College kids lend Lane Bryant plus-size prowess

Lane Bryant is all about changing the conversation regarding plus-size fashion and thanks to the efforts of a dozen design students the retailer is interpreting what that means for shoppers.



Lane Bryant is the 762 store division of Ascena Retail Group focused on serving what it calls the women’s special size apparel market, or women sizes 14 to 28. To fulfill that mission, the company recently collaborate with the students of Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles as part of the school’s mentor program. Lane Bryant worked 12 students to design a new sportswear collection. Representatives from Lane Bryant consulted with participants throughout the course of the program, from the initial design process, to fits and a final fashion show that showcased the students' work.



"This collaboration is an important step in our continuing mission to change the conversation regarding plus-size fashion. At a foundational level, we want students and future designer to see the possibilities of creating great design for all women," said Lane Bryant CEO and President Linda Heasley. "Working with the future of fashion is incredibly inspiring, and I can't wait for our customers to see what these talented individuals designed."



Customer get a chance to see the collection on Feb. 2, when it goes on sale online, at the brand's flagship location on 34th Street in Manhattan and at a store at Del Amo Fashion Center in the Los Angeles area. Items in the collection range in price from $54.95 to $119.95.



In exchange for the students’ contribution, Lane Bryant said it will contribute $10,000 to the Otis College of Design Scholarship Fund.