About me

Emma HayesAbout me
I have worked in fashion retail for 35 years, mainly with womenswear and lingerie independents. During this time I have become fascinated by and developed considerable expertise in bodyshape diversity among womenswear consumers.
Read moreWhat I doMy specialism is advising on fit in fashion retailing for online retailers and e-commerce/IT specialists
Working in the plus-size fashion sector and undertaking more than 20,000 individual apparel fittings over nearly 30 years, I have made a detailed practical study of the interface between bodyshape and fit.
My current role is as a consultant to Rakuten Fits Me a company that leads the field in fit solutions for fashion e-commerce.
My current role is as a consultant to Rakuten Fits Me a company that leads the field in fit solutions for fashion e-commerce.
I also write on fashion and bodyshape diversity, give talks to interested bodies, broadcast on BBC radio, and take to social media to campaign for a more inclusive approach on these issues.
I have a BA Honours degree in Design from the University of Brighton.
I have a BA Honours degree in Design from the University of Brighton.

Experience
Womenswear Customer Expert Consultant, Rakuten Fits Me
I am a bodyshape and customer service expert, working with Rakuten Fits Me (a Rakuten company) and contributing to the innovation of IT solutions for fashion e-commerce…
I am a bodyshape and customer service expert, working with Rakuten Fits Me (a Rakuten company) and contributing to the innovation of IT solutions for fashion e-commerce…
- Bodyshape/fit expertise
- Strategy
- Customer service
- PR
- Sales
CEO, Emma Plus Ltd
A leading plus-size designer womenswear boutique in Brighton, Emma Plus was noted for its uncompromising fashion-forward approach emphasising excellent customer service and perfect fit. I owned the business for over 20 years, and during this period controlled its buying, customer service and general management. It provided me with unparalleled hands-on experience of fit and bodyshape.
VIEW Emma Plus testimonials.
BBC Radio
I am a part-time presenter of the early breakfast show on BBC Radio Sussex and have done this for many years alongside running my own retail and consultancy businesses.
Buyer/Senior Manager, Pandora Plus
I was responsible for the buying, recruitment and everyday management of the plus-size section of this chain of boutiques specialising in larger-size designer womenswear.
Store Manager, Exelle Ltd
I was Store Manager of the flagship outlet for this chain of plus-size designer boutiques.
A leading plus-size designer womenswear boutique in Brighton, Emma Plus was noted for its uncompromising fashion-forward approach emphasising excellent customer service and perfect fit. I owned the business for over 20 years, and during this period controlled its buying, customer service and general management. It provided me with unparalleled hands-on experience of fit and bodyshape.
VIEW Emma Plus testimonials.
I am a part-time presenter of the early breakfast show on BBC Radio Sussex and have done this for many years alongside running my own retail and consultancy businesses.
I was responsible for the buying, recruitment and everyday management of the plus-size section of this chain of boutiques specialising in larger-size designer womenswear.
I was Store Manager of the flagship outlet for this chain of plus-size designer boutiques.