Plus Fashion News
Interview With Curvation® Designer Sunil
I had the amazing opportunity to attend the 2006 Project Confidence Awards. Presented by Curvation® and led by Queen Latifah, Project Confidence aims to build a nation of confident women through education and social action. The evening was inspiring, to say the least, but little did I know that there was more in store…
Once the event was over I was introduced to the designer of the Curvation® clothing line, Sunil. I had been told he was a very nice man and an excellent designer but what cannot be expressed second hand is the passion he possesses with every sketch, color and design.
Sunil invited me to the corporate offices of Vanity Fair in New York where I was able to look, and even try on, some of the samples of the new Curvation® Summer Line.
The summer line is full of separates in bold and curve flattering colors. Everything from bathing suit cover-ups to hand bags and belts are unique and designed exclusively for beautiful, curvy women.
Sunil and I sat down to chat about fashion, the curvy form and the inspiration for his designs…
[Maddy] How did you get started in Fashion? [Sunil] I always loved clothing – I grew up in Shrilanka. There is a very different view of women there than the way it is here. Women are very curvy and it’s very acceptable.I guess you could say that I got started in fashion when I took part in a contest and won second place. It was a national contest. [Maddy] Did you go to school for fashion? [Sunil] Well, first I went to school for accounting — I’m actually a CPA, but fashion was the thing I loved. My father wanted me to have something more stable first. After obtaining an accounting degree, I went to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in NY.
[Maddy] Did they cover designing for plus size women in school? [Sunil] No, not at all. I had to learn all that on the job. I started the plus size line at Anne Klein and it was a huge success. I dressed many celebrities including Cameron Mayhem, Rosie O’Donnell, the Duchess of York to name a few. We were the true plus design label at that time — this was in 1995. [Maddy] What are the differences between designing for a larger woman and a smaller woman? [Sunil] The first thing I look at is “color”. When a color appeals to me, instead of looking at a swatch that is 2″ X 2″, I put up a swatch in my office that is 18″ X 18″ and I leave it there for a week. If after a week I’m still enthralled with the color, then it goes on the line.The second thing is fabric. I don’t think people realize how important fabric is because it has to drape well and not cling. You lose everything when a garment clings. The key to the fabric is that it has to have “stretch”.
[Maddy] How does your passion for beautiful plus size clothing translate to the garment? [Sunil] I do something that is very different than most other plus size lines. I start with an attitude sketch. [Maddy] What is an attitude sketch? [Sunil] One of the most important things about an outfit is the attitude. I want to communicate to the person making the clothing what the piece is all about – meaning, ‘what is the attitude’. The attitude sketches show the essence of the garment.Most plus lines do not think that plus size clothing deserves an attitude and I say why not? Plus size women are beautiful, curvy and sexy and they can wear the same styles when they are made to fit their body properly.
My attitude sketches show the person making the garment how it’s going to be accessorized and worn. [Maddy] After the attitude sketch, then what happens? [Sunil] Then I pick the pieces I want on the line. If I need 10 pieces on the line I will sketch about 60 then I will pick the best 10. [Maddy] As your sketching, are you also thinking about the fabric? [Sunil] Yes. I have fabric boards in front of me so while I sketch I can look at it. I’m adding the fabrics to the sketch.
[Maddy] Are there certain fabrics that are best for plus size women? [Sunil] Surprisingly natural fabrics drape better. Some people think that polyester and poly blends are best for plus clothing. My jerseys are silk jerseys and not poly jerseys… They not only feel better but also look better on a full-figure. These fabrics also last longer and are ‘breathable.’ [Maddy] When did Curvation® decide to go from Intimate Apparel to a full clothing line? [Sunil] Well the Intimate apparel was very well received and I believe it has been such a success because they really reached out to the consumer and gave them what they asked for. The line is superior to what was out there. It’s designed specially for “her”. We did not take a 34 C and grade it up to a 40 DD.In 2004 we were asked about coming up with a clothing line that would hold the same integrity that the Intimate Apparel was known for.
