Eight years ago today full figured women decided to take over the fashion industry by storm. They decided to do this by finding an outlet for emerging “Plus Size” designers to showcase their work. Hence came Full Figured Fashion week (FFFW). FFFW was launched in the fashion city of New York with only 12 brand partnerships and 200 guests with 1 runway show and only 3 small events. Now it has 100 partners with 20 events and 4 fashion runway shows. Leonard Davis who is in charge of front of house production and set design has been with FFFW for six years. “I love working with full figured fashion week because of what it has to offer. It’s a week of seminars, workshops, networking, blogging and entertainment.”
When I first walked in for the 7th anniversary Runway Showcase and Industry Awards ceremony in New York I was aww struck by the ambience of the scenery. Leonard Davis really did his thing. The colors for this year show was lavender and egg shell white. The dim lighting really made the runway pop out and made it for an elegant evening filled with industry celebrities and plus size community supporters. The wonderful décor of pink, purple and white lilies and flowers really made the background stand out. There were spotlights set up everywhere. The glasses of wine and champagne were given out to all the honorees and special guests. They really wanted you to set back, relax and enjoy the show. To my left was a section strictly for taking pictures of the who who’s of the plus size industry. They were taking pictures and given out interviews. This is where I first say the director of Full Figured Fashion Week, Ms. Gwen DeVoe. She was working the room and making sure all her guests were taken care of.
Then walked in Egypt “Ify” Ufele. Ufele was being honored as junior trailblazer of the year for 2016. She brought along her mother who was decked out in a one of a kind Chubiline outfit for the special night. Ufele wore a beautiful mesh poodle skirt that just hit below the knee, a sparkling black tank top and a zebra print sleeved shawl. All designs were by Ufele. Her mother wore a one of kind outfit made out of a red and gold print Kenta clothe with matching purse and head wrap. When Egypt was asked how she felt about being honored for the night she responded, “I am really excited to be here.” At only 10 years old Egypt has been able to establish her own clothing line, a foundation called Bullychasers and made it to New York fashion week; being the only designer to use curvy models.
Full Figured Fashion Week is used to empower plus size women through fashion. Some of the women who have been empowered by the plus size community are Meghan O’ Connor (stylist), Egypt Ufele (junior trailblazer), Jennene Biggins (entrepreneur), Tia Lyn (designer), Nikki Gomez (photographer), Christina Mendez (plus model) and Farrah Estrella (blogger). Not only have these women been inspired by full figured fashion but were also 2016 honorees at the fashion show for making moves and changing the once “size 2 only” industry.
The show featured designs by Fit for Me by Fruit a Loom, QED by Qristyl Frazier, Tia Lyn Lingerie, Eyani Courture, 2B….Continued Custom Denim, Hannah Caroline Couture, Ashley Stewart, True Diva Designs, GatsbyLady London, BGU, Ace Blakely, Bandelettes, Cameo de Bore and Coral and Co.
Bi Nerual 