Every year since 2009, plus size women from various places in the world gather in New York City for Full Figured Fashion Week™ (FFFweek). Regarded as an event focused on plus size fashion, FFFweek serves as more than just an introduction to the plus size fashion world. Although the well produced fashion shows are a focal point, women who aren't into fashion can benefit from attending the yearly event. I know the benefits of FFFweek first-hand because I've attended the highly anticipated event every year/ Like so many others, I plan my vacation time around FFFweek. I'm sure there are other ways that I could spend my summers, but there's something empowering and inspiring about being around my curvy sisters and to be honest, I'm not ready to give that feeling up. From June 13th to June 16th 2012, New York is where I will be.
Each year I travel to New York from Detroit, MI and walk away from the event feeling refreshed as my respect for the work and the individuals in the plus size community is renewed. During my first year I was a member of The Curvy Collective, which is now The Fashion Front. The fashion front is just that; the force on the frontline of Full Figured Fashion Week™. They are a group of bloggers that bring news, perspective and exclusive access to FFFWeek. They often serve as liaisons between FFFweek and plus size women attending and/or following the event.
During my second year, I had the honor of speaking on the Plus Side Of Business panel. My topic of discussion revolved around researching potential business partners and associates. Although I was on the panel I was in awe of the knowledge and expertise of the panelists. Panelists provided insight on trademarks, the beginning stages of blogging and plus size fashion from an entrepreneurial standpoint. The panel was hosted by Ms. Biggins of The Voluptuous Woman Company.
My third year attending FFFweek was my most memorable yet. My online magazine DailyVenusDiva.com was an official media sponsor and I had the honor of participating in several events. I spoke on the Young, Curvy & Empowered panel and I was one of three judges of the Full Figured & Fabulous Runway Competition. The highlight of the week was DailyVenusDiva.com receiving the award for Plus Lifestyle Magazine of the Year!
This years schedule of events are slightly different from previous years. New additions include the following panel discussions; My Curves, My Style, The Fashion & Entertainment Arts Legal Panel and Building Your Brand Through Social Media. The expansion of the panel discussions during the week is a direct result of the growth that the plus size community has experienced in recent years. Being a plus size woman is a lifestyle and there is a community that supports that lifestyle. Within that community are several businesses ran by goal-driven and inspirational forward thinkers such as Gwendolynn DeVoe, CEO, Creator and Executive Producer at DeVoe Signature Events (DSE).
Full Figured Fashion Week™, produced by DeVoe Signature Events (DSE), is the world's first event to promote independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses.
As the plus size community continues to receive national attention, it's important for me to emphasize the impact of Full Figured Fashion Week™ on plus size women everywhere. Plus size women are business owners, aspiring models, social media professionals and event planners. There are so many layers to women yet we rarely see the many layers of full figured women explored and highlighted. FFFweek puts the much needed and deserved spotlight on plus size women by celebrating the many hats we wear. The fashion aspect is just the icing on the cake.
Full Figured Fashion Week™ takes place in New York City from June 13-16, 2012. It was created to increase economic development in the area of plus size fashion design, clothing merchandising and plus modeling. For additional details visit their website www.fffweek.com.