While actress Danielle Brooks has added the title of designer to her resume and recently launched her own collection with plus-size inclusive brand Universal Standard, Brooks admits that despite her success in Hollywood, she has been discriminated by fashion designers for her curvy figure.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Brooks said, “I haven’t been given an opportunity to wear these big-name designers, it has never been an option whether I had a stylist or didn’t. A lot of people won’t design for me, no matter how many SAG awards, Tony nominations, Grammy wins; it doesn’t matter.”
While certain fashion designers may not recognize Brooks’ worth, Brooks admits that there are some designers like Christian Siriano, who designed her dress for her first SAG Awards, who are making a real effort to be inclusive. Brooks also reveals that she decided to partner with Universal Standard so she could design pieces she’s always dreamed of wearing.
In the meantime, Brooks hopes that fashion designers will make it their mission to design for women of all shapes and sizes. “I think they’re trying, but they can go harder and we should not be easy on them,” says Brooks. “I don’t think we should pat anybody on the back for [doing] something they should’ve done 30 years ago.”