River Island to launch first plus-size collection

British high street retailer River Island is set to launch a new range next spring, named: RI Plus. Unlike its current collection however, this new range is specifically designed to cater to plus-size consumers. "We're excited about giving great fashion to more women, we feel this is the right time for the brand to expand our size range offering," said River Island marketing director Josie Roscop to Vogue UK. "Ultimately, it's about fashion and being inclusive."

The new collection, which is slated to hit stores next March, is said to be based on 75 of River Island's most popular items from it's regular collection. Consisting of both fashion core pieces as well as work wear items and party weak, the collection will be available in selected stores as well as online. Retail prices for the collection are said to range between 6 pounds and 80 pounds.

To help spread the word on their new collection, River Island has tapped leading plus-size model Candice Huffine as the face of its début plus-size range. "The fact that River Island is extending their sizing while staying true to their brand is perfection," added Huffine. "It's clear that they have thought about a curvy woman's body and designed accordingly, while giving her exactly what can be found on the high street at any other size. A plus-size collection doesn't need to be made totally different, it just needs to be made to fit."