[Maddy] The models at the Curvation® show LOVED the clothing! Mia Amber Davis in particular could not stop telling me about the curvy jeans… she said she normally has a hard time finding jeans to fit her 6-foot curvy frame. What makes your clothing so different? [Sunil] I design clothing that will “find” the woman’s natural curves and not fight it. Details in the clothing will help the garment “find” your body. The next thing is the fabric. You have to have good fabrics to work with in order to make a garment exceptional.Another thing that I do that is different is that I have my size 18 fit model but I also have a size 14 and size 22 to make sure that nothing is lost.
Sometimes I make changes — for instance, sometimes on a size 22 blouse I will add an extra button. Maybe I will make it longer; I will change the collar or add a seam. This is what they do with straight sizes but not with plus. [Maddy] I don’t think women have the confidence, yet, to shop online. What advice can you offer the women you design for?
[Sunil] I won’t say that shopping online is the best shopping experience or the best avenue for our product but I can say that if the customers would take the time to read about the products and details on the site and look at the pictures, they will see how much care goes into each individual garment.Since it’s designed for “her” it will fit “her” a lot better than most garments they pull off the rack. A lot of it has to do with Queen Latifah herself. She said that, “This is a line that I can put my name to and I can be proud of.” And you know what? She wears almost everything from the line!
The garments that our customers are getting are exactly what Queen Latifah wears. We don’t change anything just for her. She picks things from stock and wears them. She has been photographed in People Magazine, Glamour and Newsweek wearing her clothes. And this is a woman that can wear whatever she wants! [Maddy] How involved is she in the line? Does she see every single piece? [Sunil] Yes she does. Susan is the Creative Director and we work together to come up with the line. Queen Latifah is told about everything as it is happening and then she comes in to see the final product. We always have to be ready because sometimes she will just come in without telling us and begin to try things on.
[Maddy] I find that sometimes plus size clothing is made for hourglass figures. What about those of us that are not the same size on the top and bottom? How does your clothing address a woman’s body type? [Sunil] I do not have many dresses on the line because I believe it is harder to design dresses for women of all body types so I created this line so that you can mix and match several tops to different bottoms. Some of what I created was made so that it will look like a dress while it’s really a skirt and top combo. This way you can wear the sizes that you truly are. Many women are not the same size on the top and bottom. [Maddy] How do you maintain such passion for women who are often forgotten by the Fashion Industry? [Sunil] Well when I design – I design for beautiful women. Beautiful, curvy women. I don’t believe that just because something is made in a size 0 it automatically will look great on a body so I make clothing that is flattering to the women I have in mind.Paul Poiret called himself the “King of Fashion” and is enjoying a huge revival at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY and there are articles about him in most fashion magazines. He came up with a theory — He proposed that if you could move the eye around the body it is automatically slimming. I have spent a lot of time studying his work and trying to apply this theory to the designs. For instance, in the pant design, the side seams are brought an inch forward. So when you are looking at the person you are actually seeing the side seem. So your eye goes top to bottom.
[Maddy] What inspires you? [Sunil] I spend a lot of time researching. I go to the history books, museums in Paris and I also look through the archives. I truly believe that good design is the key. I just came back from the silk mills in China – looking and choosing fabrics for the line. It’s nothing like anyone has used in the plus size market. I found it in a broken down mill in China but it is exquisite and perfect for plus size bodies. [Maddy] Sunil, I am truly inspired and look forward to all of your designs and fashions for curves… Thank you…
Feature
SwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
Inclusive Swimwear Brand Collaborates with Prominent Plus-Size Model Denise Bidot to Empower Aspiring Models…
Swimsuits For All, a pioneer in inclusive swimwear, proudly introduces its inaugural SwimStar All Stars campaign in partnership with renowned plus-size model and Swimsuits For All ambassador, Denise Bidot. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, nearly a decade following Denise’s groundbreaking “Beach Body, Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All in 2015, which showcased unretouched imagery aimed at promoting unapologetic confidence.
Denise Bidot and Swimsuits For All have jointly unveiled the SwimStar All Stars nationwide search, dedicated to discovering emerging talent in the realm of swimsuit modeling. Encouraging aspiring models to share their personal narratives, the initiative aims to inspire women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Following a rigorous selection process, Brittany Wilborn, Camryn Henry, and Sharon Clawson emerged as the chosen winners. In January 2024, these models embarked on a transformative journey to Harbour Island, where they had the unparalleled opportunity to shoot alongside Denise under the expert direction of internationally acclaimed photographer and director, Ben Watts.
