Marc Jacobs is about to launch a plus-size collection. Apparently.

That’s the news on the fash-vine, after the designer’s business partner Robert Duffy tweeted that Jacobs was in discussions to create a separate line for ladies with.. a little more in the love handles department.

Duffy wrote: ”Listen, we are in the very beginning stages of talking to a partner about plus sizes. Relax. It won’t be based on the collection line.

“We gotta do larger sizes. I’m with you. As soon as I get back to NY. I’m on it! It will take me about a year. But stay with us. (sic)”

Fashion insiders will know however that Duffy likes to ‘tweet’ and occasionally ‘over-share’ ideas , so if you’re a size 14+, don’t get too excited just yet.

If Jacobs does go ahead with the one-off range, he will become the first top fashion designer to offer clothes for women above a UK Size 14 – and tap into an already booming market.

Karl McKeever, founder of retail consultancy Visual Thinking, said: “The market can’t be ignored – it’s growing bigger every year and it would be crazy not to think about trying to tap into it.

“Labels which take the plunge first will get some very positive publicity from making larger sizes acceptable and fashionable.

“Brands such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein are in a position to follow and could produce very successful plus-size clothes but heavily styled European labels, such as Gucci and Dolce & Gabanna, which are so reliant on a particular shape, could find it harder to translate their key look.”

But before Jacobs aims to be even BIGGER – the company is preparing for the launch of its first e-commerce website on September 15.

The launch will coincide with the designer’s S/S 2011 show at New York Fashion Week.

Kate Lawson – Fashion Editor, Showbiz-i

Follow Kate at www.twitter.com/Katelawson_