Editor’s Note
In this interview, Blandine Hounyo, founder of Bijoux Grandiose, challenges the fashion industry’s oversight of jewelry sizing for plus-size women, arguing that accessories deserve the same inclusive attention as clothing.
Interview with Blandine Hounyo, founder of the brand Bijoux Grandiose, which caters to sizes typically excluded from jewelry stores.
FemininBio: We often talk about women’s clothing sizes, but never about their accessories and jewelry sizes. How do you explain this?
“Just a few years ago, plus-size fashion wasn’t a topic of discussion. Major brands didn’t feel concerned with anything that wasn’t considered ‘standard.’ So naturally, when plus-size fashion began to be discussed, brands focused on clothing. Yet, what would a beautiful evening dress be without the matching jewelry, or a casual outfit without the right ring and bracelet?”
When and how did you decide to create your own inclusive accessories brand, Grandiose?
“I’ve always loved fashion accessories. I worked for 3 years in a jewelry store where I couldn’t buy certain items because they were too small for me. Many of my customers also felt frustrated having to wait weeks for resizing. I realized I wasn’t alone in loving jewelry but struggling to find pieces that combined size, quality, price, and availability. In 2019, during my maternity leave, I wanted to do something meaningful and decided to launch Grandiose to address a need I had, which concerns many women.”
Your brand Grandiose is an innovative concept with values of kindness, accessibility, etc. What do you want to inspire in all women through your jewelry?
“I want to inspire what I was looking for when creating Grandiose: that they feel beautiful, not excluded, and that Grandiose jewelry becomes the finishing touch to their outfit, giving them full confidence.”
What ‘standards’ do you base your plus-size jewelry on? Like clothing, are there specific sizes, and if so, how do you define them?
“Yes, there are specific sizes, especially for rings. French women average a ring size 54. In jewelry stores, you typically find rings up to size 58. Grandiose rings range from size 60 to 66, and soon 68. Also, chains and bracelets are longer than average to fit larger body types without feeling tight.”
You design your jewelry with an ethical approach. What exactly is it?
“Jewelry is made either by French artisans or suppliers complying with European regulations. This ensures all pieces are lead- and nickel-free. For example, I work with a former colleague whose workshop is based in Brittany.”
What major events and projects are planned for 2021?
“Unfortunately, all events I was supposed to attend are either on hold or canceled due to the current health crisis. I’m working on the new collection launching in 2021 and collaborations with other French artisans.”
(©Grandiose)
Our jewelry creator: Blandine, the founder, worked for 8 years in jewelry stores and advised hundreds of women on the best jewelry for them. She decided to launch Grandiose to offer a wide range of accessories that suit every woman.