Plus-sized designer fashion will finally make its retail debut thanks to an iconic New York department store.

While the fashion industry continues to debate the plus-sized issue, Saks Fifth Avenue has thankfully taken matters into its own hands with the announcement that its ultra-chic high-end floor will soon feature the larger sizes in what is seen as a major coup for shoppers, designers and the wider fashion sector.

The Autumn/ Winter collections for 2010 will be the first seasonal release to showcase garments that up until last season were only available in UK size 14 (US size 10), with the range expected to extend to UK size 18 (US size 14) and possibly higher in some styles. The legendary retail store is famed for its celebrated and featured designers the world over, with the upshot of the announcement being that leading fashion houses such as Akris, Armani, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Escada, Oscar de la Renta, Max Mara, Valentino, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Donna Karan, St. John, Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Roberto Cavalli could all soon be sending out plus-sized versions of their famous lines.

However, the initial release of the larger sizes will probably have the drawback that most styles will be one-offs or trial releases to test the market, meaning only a select few will be able to get their hands on the designer plus-sized items in the early days. If the trial is a success, the Saks will roll out the range across the US, with its UK counterpart’s hopefully following suit.