Full Figured Fashion Week to focus on plus size market

16 Jun '10

5 min read

In less than two weeks, hundreds of curvy fashionistas will show NYC that full-figured fashion has come a long way--and they'll have Gwen DeVoe to thank for it.

As the launch of this year's Full Figured Fashion Week nears, founder and executive producer Gwen DeVoe is thrilled to see how much the event has grown. "Everything is bigger this year," says DeVoe, "we've doubled our sponsors, we're working with plus-model icon Emme, we're expecting attendees from all over the country and we have models and designers clamoring to be featured in the shows." Where last year's inaugural Full Figured Fashion Week was a tremendous success with over 1,000 attendees, the recent media attention on plus-size fashion has helped put a spotlight on DeVoe's ambitious project.

This year's event boasts over 35 sponsors including Sonsi – a brand new online retail experience that combines shopping and socializing for full-figured women. Additional sponsors include Lane Bryant, Revlon, Pure Energy, Just My Size, Re/Dress, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Silhouettes and Lucie Lu.

With a dozen events held over four days in the heart of NYC, Full Figured Fashion Week offers something for everyone interested in the plus-size fashion industry. It's not a market to overlook--over $25 billion dollars are spent every year on full-figured fashions. "As a small independent plus size boutique owner, Full Figured Fashion Week is proof to me that we are a creative and economic force to be reckoned with, especially when we join forces," says Deb Malkin, owner of Re/Dress a Brooklyn-based vintage and resale clothing boutique specializing in sizes 14 and up. Malkin adds, "Full Figured Fashion Week is as much about showing the future potential of the plus size market's creative and financial power as it is about what's going on right now."

This year attendees will be treated to a fierce runway competition, a panel featuring two former contestants from "The Biggest Loser," a performance from The Glamazons and a jaw-dropping finale showcase hosted by plus-model icon, Emme Aronson. Former "Project Runway" contestant Qristyl Frazier will show her latest collection, and the stunning Anansa Sims, daughter of legendary Beverly Johnson, will walk the runway. It's a celebration of all things curvy, but it's also an important time for industry insiders to gather and discuss the challenges facing designers, models, and full-figured women across the nation.

This year's event roster includes:

Wednesday, June 16th
Full Figured Fashion Week Opening Night Runway Showcase The kick-off event to Full Figured Fashion Week 2010. Featuring collections from designers across the nation, this fashion showcase and networking event offers a night of great fashion and fun. Featured designers include: Pure Energy, Kiyonna, Just My Size, LaDan's Closet, Chan.nel Karama Limited, Drapery and the Angel Alternative.

Thursday, June 17th
Full Figured & Fabulous Runway Model Competition Hosted by Grizz Chapman of "30 Rock" fame, this runway competition pits the NYC's fiercest plus-size models head to head. The winner will leave with a $1000 cash prize, so come prepared to cheer for your favorites and celebrate with your fellow fashionistas.

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