You might know Addition Elle only through its lingerie collection with Ashley Graham, but the Canadian retailer has been dominating the plus-size apparel space since the eighties, always working to provide options to shoppers who have traditionally been underserved in fashion. And it’s still finding new ways to do that in 2019—now with shoes and handbags.
Addition Elle announced a partnership with Aldo aimed specifically at plus-size consumers looking for strappy sandals, caged heels, ankle boots, and cross-body bags that actually fit. This collaboration was inspired by consumers directly, according to Marie-Soleil Calvert, Addition Elle’s vice president of merchandising: “[Our customer] told us that she wanted fashionable footwear that fits properly and is comfortable, so we searched for a partner that would help bring our collections to the next level.” Aldo proved to be that, not just because of its knowledge of footwear trends and design but also because of the known consistency of its products in terms of quality and fit. Addition Elle brought the expertise in plus-size design and the desires of their customers. The result is a collection that addresses some of plus-size shoppers’ needs and desires from the accessories space: wider width (and, in some cases, extra-wide width), longer ankle straps, breathability (via inserts), and additional support (thanks to padded memory foam).
“Our customer wants fashion in her size,” says Calvert. “She doesn’t want to be limited to the conventional choices that she’s been given—she wants the same thing as every other woman. She asks for comfortable heels, interesting prints, bright colors, and cool styling. And that’s exactly what we’re able to offer her with this collaboration.”
In recent years some brands have expanded their footwear offerings to be more inclusive. ASOS has a selection of wide-fit shoes, Target’s A New Day offers some styles in wide width, and last year Jeffrey Campbell partnered with model La’shaunae Steward on a line of curve-friendly footwear. Still, it’s a category with a lot of room for growth.
These Aldo pieces are available exclusively at Addition Elle; pricing for footwear ranges from $45 to $100; handbags are between $35 and $60. Shop the new collection, ahead.
