Charlotte Jackson created The Curve Authority to challenge gaps in luxury fashion. In this conversation, she discusses representation, purchasing power, and why plus-size consumers remain overlooked.
What inspired your transition from acting and singing into luxury fashion, and how did that journey lead to founding The Curve Authority?
It wasn’t a direct transition. I stepped away from performing to focus on motherhood, but fashion was always part of my life through costumes and creative work. I continued attending shows and working with brands. What pushed me to create The Curve Authority was noticing that women like me—mature women and plus-size women—were rarely represented in those spaces. It became something that felt necessary.
The Curve Authority focuses on defining plus-size couture. How do you see the luxury fashion industry evolving when it comes to inclusivity for mature and curvy women?
Luxury advertising and runways have traditionally focused on a smaller demographic. That’s slowly changing, but there is still progress to be made. The reality is that many of the women supporting luxury brands are mature women who know their style and have the means to purchase these garments. Recognizing that will move the industry forward.
Paris Fashion Week always carries a certain energy. Which designers or collections are you most excited to see this season, and what trends are catching your attention?
I’m enjoying the layering trend—flowing fabrics and mixed textures. I’m looking forward to seeing what Chanel and Dior present this season. I’ll also attend Stella McCartney and McQueen again. One thing I love about Paris Fashion Week is that the streets become part of the runway. People from around the world bring their own style to the city.
You’ve said clothing sets the tone for how you enter a room. Can you share a moment when an outfit shifted the way people perceived you?
One moment that stands out happened during Fashion Week last October. I wore a design by Sean McGirr for McQueen from the Banshee collection. It was an embellished gold jacket with a peplum silhouette and heavy metallic hardware. The piece weighed close to sixty pounds once it was on. It had crystals that caught the light and reflected across the room. When I walked in, you could see people reacting immediately. That was one of those moments where the clothing spoke before I said a word. Even though the jacket was heavy, wearing it with confidence made the experience unforgettable.
Why do you believe the in-store boutique experience still matters in luxury fashion?
Online shopping is convenient, but it removes a lot of the personal connection. When something doesn’t fit, you start the return process, and the interaction with the brand ends there. In a boutique, the experience is completely different. A sales associate can bring another size, suggest a different cut, or help build the full look. Sometimes another customer will even offer encouragement. You also have the opportunity to accessorize and experiment in real time. That personal interaction creates a stronger relationship between the customer and the brand.
In your consulting work with fashion houses, what is one thing brands consistently overlook about luxury plus-size consumers?
Many brands hesitate to order extended sizes because they’re unsure whether those pieces will sell. That’s why visibility matters. Plus-size consumers have to make their interest known so stores understand the demand when they’re placing orders. If the store doesn’t buy those sizes, customers never get the opportunity to try them on. Another issue is when brands say they offer plus sizes but only online. That isn’t inclusion. Customers should be able to walk into a store and shop the same way everyone else does.
Why do you believe the 45-plus consumer could be a major opportunity for fashion brands?
Women over 45 are often established in their careers and personal lives. They know what they want and need clothing that reflects their lifestyle. They’re professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders. They attend meetings, events, and community functions where presentation matters. Many of these women also have the financial means to invest in quality garments. They may not always appear in the advertising campaigns, but they are often the ones purchasing the clothing.
You’ve worked in performance, production, and cooking. How do those creative outlets shape the way you approach fashion?
Cooking and fashion share something in common: presentation. People often say we eat with our eyes first. When you see a dish that looks appealing, you expect it to taste just as good. Fashion works in a similar way. The way someone presents themselves communicates something before they speak. I approach all of it with passion. Whether I’m cooking for friends or styling someone, it’s about expression and connection.
What advice would you give women who want to embrace personal style without feeling limited by size or age?
The first thing I would say is to stay encouraged. Fashion is always evolving. There’s fashion, and then there’s personal style. Style is how you interpret what you wear. Start with small steps if needed. Accessories can change an entire outfit. Mixing pieces—like pairing joggers with heels and a blazer—can create something unexpected. And don’t focus too much on the number on a clothing label. Sizes vary between brands. What matters is how the garment fits and how it makes you feel.
What’s next for The Curve Authority?
The mission has always been personal for me. If I can help even one woman feel confident in her clothing, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. We’re working on expanding the brand with new content, including a television concept and more video work through YouTube. I’ll also be exploring cooking segments and continuing styling work. Long term, I want The Curve Authority to represent more than fashion. I want it to become a lifestyle brand that reflects the full experience of modern women—professionals, mothers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Every woman deserves to feel confident and represented, and that’s the message I want the brand to carry forward.
Be’n Original
