Full Figured Fashion

Richard Lew Full Figured Fashion Week hits the runway.

Shopping can be a dreadful experience in general. But if you’re the sort of woman who actually enjoys eating on a semiregular basis, and who prefers fashions that look like they weren’t manufactured by the American Tent and Awning Company, it’s downright traumatic. Designers and clothing stores have slowly become aware of this; according to the NPD Group, a market research company, the women’s plus-size apparel market hovers at $17.9 billion, up from $17.7 billion in 2009.
“Every curvy girl that has a dollar is willing to spend that dollar,” says Gwen DeVoe, a former plus-size model and the founder of Full Figured Fashion Week, currently taking place in Manhattan. Now in its second year, the four-day event includes a runway model competition, panel discussions on the industry and, of course, designs for bodies size 12 and above — about 60 percent of American women. On Wednesday night, about 250 women (and a smattering of men) gathered for the opening-night collections, which ranged from T-shirts and jeans (Pure Energy) to trendier, sexier couture (the Angel Alternative).“They don’t want to dress like they’re 60,” says designer Jessica Mealey, the co-founder of the Toronto-based Lotis Clothing, whose designs go up to 3X.
The event is attracting bigger names. The event had just seven sponsors last year; there are 33 this year, including Lane Bryant, Revlon, T.J. Maxx, LucieLu and the newly launched Sonsi.com, which sells clothing, accessories and products for a more zaftig community. The plus-size model Emme is the celebrity host. Will the model Crystal Renn make an appearance? Stay tuned.