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If you’ve ever struggled to find jeans or pants that perfectly fit both your hips and your waist, welcome to the club. That’s why I’m so obsessed with Loup, a new-ish fashion line that’s focused on creating clothes that fit a woman’s real curves. The clothes are amazing, but I also love that the founder, Danielle Ribner, started the line with size inclusivity in mind from the get-go. Here’s more on Loup and their incredible products in her own words:
SheFinds: What were up to before you started Loup?
Danielle Ribner: I started Loup after attending Parsons School of Design for fashion design, and then working for Jones Apparel for about a year. I was an assistant designer working on monthly collections for a huge company, and learned everything from CAD design to working with buyers. I was given a lot of responsibility and it was like a crash course in creating collections from start to finish.
SF: Why did you create Loup?
DR: I started Loup because at the time I didn’t see any jobs in fashion that seemed fulfilling. I was young and wanted to learn how to do everything, not just specialize in one thing. I assumed that even if I failed with my brand, I’d know much more starting my own line than staying where I was.
SF: What’s been the hardest part of starting your own fashion line?
DR: The hardest part for me is the time it takes to learn from your mistakes. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and you really have to put in the work, put yourself out there, and take time to learn the industry and get feedback from customers – which means a lot of patience and humbleness!
SF: What’s been the most rewarding?
DR: The most rewarding thing is definitely seeing customers try on the clothes and feel great about how they look.
SF: Women often hear it’s “too hard” or “too expensive” to create clothing for different body types–what’s your take on this?
DR: Loup started as a place for me to create cool clothes that fit curvier body types, so for me adding a larger size range has been such an organic evolution. We’re never going to please everyone, but our customers know they can come to us for certain things that work for their bodies. I think size inclusivity is an easy step to take if you can focus your brand on a certain customer, and on something that’s missing in the market.
SF: If there’s one Loup item every woman should own, what is it?
DR: I’d say either the Simone Jeans or the Slate Coveralls. The Simone Jeans are the most flattering pants I’ve ever owned, plus they have such a cool cut and just elevate any look. And the Slate Coveralls are so flattering, plus they make you feel really put together in just one piece.
SF: What’s new/next for Loup?
DR: We’re going to keep working on extending our sizing and adding new pant and jumpsuit styles to fit different body types. Our current pop-up shop has been such a great way to get feedback that we’ll definitely be doing more stores soon.
SF: If you weren’t running Loup, what would you be doing?
DR: I love getting lost in my work and creating new things, so I’d love to be some sort of artist, living off the grid and making something handmade.
If you’re in New York City, be sure to check out the Loup pop-up shop at 251 Elizabeth Street from May 10th through May 20th.
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