Reflecting on the initiative, Denise Bidot remarked, “This was a truly exceptional opportunity to celebrate the diversity of plus-size models and cultivate an atmosphere of support, empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The camaraderie on set was palpable, and I am deeply honored to impart the wisdom and insights I’ve garnered throughout my career. Opportunities like these are scarce for plus-size models in the industry, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional team at Swimsuits for All to bring this campaign to fruition.”
The models showcased the latest swimwear offerings from the Swimsuits for All 2024 collection, featuring innovative designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, including:
Feel-good Fits: Addressing common concerns such as tummy bulges and fit issues, Swimsuits for All offers a range of fits designed to instill confidence and comfort in every body. Incorporating features like Power Mesh for a smooth, flattering silhouette, and adjustable straps for customizable support, the collection caters to various body types.
Bold Prints & Colors for Summer: The summer swimwear collection boasts vibrant colors and captivating prints, injecting excitement and personality into beach and poolside attire. From vivid neon hues to tropical motifs, the collection encourages self-expression and style experimentation.
Liquid Shine: Introducing Liquid Shine, a striking swim fabrication characterized by a glossy, liquid-like finish, adding an edgy allure to beachwear. Available in multiple silhouettes, including bikinis, Liquid Shine ensures you stand out with confidence.
Bikinis that Suit You Best: The Mix & Match Bikini collection offers a personalized approach to swimwear, allowing individuals to mix and match colors and silhouettes for a bespoke look tailored to their preferences.
Beyond showcasing inclusive swimwear designs, the SwimStar All Stars campaign embodies a celebration of women uplifting one another in an industry often marked by competitiveness. Throughout the week-long shoot, models engaged in one-on-one sessions with Denise, fostering meaningful dialogue about the evolving representation of plus-size bodies in swim and fashion.
Jordan Hauser, Senior Director of E-Commerce & Marketing, expressed, “This campaign transcends conventional notions of body positivity and representation in the swim and fashion industries. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity in reflecting the diverse experiences of our customer base. We are committed to fostering a movement where women find strength in unity, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Denise Bidot, one of the industry’s foremost advocates for inclusivity.”
The summer 2024 swimwear collection is now available. For further details about Swimsuits For All and the SwimStar All Stars campaign, please visit www.swimsuitsforall.com.
Fashion aficionados, mark your calendars because the highly anticipated launch of Grey by Jhoan Sebastian Grey is right around the corner, and it’s poised to redefine your wardrobe essentials!
Set to debut exclusively on HSN on February 22nd, this collection is the brainchild of none other than the Colombian-born maestro himself, Project Runway winner Jhoan Sebastian Grey.
Check out these sketches made EXCLUSIVELY for PLUS Model Magazine by Sebastian Grey!
Crafted with an unwavering dedication to construction and detail, Grey by Jhoan Sebastian Grey is a nine-piece ensemble that seamlessly blends everyday wearability with an avant-garde flair. From vibrant hues to elevated prints, each piece is a testament to Grey’s unique vision and creative prowess.
Drawing inspiration from Colombian basket weaving, the collection exudes a distinct cultural charm while offering a modern twist on timeless classics. Get ready to embrace bold colors and intricate patterns that celebrate the spirit of individuality and self-expression.
Price Range:
Affordability meets luxury with prices ranging from $64.95 for a printed mesh top to $199.95 for a pleated trench. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or elevate your everyday look, Grey by Jhoan Sebastian Grey has something for every fashion-forward individual.
Where to Watch:
Excitement is mounting as Jhoan Sebastian Grey himself graces our screens on multiple occasions:
- Thursday, February 22nd:> • Catch him on ‘Obsessed with Style with Nicole’ during the 10 a.m. hour.
- Tune in again for his appearance on ‘The List with Debbie D’ at 10 p.m.
- Sunday, February 25th:> • Join Sebastian for full hours of style inspiration from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.
- Don’t miss his exclusive feature on ‘Shop the Runway’ at 7 p.m.
But wait, there’s more! Jhoan Sebastian Grey will be returning in March with a curated selection of new pieces, ensuring that your fashion journey continues with fresh, innovative designs.
Prepare to be captivated as Grey by Jhoan Sebastian Grey makes its grand debut on HSN, offering fashion enthusiasts a chance to embrace their individuality with style and sophistication. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this fashion revolution!
