Summer is not officially here, but things are heating up as NYC begins the biggest celebration of plus size fashion the world has ever seen during Full Figured Fashion Week, June 17-22, 2013.
Celebrating its fifth year of fabulous fashion, Full Figured Fashion Week has become the gold standard for plus size fashion events. Created by DeVoe Signature Events and presented by Sonsi, this special week of empowerment throws an unparalleled plus size curve to New York City.
As a plus size actress/comedian and director, I am so excited that the fashion world is finally starting to pay more attention to plus size consumers like me. FFFWeek is more than a fashion show...it is a MOVEMENT. For me, FFFWeek has become the most anticipated holiday of the summer. My friends and I consider it the "Oscars of the plus size fashion industry", and I am so excited to attend every year.
Once an overlooked segment of the fashion industry, plus sizes are becoming more mainstream due in part to DeVoe Signature Events, a pioneer in the movement, creating unique events tailored to the plus size fashion community that reinforce that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. According to Gwen DeVoe, CEO and Founder of DeVoe Signature Events, and Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week, it makes perfect sense to celebrate the evolution of full figured fashion in New York City, long considered the mecca for U.S. fashion.
So, just in case you are not sold of the fabulousness of FFFWeek, here are 10 reasons why everyone should participate in the fun!!
1. Curves for a Cure Celebrity Runway Show & Silent Auction - Tuesday, June 18
A runway show featuring donated designer garments that will be worn by curvy celebrities and auctioned off to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Scheduled to walk the catwalk are: Lucille O'Neal (author, mother of NBA superstar, Shaquille O'Neal), Nicci Gilbert-Daniels (Executive Producer of hit reality show R&B Divas), Yolanda Moore (two-time WNBA champ, author and educator), Madeline Jones (Editor-in-Chief, PLUS Model Magazine), Rosie Mercado (co-star of NuVo TV reality show, Curvy Girl), Sharon Quinn (former contestant turned "den mother" turned Casting Producer/Special Choreographer on Oxygen Network's popular "MoNique's F.A.T. Chance," show, MTV "Made" coach), and others.
2. Curves at Sea All White Dinner/Dance Cruise - Wednesday, June 19
Always a sellout, this highly anticipated social event, held aboard the Harbor Lights cruise ship, is the ultimate networking opportunity and is attended by brands, sponsors, models and industry professionals.
3. Full Figured Fashion Week at Bloomingdale's - Thursday, June 20
An exclusive and notable first, Full Figured Fashion Week at Bloomingdale's is open to all women who love plus size fashion. This fabulous evening of fashion and cocktails, on Thursday, June 20th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., will feature a runway presentation of Bloomingdale's most popular plus size collections, including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, Jones New York, Vince Camuto, Splendid, and Eileen Fisher.
4. Indie Designer Showcase - Friday, June 21
An introduction of up-and-coming contemporary plus size designers from New York to California, France, The United Kingdom, Singapore, and Australia. Featured designers include Aiimee, Elocin, huudaverti, Live Unlimited, Nakimuli, Onoz, Rue 114, Sean Anthony Designs, The Skinny Billionairess, Tru Diva Designs, T̴̴̴̴̴̴̴̴TymeLady Couture, Youtheary Khmer, and ZMJ Denim.
5. Retailers & Boutiques Showcase - Saturday, June 22
The much-anticipated celebration of some of the hottest brands for curvy women, including Ashley Stewart, Dean of Fashion, Curvezz, Evans, Kaylene, leading plus size retailer Lane Bryant, Curvy Couture, Full Figured Fashion Week's Presenting Sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, Sonsi, the online shopping marketplace for women sizes 12 & above, and Swimsuits for All.
6. 2013 Industry Award Honorees - Saturday, June 22
A highly-regarded plus size industry awards ceremony honoring individuals for their contribution to full figured fashion, including: Plus Model of the Year - Robin Lawley, Designer of the Year - Rue 114, Photographer of the Year - Dorothy Shi, Agency of the Year - True Model Management, Blog of the Year - Gorgeous in Grey, and Retailer of the Year - Asos (Curve).
7. Educational Series & Blogger Conferences - As part of a ground-breaking wellness initiative, Full Figured Fashion Week is pleased to present the first Curvy Wellness Panel. Based on the principle of Health at Every Size, the diverse group of panel members will present on issues surrounding activity, nutrition, body image and overall health. Social media workshops, with a concentration on blogging, will focus on how small businesses and brands to leverage their message into the global arena. Lane Bryant, among other brands, will host their own brand conference to inspire, engage and connect with top fashion bloggers.
8. Fashion Stylist Reah Norman and Sonsi Joined forces!
For the fourth consecutive year, plus size shopping mecca Sonsi, which features hundreds of brands that cater to women sizes 12 and up, is the presenting sponsor of the event. "We've partnered with plus size icon Reah Norman to curate a collection of "wear now" trends inspired by today's plus size stars and we can't wait to reveal it at the Full Figured Fashion Week runway show," said Kristin Mongello, Director of e-commerce at Sonsi.com.
9. The Sponsors are Fab!
Lane Bryant celebrates its fourth year of sponsorship and Chief Marketing Officer Liz Crystal is excited to be a part of this great milestone. "As the nation's leader in full figured fashion, Lane Bryant is proud to once again sponsor Full Figured Fashion Week and we look forward to all the events celebrating beautiful women everywhere." Other Full Figured Fashion Week 2013 Sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor - Sonsi, Title Sponsor - Lane Bryant, Title Sponsor - Ashley Stewart, Media Sponsor - PLUS Model Magazine, Curvy Couture, Kmart, Evans, Just My Size, Swimsuits for All, Bloomingdales, Paul Mitchell, City Chic, Bourdon Hair Company, Hair by Brian C. Hawkins, Plush Boutique, Wargin Wines, Curvesity Entertainment, Thixotix Models, Spice of New York Salon and Spa, and Get A Business Mobile App.
10. Curvy Girls Rock!!!
Need I say anymore?
For more information visit: http://fffweek.com/2013/home