Universal Standard, a women’s fashion brand that describes itself as “size-inclusive,” said Friday that it has closed a $7 million round of Series A funding. The funding round was led by Imaginary Ventures with additional participation from actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Cutler, co-founder of SoulCycle, and Blake Mycoskie, founder of the Toms brand of shoes, apparel and accessories. Universal Standard says it will use the money to extend its range to sizes 6 to 32. Currently, it offers sizes 10 to 28. The company also plans to make executive hires, build showrooms nationwide and grow into new categories. Universal Standard launched an eight-piece collection in fall 2016, and now offers workwear, coats, activewear, and more. The SPDR S&P Retail ETF is up 9.2% for the last three months while the S&P 500 index is up 5% for the period.
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