Delta Burke Fashions

Who is Delta Burke?

Delta Burke is an American actress who is best known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit 1980s-1990s sitcom, Designing Women. Her increasing weight into a plus-sized woman become an issue during her stint on the show, and at times, episodes touched on that topic. The former pageant queen struggled with her weight, eating disorders and depression, and having her physique criticized in the tabloids didn't help. Designing Women approached the subject of Burke's weight gain in an episode titled They Shoot Fat Women, Don't They?, which dealt with Suzanne's feelings while attending her high school reunion. The episode earned Delta Burke her first Emmy nomination. When she was 41, Burke was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes; she has since been working to get her weight down to a healthier size. Today she is continuing her acting, designing and also owns an antique store in Mississippi.

Delta Burke Design

In 1994, Delta Burke turned her love for fashions and the reality of being a plus size lady into a new business venture. Delta Burke Design opened shop in New York City, New York, and features reasonably priced, comfortable and flattering clothing for full-figured ladies over the age of 35. Her "real clothes for real women" focuses on swimsuits and lingerie in sizes 14 to 26. When Delta Burke Design was originally created, sportswear and career clothing were also part of the line. While it's hard to find the latter of these styles today, several online auction or gently used clothing sites will feature some of them.

However, Burke is so confident you will like wearing her line of clothes, that she adds this tag to each item: "I pledge to my customer my commitment to provide her with beautifully styled, perfectly fitting clothes in a variety of choices she demands and with the quality of craftsmanship and affordability she deserves. The Delta Burke Design Team's number one priority is you, the wearer."

Styles of Delta Burke Fashions

Not everyone will like Delta Burke's fashion line, but it is quite popular. Clothing includes:

• Swimsuits: Choose from one-piece suits, tankinis and skortinis in a variety of colors and styles. Swimwear is probably Delta Burke Design's most popular-selling item. Suits can be found at:
  • Swimsuits for All
  • Silhouettes
  • Woman Within

• Lingerie: Every woman needs to feel sexy while wearing lingerie, right? Delta Burke's collection includes camisoles, panties, boyshorts, babydolls, bras and pajamas. They can be found at:
  • Rhonda's Fashions
  • Lingerie Mart
  • The Lingerie Center

Discontinued Delta Burke Fashions

If you are looking for a Delta Burke design, but realize that it is no longer available, take a look on eBay, where sellers from all over the world are auctioning off hundreds of clothing items -- both new and gently used -- designed by Delta Burke. Some of the items are the same ones you can find elsewhere, but many are discontinued casual clothing or sportswear items. Items include:

• Denim shirts
• Dresses
• Blouses and tops
• Hoodies and lounge pants
• Lingerie
• Swimsuits

Final Note

Delta Burke is just one many actors-turned-designers, but is only one of a handful that focus on plus sizes. Her goal is that women love what they see every time they look in the mirror..