New York Full Figured Fashion Week in Full Effect!

I got a chance to cover the New York Full Figured Fashion Week! This fabulous event took place in varied locations throughout New York from June 16-18 and featured panel discussions, events and of course, parties! I had a great time learning more about the “plus size” industry, or as it’s now often being called, “curvy”, and met some fantastic and talented people. I’d like to thank the PR team of Sonsi, who presented the event for allowing me access to such an entertaining experience! “It is time for designers, retailers, boutique owners and businesses with an interest in the plus size market to combine their resources and their talents to create a memorable event that will rival all other Fashion Weeks,” states Gwen DeVoe, Founder and Executive Producer of FFF Week.

I went to the opening reception that was held at the Sky Room of the Fairfield Inn and Suites in the Times Square area where I met several designers and gorgeous models. It was a sultry evening flowing with grand designs and good cocktails!

cutie pie Nicole in a stunning turquoise halter dress

three piece suit with cropped pants from La'Dan's closet

blonde beauty wearing a black evening gown featuring jewelry by Ashaki Charles Designs

more cutie pie models featuring fashions from would you believe...KMART? the looks were really nice!

another brown beauty looking luscious in a beautiful soft pink dress

another stunner, Lindsay who cracked me up! I finally got her to stop calling me ma'am--she's from the south : )


LANE BRYANT

The next day I attended a terrific blogger event sponsored by Lane Bryant, the most recognizable name in the plus size clothing industry. It was so informative. I met some really cool fashion bloggers and felt as if I was inspired to take my own personal style to the next level. Also, I learned about how clothes are made and how they are specifically designed to enhance the full figured woman. I loved meeting Robert Rutkauskas, Director, Trend and Color. He comes up with the color palettes and trends and works with a team of designers, including Senior Designer, David Albow. What I love about the Lane Bryant team is that they are so passionate about what they do, and understand that “Fashion is not a size,” as Rutakuskas stated emphatically.

During the event which featured a presentation of the fall line and the inspiration behind it, the issue of real vs. aspirational came up in terms of plus size models. As you can see in the new ad for the T3 Technology jean (of which I’m hoping to receive a pair!) the models are a bit on the thinner side in regards to representing the fuller figured woman.

Jay Dunn, Vice President of Marketing took the hits from Madeline Figueroa-Jones, Editor of Plus Model Magazine who took him to task on this topic. Dunn explained that when Lane Bryant used “authentic models” in the ads back in 2008 they experienced a “backlash”. The public didn’t respond well and sales went down. It’s inconclusive whether or not the sales drop was due to the ads, or the fact that 2008 was the beginning of the recession, but in any case, Lane Bryant went back to thinner models.

Dunn also went on to say that the models they use are very professional and can produce more shots in a shorter time. Figueroa-Jones challenged this as well and pointed out that Lane Bryant missed a grand opportunity to utilize famed plus size model, Mia Amber Davis who unexpectedly passed away this year, as she had just as much experience and talent as the “aspirational models”. It was a good debate, and Dunn handled it well and did not gloss over any of the questions. In addition to the debate, the fashion was nice. The new T3 denim jeans that feature a built-in tummy control panel and invisible elasticized waist in a dark wash and varied lengths looked super cute!

THE FASHION SHOW!

The finale runway show was really fun and featured some very sexy, sophisticated styles. One of my new favorite labels is La’Dan’s Closet! Known for their chic outerwear, they also do some cute causal looks and sexy business attire. I love the fashions and I love the girls, LaTresa Harper and Danyelle Feeland. Here they are on the runway!

What I loved about the runway show, (in addition to the dancers at the beginning who broke it down with Beyonce’s “Run the World”) was the display of varied shapes and sizes, skin tones, and looks. There was a lot of juicy sexiness coming down the runway as we saw everything from evening wear, to sportswear, lingerie and fun whimsical styles, proving that the full figured woman has options and can make nearly anything work the same way a slender woman can.

I left New York's Full Figured Fashion Week feeling even more empowered in my size 16, nearly six feet tall frame. I even flirted with a cutie pie on the train after I left the runway show! And he didn’t mind ; )

Full Figured Fashion week is a celebration of beauty, style, class and power, which comes in all sizes. Thanks to Gwen DeVoe and her team for having the vision to recognize that we are all wonderful in our own skin! I had a great time! Enjoy more pictures below!

fashion show attendees: blogger the Curvy Canadian (Karen) and actress Kit

fun, flirty fashion from Sweet Tooth

me and my new pal actress Kendra C. Johnson--recognize her from Phat Girlz and The Game?

there's that gorgeous Nicole again!



How do you feel about full figured fashion, and body image in media in general?