Australian fashion label Witchery has copped a flurry of backlash after the brand removed a plus-size option as part of a “bold awakening” redesign.
Known for offering classy corporate wardrobe staples, the South Australian-born brand announced it would be getting a makeover as part of a new design direction.
The brand, owned by the Country Road Group, appointed a new head of design, Kirby Hanrahan, who has aimed to create a “cohesive, cool and considered” approach.
However, some people believe the brand has done the opposite, flooding Witchery’s Instagram with criticism following the re-brand launch on Tuesday.
Many social media users called out the brand for not offering size 20 or XXXL in the new clothing line, which it has previously catered for.
“I thought your lack of diversity was bad enough and now you’ve announced dropping size 20. Only offering up to a size 18 is so boring. Grow up Witchery,” fashion influencer Soph Lewis said.
“It’s genuinely so embarrassing to be proud that you’ve made your clothing less accessible for people,” another digital creator said.
“So you’ve ditched the size 20? It’s not a bold awakening if you cannot do the bare minimum for size inclusivity,” one user said.
Another user said: “I guess it is pretty bold to tell their size 20 customers to go F themselves.”
The new collection features dresses, coats, jackets, knitwear and pants and according to the website, each available item is only offered up to size 18.
Other fashion fans took aim at the brand for not including plus-size models in its new advertising.
“So where are your curvy models? I see you go to an 18, it would be good if your models showed that,” one user said.
Another said: “Do you have any models that aren’t wearing size 6?”
Witchery indirectly responded to the backlash by updating the caption in the redesign announcement on Instagram.
“We’ve done a lot of work to improve our sizes and fits, ensuring they are more true to size and consistent across our collections,” the brand said.
“From size 10 and up, our sizing has become more generous, so if you were a size 20 with Witchery before, we welcome you to try an 18 instead.”
In a meet the designer section on Witchery’s website, Hanrahan described the latest collection as “empowering”.
“Our collections mix directional pieces with beautiful basics, enhanced by fashion-forward details and accessories,” the website read.
“The new direction is cohesive, cool and considered, with a focus on outstanding quality and design.”
“We know the power of fashion and how the perfect piece can transform your mood and confidence. I hope our customers feel the most confident versions of themselves and I want our collections to empower them no matter what their day brings.”
PerthNow has contacted Witchery for comment.