Stay tuned for updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and more as we countdown to the launch of Grey by Jhoan Sebastian Grey, exclusively on HSN, and a one-on-one interview with our editor and co-founder Madeline Jones.
SHOP HERE: fave.co/42LqYAB
EVERY show should be THIS INCLUSIVE! Adore Me Leads The Way During NYFW…
Adore Me kicked off NYFW with a Body Positive Show. On Friday night New York Fashion Week looked a little different. Adore Me, (the first intimate brand to bring inclusive sizing to all its categories ) debuted its new Fall/Winter 2023 collection with a body-positive and inclusive NYFW Runway Show.
The lingerie and costumes were seen on a diverse group of models including Iska Lawrence as she opened the show in spectacular style.
Check out the replay here: adoreme.com/live
Shop some of our favorite looks here!
Special savings for PLUS Readers at bandelettes.com! BOGO 40% Off – Buy one item, get 40% off the second. Use code PMM40 at checkout
We remember watching the models walk the Chromat NYFW runway wearing Bandelettes and feeling such immense pride.
The collaboration was absolutely elating for those of us in the seats that have met Julia Abasova and Rena Abramoff, the women behind Bandelettes. This month we are excited to share this exciting story about how two women from the same country immigrated to the US and met HERE and realized their dream. Today they are part of the conversation when it comes to loving ourselves unapologetically.
Get to know Rena and Julia…
PMM: Tell us a little about yourselves and how you met.
Rena: My family came here in 1996; we are refugees who came to the United States and started from scratch. I have a master’s degree but I started at the very bottom until I landed a position in my field. I was a controller at a well-known insurance company and when the opportunity came I decided to take a different approach to my career path.
Julia: Funny story… Rena and I went to the same University and lived in very close proximity to each other back in our country, same city but we never met. It was not until we came to the United States that a mutual friend introduced us and we became fast friends. I also have a financial Master’s degree as well and just like Rena started from scratch and took a job that was not exactly in my field but I climbed the ladder pretty quickly.
PMM: So let’s fast forward a bit… you’re fast friends and Rena you move ONE house away from Julia… how do we go from friendship to business partners?
Rena: So my place of business was about to close and I was offered other positions but I really felt like I wanted to own something for myself and so I brought up the subject to Julia. In the beginning, we thought about creating preserves and of course, there’s a funny story behind it!
Julia: I have scars! I have scars from Rena! LOL!
PMM: Please explain… LOL!
Julia: So Rena wanted to try this thing that they sold in our country. It’s like popcorn with caramel in lollipop form, so like a big round popcorn lollipop. Well, we set out to try it…
Rena: I’m not sure exactly how it happened but I was preparing the sugar for the caramel and the next thing I know the hot sugar was all over Julia’s legs.
Julia: So yes, we scratched that idea after Rena fixed my leg back from the burning incident. So back to how Bandelettes came to us… we decided to go for a walk one day and Rena asked me how many ideas I came up with because she had like 100 ideas in her head. So I simply told her that I was not sure how she would feel about this idea but I suffer from thigh chafing so I shy away from wearing skirts or dresses and when I do I would cut pantyhose and create something that would cover my thighs.
Rena: So after our walk, she showed me what she created and I thought it was a really good idea. We did our due diligence and made sure there was nothing else on the market that was similar and we moved forward. I thought it was a great idea because Julia and I are all about helping people and this was a business idea that was a career for us and would also help people. We realized this was not a size-specific issue we were addressing it was a people issue.
PMM: So from idea to conception… how long was the process?
Rena: During the development process, Julia was the ginny pig and wore the samples for days as we made edits.
Julia: I’m still the ginny pig actually lol! We also asked our friends and did research about launching the brand. One of the big revelations during this process was that people did not want to talk about thigh chaffing or admit that they suffer from it. Personally, I thought I was the only person in the world that suffered from thigh chafing because no one talked about it.
PMM: So the sexy lacy Bandelettes are HOT! Can we talk about the other options as well?
Julia: Yes, so in the beginning we just thought about the sexy lacy option only. We were looking for someone to try it and we were introduced to this very nice blogger who wore Bandelettes to a party. The feedback was so eye-opening, the person who wore them was on a date and she said she did not have to worry about taking off “biker shorts or shapewear” before getting into an intimate situation because the bands were so sexy and protected her thighs from chafing.
