11Honoré and Precious Lee Are Here to Disrupt the High-End Fashion World

The fashion industry has always been exclusive—but even more so if you happened to be above a size 10 or 12. If you've ever eyed a runway look for next season’s wardrobe, chances are the brand wouldn’t make it in your size, unless you went straight to the designer for a custom-made dress.

But now, 11Honoré is out to change that game completely. Founded in 2017 by Patrick Herning and Kathryn Retzer, the online retailer just raised $8 million in Series-A financing from Redpoint Ventures and is working with some of today's top designers from Michael Kors to Zac Posen, Brandon Maxwell, Jonathan Simkhai and beyond on extended sizing for historically underserved customers.

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"We are leading the conversation around size inclusive designer fashion. Our customer deserves a luxury shopping experience and an even better edit of clothing. In the current retail landscape, whether ecommerce or brick and mortar, sizes 12 and above are rarely stocked,” says Herning, whose company is also helping provide the technology for designers who are interested in creating a wider size run.

11Honoré is “disrupting the high-end fashion market,” as Herning says, and it is clear in every facet, from their business model to the creative. This season they've selected model-on-the-rise Precious Lee to front their Spring 2018 campaign. "Precious is a trailblazer in the fashion industry and has been an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusivity in fashion. Precious has broken down walls in this industry and we had the best time collaborating with her to show the world that luxury comes in all shapes and sizes," says Retzer who oversees 11Honoré’s creative direction.

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No one lives the 11Honoré life more than Ms, Lee. The Atlanta native said she was always a fan of high fashion, but struggled to find clothes in her size. “Women of larger sizes want access to high end brands and 11Honoré is giving it to them—I think it’s genius and long awaited,” Lee told Bazaar.com.

Lee knows that her position as a model has also afforded her a platform to affect change—one that she does not take lightly. “My job is not just a model, but I’m also an activist. I’m putting in the work to make a shift in how society views beauty and that to me is priceless.”

She didn't originally set out to be in the pages of magazines though, Lee was planning to be an attorney. "I’ve always had a love for advocacy and inspiring people. So when I was approached to become a 'plus' model, I realized that my work could empower and inspire people on a larger platform. It’s so rewarding for me to know that my work is helping young girls and women love themselves more by seeing me in editorials, campaigns and commercials. I’m a size 14/16, I’m black and I want to show that fashion has a place for us."

As a black woman and plus-size model, Lee is more than aware of how the fashion industry typically favors and promotes a narrow view of beauty. She’s faced pushback on everything from her name to her hair and breast size. Her first agency changed her name to Victoria Lee as they we were worried about any negative connotations or associations with the movie “Precious” starring Gabourey Sidibe.

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Even within plus-size specific jobs, 5-foot-11 beauty has been no stranger to criticism. “I’ve had people tell me my boobs were too big and even suggest a reduction, but I refuse to alter my body for the sake of other’s opinion. My opinion matters most and I love my boobs. Boobs are chic too, you know?” As Lee said, she's determined to prove that there is a place for everyone in this industry. Nevertheless, it's obvious that there's still much improvement to be made.

So, where would the model like to see the fashion community in five years? "I’d love to see designers include women of color and larger sizes in campaigns on a regular. Not as a gimmick or fad. But as a desired model because there are so many beautiful women we can display. Why stay stagnant in thought when it comes to fashion— an industry that I always expected to be freeing and innovative. Why is the industry hell bent on the same ole same ole? I hope designers existing and to-come are not afraid to show a real representation of beauty, which is boundless. A strong, sexy, size-16, black woman that knows how to take an epic picture deserves magazine covers, I mean, why not?"

Why not, indeed!

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.