Melissa McCarthy’s career is built on mortifying moments turned up for laughs. Now McCarthy is turning a possibly mortifying experience into a business venture. It all started when a few top designers refused to design her a dress for the Oscars two years ago.
In an interview she explained to Redbook the experience that has now lead to the comedian starting her own plus-sized clothing collection:
“I asked five or six designers—very high-level ones who make lots of dresses for people—and they all said no.”
Eventually designer Daniella Pearl came through and designed a wonderful gown for Melissa McCarthy who had been nominated for the comedic film Bridesmaids . Although McCarthy looked stunning on the red carpet, it obviously drove her to take action and stock in the lack of options for plus-sized women.
McCarthy isn’t the only woman who has suffered in fashion because of her size. Just last year athletic wear company Lululemon was accused of shunning plus-sized figures away by hiding large sizes in 10 and 12 unfolded in the back of the store. These days this is seen as a marketing technique.
The comedian has experienced something similar. She told Redbook that the selection is just not up to snuff:
“When I go shopping, most of the time I’m disappointed.”
Back in 2012 Melissa McCarthy’s dream of starting a clothing line was just that; a dream. At the time she told People StyleWatch :
“We’re getting closer to starting a line. I hate to mention it now because people are going to say, ‘You’ve been talking about it for a year!’ but it is getting closer. I’m definitely excited!”
Aside from considering her size, Melissa McCarthy is more than qualified to start her own clothing line given her surprising background. She didn’t always start as a stand up comedian. In fact, the comedian got her start at Southern Illinois University to study clothing and textiles. Originally she wanted to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology but her parents told her that she was too nuts to be in New York City. Of her history McCarthy said:
“I went from FIT to doing stand-up, so I feel like I am going back to it.”
Aside from her plus-sized clothing line, which is sure to have some bold prints that the comedian is famous for wearing, McCarthy is also promoting her new film Tammy .
Here’s a look at the cover of Redbook :
Melissa McCarthy is on our July cover! We’re in LOVE, and you will be too: http://t.co/CqQhQdcxtU On newsstands 6/10! pic.twitter.com/DMWHE8WS9x
— REDBOOK (@redbookmag) June 4, 2014
[Image via: Universal Studios]