Designing Confidence: The Story Behind Sylvia Piechulla – An Inclusive Fashion Brand for Curvy Women
Finding stylish, figure-flattering clothing as a plus size woman has always been a challenge. For women like me—tall (5ft 9), curvy, and a UK size 16/18—the fashion industry has rarely catered to our needs. If you’ve ever struggled to find clothes that reflect your personality and fit your body, you’re not alone. For far too long, plus size fashion has been an afterthought in mainstream design.
My name is Sylvia Piechulla, and I’m the founder of a London-based inclusive fashion brand dedicated to empowering curvy women through thoughtful design, ethical production, and bold, unapologetic style. This is the story of how my namesake label came to life—and why it exists to celebrate women like you.
A Lifelong Love of Fashion—With Nowhere to Shop
Fashion has always been central to my identity. I designed my first mini skirt at age 14 and constantly customised my wardrobe—adding hoods to jackets, lengthening sleeves by hand, and tailoring pieces to better suit my body. Dressing up was never just about appearances; it was how I expressed my creativity and strength.
Yet despite my passion, I could never find plus size clothing that felt modern, stylish, or well made. Most brands ignored women over a size 14, and if they did cater to us, the options were dull, shapeless, or poorly fitted. I often had to settle for altering existing garments because the industry simply didn’t design with curvy women in mind.
A Creative Spark Reignited
After a career in science, I took a sabbatical in 2010 to study art and business at Sotheby’s, which reignited my creative drive. But it wasn’t until March 2021, at the height of lockdowns and frustration with fashion’s limitations, that I decided to take action.
I created a small, limited collection of pieces that combined upcycled, upsized, and original designs. It was a personal project, born from both frustration and hope. What happened next confirmed what I had long suspected: plus size women are not just underserved—they’re eager for style, representation, and clothes that make them feel confident.
The positive response was overwhelming. And so, Sylvia Piechulla Ltd was born.
Fashion That Celebrates Curves—Not Conceals Them
At the heart of my design philosophy is the belief that curvy women deserve beautiful, bold, and well-fitting clothing. Every piece in our collection is thoughtfully crafted to enhance natural curves, not hide them. From flowing silhouettes to rich jacquard textures, our garments are made to flatter, empower, and last.
We use a unique two-size flexible system (for example, in our Boudicca design), which accommodates natural weight fluctuations. Our custom size chart is based on fittings with at least two real women per size—because fit should never be a guessing game.
Whether you're a UK size 16 or 26, our mission is to help you feel confident, seen, and celebrated.
Designed and Made in London—with Ethics at the Core
Every Sylvia Piechulla garment is ethically produced in London using premium fabrics that are built to last. Sustainability is a core value of our brand, and we are committed to transitioning fully to eco-conscious materials by 2030.
To reduce our environmental footprint in the meantime, each polyester item includes a microfibre filter wash bag, helping limit microplastic pollution from laundry. For us, responsible fashion isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of every design decision.
Collections Inspired by Powerful Women
Each Sylvia Piechulla collection is named after iconic women from history and mythology, like Boudicca, Hypatia, and Artemisia—figures who embodied strength, beauty, and resilience. Their stories inspire not just our designs, but the energy we hope our customers feel when they wear our clothes.
We believe fashion should do more than dress you—it should remind you of who you are.
Making Waves in Inclusive Fashion
Since launching, we’ve been featured in over 20 national and international publications, from independent fashion blogs to major media outlets. In 2023, we were proudly showcased at London Fashion Week through the Ethical Brand Directory, and we debuted our first solo runway show at FWCurve in Columbus, Ohio—an event dedicated to plus size fashion and size inclusivity.
It’s clear: the world is beginning to take notice.
A Celebration of Plus Size Beauty
Sylvia Piechulla isn’t just another fashion label. It’s a movement—a love letter to plus size women who are bold, beautiful, and ready to take up space in every room they enter.
Whether you’re dressing for power, play, or everyday elegance, our goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and stunning. Because when you wear clothes designed for your body—not despite it—you don’t just look good. You feel unstoppable.
Join the Movement
Explore our latest collection on Kraft Space here and discover what it means to wear clothes made with real women in mind. Follow us on Instagram here for behind-the-scenes inspiration, fashion tips, and updates from the world of ethical plus size fashion.
We’re just getting started—and we’d love for you to be part of the journey.