Women’s Curves Made “Waves”
During Fashion Week

We’ve had plus size fashion shows during fashion week before but never three separate events featuring hot designs, celebrity guest and sexy voluptuous curves.

Designer Abby Z showcased her fun and versatile line to the sounds of the latest beats at the “hip” Canal Room located in downtown Manhattan. As I entered the dimly lit room a charming woman approached me and introduced herself as Abby’s mom. “I’m so excited about the show and the outpouring of support” she said. She continued to tell me how her daughter lived and breathed this business into existence and how proud she was of her daughter’s accomplishments.

Designers Monif C and Jessica Svoboda as well as Monique’s Fat Chance winner, Joanne Borgella and runner up Sharon Quinn mingled with a host of plus industry insiders,  which included Tonya Lee, an Oprah magazine and Oxygen Network representatives. As the stage lights came up, the crowd focused on the show. Their reaction was apparent by the “oooh’s” and “ahhhh’s”. Flowing, feminine spring dresses in an array of colors made me wish it was spring all over again. There was no shortage of denim, sheer/ colorful tops, peasant skirts and flattering eveningwear. Special guest models included Rosario Dawson and her mother.  After the show Rosario Dawson said “I’m so glad that my mother has more options in clothing. For so long she would feel bad because it was difficult for her to find clothing she liked and felt good in. I’m here to support my mother and this positive step in fashion.”

Abby Z’s collection was well received for its versatility and obvious passion for making plus-size women look and feel confident and sexy. 

www.abbyz.com
Event sponsored by The Gold Council

Monif C, a hot new young designer, has taken 2005 by storm. Her fashion show and Launch party were held at the beautiful SHOW nightclub just steps away from Bryant Park. As the models prepared for the show, there was true excitement in the air. Women that had never before met helped one another get dressed in the spirit of positive plus-size acceptance. The Glamazons, a singing and dancing group made up of four curvy divas, opened up the show. Their sexy and confident lyrics were a prelude to the incredible designs the guest were about to see. 

 

The show was a Burlesque curvy stream of beautiful women wearing designs that “skinny” women would want to wear. The Brown Sugar collection which includes silk halter tops and curve hugging dresses were a crowd favorite. The guests were also given a peak into next years Spring/Summer collection.  Beautifully cut dresses in vibrant colors ended the showcase with a SEXY bang! Monif C thanked a room full of supporters and most importantly expressed her passion behind her designs.

www.monifc.com
Event sponsored by Spanx

Fashion Week ended with a Fashion Show Extravaganza presented by President and Ceo of Devoe Signature Events; Gwen Devoe, Plitzs Fashion Marketing and Neil Pearl. The event showcased 14 hot designers which cater to the voluptuous woman.

The winner of Monique’s Fat Chance, Joanne Burgella and runner up Sharon Quinn were among the participating models as well as the newest face for Ashley Stewart’s Great Woman of Style campaign Mia Amber Davis.

There were no apologies for having curves at this event!  Models ranging from size 12 to 22 wore classic designs made to flatter their curves. Leather ponchos, sequined evening dresses and even “punk” styles in a full array of colors were presented. In house from California were Jessica Svoboda and new San Francisco store owner and private label designs, Dulce. The event also included Houston’s darling, who has been selling thru neimanmarcus.com for the past few seasons, Gayla Bentley. And of course the London designer Anna Scholz, who’s clothes range from size 2 thru 24, offered major style and design appeal. The newest talent hits from NYC were Darren Trentacosta and original leather and suede couture specialty pieces from Robert E. Knight.

As the guests shouted words of encouragement, the models strutted and roller skated (Yes! Big girls can roller skate) down the runway and gave the guests an exciting show. “This show inspires me about the future of the plus-size industry” said Catherine Schuller. “I have never experienced a vibe like this,” said a group of five plus-size women that were brought by a co-worker.  The appeal of the show was more than showing these magnificent designs, it was watching them come down the runway on confident “real” curvy women. A well deserved standing ovation ended the event as this fashion show and exhibitors evening was brought to a close.

There was great fashion, thumping music and after parties we will be speaking of for years to come, but most importantly the Plus-Size Community made a mark and changed Fashion Week in NYC 2005.

www.dseventsinc.com

 

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