Like so many plus-size designers, Gia Sinatra grew up never being able to find pieces that fit well and matched her individual style preferences. "I have been plus-size my whole life and have

always had a love for fashion," the Los Angeles–based model tells Who What Wear. "But it has been a struggle for me to find clothes that I want to wear in my size." Those same issues only compounded when she decided to pursue a career in plus-size modeling, where she noticed right away that she wasn't the only one trying and failing to find clothes that worked for her body. Frustrated, she decided to do what so many in fashion have yet to attempt, let alone succeed in: make clothing—chic, trend-forward, and well-fitting clothing specifically—for plus-size women. And thus, Gia/IRL was born.

In short, Gia/IRL is everything that Sinatra has been searching for since she was a kid. It's all of the clothes that she's always wanted to wear but could never find. "[That is] why I named the brand Gia in real life," she says. "[It's all] things that I would wear IRL." Since she works in the industry surrounded by equally frustrated models as well as all of the most up-to-date trends, she knows exactly what customers want to wear. "All the same options as straight-size women," says Sinatra. "Sexy, chic, and trendy pieces."

For her first collection, the designer focused heavily on fit, quality, and price, with her main goal being to make shopping inclusive from every angle. All eight pieces included in the debut drop are available in sizes 12 to 26, or XL to 4X, and priced below $160. But Sinatra isn't stopping there. "We are already expanding to a 5X (28) for one of our dresses coming in [the second] drop, and I would like to keep expanding sizes as we grow," she explains. "We all deserve to have an amazing shopping experience where we feel special."

Below, learn more about Sinatra's just-launched brand, from the first drop's Italian inspiration to the methods she and her production team used to ensure that each piece would be a perfect fit for its new owner. And keep scrolling to shop the very first Gia/IRL drop.