Universal Standard, the size-inclusive clothing brand, and Henning founder Lauren Chan will introduce Henning x US, a limited-edition collaboration recognizing Henning’s designs through the lens of Universal Standard’s tailoring, fabrics and fit across the brand’s size range of 00 to 40.
Henning was launched in 2019 as elevated, work-ready garments that were designed, fit and engineered for plus sizes. The company was acquired by Universal Standard last April.
The collaboration, which reimagines nine exclusive Henning pieces, expands the sizing of Henning’s silhouettes from 12 to 26 to 00 to 40.
The full Henning x US collection was designed on a size 18, which is the average size of the American consumer, and Universal Standard’s medium. To ensure the garments achieve the feel of a custom fit for every customer, each silhouette was then fitted across the full size range: 00 to 40.
“We make sure each product at each size is perfectly engineered and fits extremely well for every customer,” said Ramon Martin, chief design officer of Universal Standard.
In describing the collection they’re launching together, Chan, who is head of partnerships at Universal Standard, said, “It’s a lot of what Henning stood for in terms of craftsmanship. quality and design level, but with what Universal Standard is great at, which is fit for all sizes. They’re all made with their amazing fabrics and exceptional fit.”
The pieces include two blazers, two tailored pants, a button-down shirt, a trenchcoat, T-shirt, crepe dress and jeans. The jeans are 100 percent cotton. Universal Standard manufactured in places such as China, Peru, Thailand and Taiwan.
A soft trench from Henning x US.
Courtesy of Universal Standard
Chan described it as a line for everybody. “The styles were re-fit by Universal Standard using their fit process.”
“As a plus-size model, fashion editor and brand founder, I’ve spent the entirety of my career advocating for size equality, so collaborating with Universal Standard to launch these designs in the world’s most inclusive size range is a truly a dream realized,” Chan said.
Since the acquisition, Martin and the team have worked closely with Chan to develop the limited-edition curation inspired by Henning’s bestsellers. Chan said through the acquisition, she’s been able to use Universal Standard’s global supply chain, produce a size range from 00 to 40, and have nationwide trunk shows.
She said that we’re in a time where many brands are scaling back with their inclusive offerings “and we’re doubling down,” Chan said.
“At Universal Standard, we are unwavering in our commitment to revolutionize fashion through inclusive design, championing the next generation of like-minded changemakers, like Lauren, who demand a better shopping experience,” Martin said. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Lauren and together offer an unprecedented, luxury fashion experience that the customer has been waiting for.”
A Henning x US blazer and pants.
Courtesy of Universal Standard
The limited-edition Henning x US collaboration will retail from $168 to $398 at universalstandard.com, at Universal Standard in-person shopping experiences (trunk shows around the country) and the SoHo showroom at 192 Mercer Street, starting Tuesday.
Previous Universal Standard collaborations have been with Rodarte, Erdem, Adidas and J.Crew.
Chan, a model, entrepreneur and size-inclusion advocate, began her career as a fashion writer, and became a features editor at Glamour, where she oversaw the fashion team. In addition to editing, Chan designed 10 clothing collections for the Glamour x Lane Bryant collaboration. She went on to launch Henning, her own brand of luxury plus-size clothing, in 2019, dressing such people as Ashley Graham and Stacey Abrams.