bigger bust. I figured it if I made it an O-shape and got rid of the buttons, then it would work for more people. By adding an optional obi belt, it means you can wear it belted or loose, for a more casual look.
Leopard print top
I can’t get enough of leopard print so I wanted to use this fabric for more than one piece. The wrap shape gives definition and the tiny, almost invisible button along the collar, means that you can be selective about how much cleavage you show.
I can’t get enough of leopard print so I wanted to use this fabric for more than one piece. The wrap shape gives definition and the tiny, almost invisible button along the collar, means that you can be selective about how much cleavage you show.
Checked print trousers
These wool-blend trousers are the perfect blend between formal and casual. The slimline shape is elegant, but with room in the hips to accommodate different body types. The gold ring on the belt is perfectly harmonious with the navy of the trousers.
These wool-blend trousers are the perfect blend between formal and casual. The slimline shape is elegant, but with room in the hips to accommodate different body types. The gold ring on the belt is perfectly harmonious with the navy of the trousers.
High waist black trousers
These trousers are such a good, sneaky little piece: they look smart but they're made of soft jersey so they feel like a dream to wear. The waist belt means you can tuck things in and expose the gold hardware, and I wouldn't design a pair of trousers without functional pockets.
These trousers are such a good, sneaky little piece: they look smart but they're made of soft jersey so they feel like a dream to wear. The waist belt means you can tuck things in and expose the gold hardware, and I wouldn't design a pair of trousers without functional pockets.