We also noticed after she posted that the people in the comments section were asking about options that were not lace and why there wasn’t a Unisex option. Again, we saw the need and decided to offer a Unisex option that was not lace. Now we also carry bikini panties as well!
PMM: You were featured at The MET at A Lexicon Of Fashion In America alongside Chromat. Can you tell us about this experience and what it means to you to be part of a community that is body positive?
Rena: We are very thankful to Chromat for collaborating with us during NYFW at her size-inclusive shows because it really put us front and center in the fashion world.
Julia: We were always thinking through a size-inclusive lens but did not realize there was an entire industry about it. We just naturally wanted to offer our brand to as many people as possible. So from the very beginning, we offered sizes up to 3X.
PMM: I feel like we were not really openly speaking about thigh chafing back then.
Julia: I like to think that Bandelettes helped to start and encourage the conversation around thigh chafing. Instead of keeping this secret, we are addressing a need and we want people to feel good as well. I believe we played a major role in helping people accept that some of us have this issue and are offering a solution.
PMM: Lastly, you are a small business, women-owned, your friends, how do you make it work?
Rena: Business-wise I would have to say that our degrees and our experience helped us, although we did not know anything about “fashion” we were able to build a business. I handle the design and financial aspects of Bandelettes and Julia is very much a people person.
Julia: We are complete opposites actually and I think that’s why it works. We also got very good advice from Rena’s husband in the very beginning. He told us to look at our partnership as a marriage, “You have to figure out how to be in a marriage together”! So sometimes we don’t see things the same but we have learned how to walk away and come back to resolve the situation.
Most importantly, we follow one rule, we BOTH have to agree on decisions before they are made.
PMM: This was such a great interview, thank you both for your time, the laughs, and all that you do for the plus-size community.
Special savings for PLUS Readers at bandelettes.com! BOGO 40% Off – Buy one item, get 40% off the second. Use code PMM40 at checkout
Follow Bandelettes on social media:
instagram.com/bandelettes
facebook.com/Bandelettes
Giving Tuesday is a day when we come together “globally” to support people and organizations that are helping to transform communities and lives.
But for our partner Lane Bryant, this sentiment is a part of their daily mantra as they encourage women to live #MyIncredible.
As the top plus-size brand, Lane Bryant continues to lead the way in how they support, encourage, and move the needle forward within the plus-size fashion industry and the community it serves.
As customers, we are being given the opportunity to join Lane Bryant and Dress for Success to help women reach their “incredible”.
Dress for Success is a global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
As a woman who started her career on a desk in her tiny NYC apartment, I know all too well how important it is to have both emotional and financial support.
As the editor of PLUS Model Magazine for over 16 years, I’m truly honored to be able to support Lane Bryant’s efforts this holiday season.
This month Lane Bryant is supporting Dress for Success through December 24th offering opportunities for customers to “round up” online or in-store. Every time we shop we are supporting our sisters who need help to reach their full potential.
If you are interested in finding your local affiliate chapter click here: dressforsuccess.org/
Visit: Lane Bryant [divider]PHOTO CREDITS[/divider]
Madeline Jones
IG @plusjones
Photography
LucasPictures
Clothing provided by Lane Bryant
Curvy Model Kimberly Dixon Inspires NEW Accessory Collection with Mabel & Main…
With a thriving modeling career and years of plus-size advocacy, Kimberly Dixon is now entering the accessories arena via Mabel & Main. The Kimberly D Collection offers earring sets, pendants, and anklets.
“When Mabel & Main reached out to me about collaborating on a jewelry collection, I was very excited because although I am a model and people would expect a fashion collab, I have a love for fine jewelry and accessories. As a plus size woman, I have struggled with finding anklets that fit me in the past, so with my collection, I knew I wanted to have anklet options that would fit a larger ankle.” – Kimberly Dixon
The collection was designed to be price-conscious, per Kimberly’s preference for offering a plus-size accessory collection that made fine jewelry accessible. Too often in the fashion and retail industries, plus size options have either been cheaply made with poor-quality materials or marked up to a premium over standard size options when offered in finer qualities.
Check out the entire collection here!
Photography, Davey King / IG @Daveyxking
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