Entertainment
The Empowered and Fearless Victoria Wefer
The Empowered and Fearless Victoria Wefer
by Suzette Banzo
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings” is a phrase we hear repeatedly. While it’s often said at the defining moment when all hopes are gone, what it has also done along the way was demean and stereotype a group of gifted women who are serious artists. Victoria Wefer, a beautiful, well-rounded and talented woman joins the ranks of an evolving new image within Opera, challenging the perception of how a serious opera singer should look and replacing it with how a curvaceous, vivacious artist should sound. Empowered…Fearless.
Suzette: When did you first discover that you had a voice for Opera?
Victoria Wefer: When I was fifteen, I was singing in my high school choir and a girlfriend let me know about a competition for singers and urged me to participate. My choir director pointed out that this was an operatic competition so I would need to get a voice teacher in order to be as good as required. I began training and felt the calling; I never turned back. Suzette, my life changed dramatically after that contest; I pursued music full force.
Suzette: How well did you do in the contest?
Victoria Wefer: (laughing) I did not win the competition but out of 30 contestants, I placed 25. This was my first time and I competed against very seasoned singers. I designed my gown and if you can believe it…I still have it!
Suzette: That is so endearing; what was the gown like?
Victoria Wefer: It looked like Cinderella’s wedding dress, white and puffy with beading everywhere including beading on the white satin shoes. I drew it, picked out the fabric and took it to a local seamstress who put it all together. In my mind, an opera singer was a princess. I was so shocked to see the look on the other contestants’ faces because they were all wearing casual attire. I think I was more disappointed about that than not winning the $5,000 prize.
Suzette: How funny, what a visual! Where do you usually shop for your gowns now?
Victoria Wefer: My favorite place to go is the garment district in NYC. If you find a gown you desire is not in stock, almost all the stores can order it and they will tailor it to fit your shape. They cater to a broad range of sizes. I shopped there even when I was a size 24.
Suzette: What is the most exciting city where you have performed?
Victoria Wefer: Monte Carlo took my breath away. The exposure to the French Riviera…it is an amazing place and I recommend it to all. The people love music; they love opera and cherish their artists. There is so much to do and see. You will have a wonderful time even if you have champagne taste on a Pepsi budget. Everyone I met was so friendly and gracious. I had the privilege of being the only American singer selected to sing in a concert at Princess Caroline’s villa in Monte Carlo. What a night! It represented so very much for me. Never was I so grateful to my mother for investing in my etiquette lessons. I experienced “white glove” treatment with everything. It was over the top and splendid and I loved it.
I have great memories of the city of Trujillo, Peru. Even at 4 A.M., you can find a place to have a good meal with great new friends. I was there for an international singing competition where I placed as a semi-finalist. The culture is so beautiful and it is definitely different from the Mediterranean. The people love music and they love opera wholeheartedly. It never ceases to amaze me how music can break all language barriers almost instantly.
Suzette: Speaking of language, I understand that you have an ability to pick up different languages easily. Which language did you speak at home and which additional ones have you learned?
Victoria Wefer: Papiamento is the language that I grew up with and I learned to speak it before English; it is spoken predominantly in the Netherlands Antilles or better known as the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). My family comes from Aruba. I learned French in high school and learned Spanish, formally, when I was at university earning my Bachelors Degree in English Literature. My mother also taught me a bit of Portuguese and my very first voice teacher taught me Italian. While I was earning my Masters Degree in Music, I continued to take diction courses in French, Italian, and German. My German is stronger than Dutch (much to the chagrin of my mother who is fluent in Dutch) and last year, I was teaching myself Latin.
Suzette: You recently performed in Carmela Sinco’s “RAYA & SAG-IN”. Can you tell us about the story?
Victoria Wefer: It is a piece of magic written by the most wonderful and talented Filipina I will ever know. “Raya” and “Sag-In” are the names of characters from a very famous Filipino legend, “The Legend of the Banana Plant”. Sag-In is a male spirit who falls in love with a human girl named Raya. Sag-In is invisible to Raya and he is hell-bent on becoming human if only for the chance to reveal his love to her but of course, like any good love story, there is a foil. The foil in this opera is a higher-ranking spirit named “Bathala”. Sag-In begs Bathala to transform him into a human. Bathala reluctantly allows him this opportunity but warns him that he risks his chance at being able to reach his full potential as the ‘chosen one’ in the spirit world. Golden Fleece Ltd., based in New York City, commissioned Carmela Sinco’s opera as their 17th Annual Commissioned Opera/Theater Production. Carmela Sinco wrote the libretto and the music. It is a one-act opera written in English and consists of seven scenes without an intermission. She is already in meetings about bringing the production to the Philippines and perhaps even expanding the story so there is definitely more to come. I am delighted to be cast as Raya. She is an impressive character that Ms. Sinco has written as strong-willed, independent and very feminine. I am honored to premiere this role.
Suzette: I am curious about something and I hope you do not mind me asking this, has losing weight affected your voice?
Victoria Wefer: It is a fair question. I recently lost 92 pounds over the course of a year and a half and I can say that my voice has NOT changed. It has not become weaker as a result of my weightloss. Despite common perception, I was always healthy. I did not have high blood pressure, my sugar was not high, and I did not have high cholesterol.
Suzette: What made you decide to lose weight?
Victoria Wefer: The decision was well thought out and researched. I want to make it clear that I did it without surgery. I continue to diet, have an intense workout regimen and I am not skinny. Honestly, I was told that if I didn’t lose the weight I could forget about having a successful operatic career. I got tired of witnessing skinny girls being considered and many times hired for roles that I was a natural for vocally. Opera is not exempt from what the more popular music industry deems as ‘what’s hot’. Opera singers are not currently expected to be a size 0 or 2. However, you do not have to look too hard to see that Opera is becoming more and more about the visual as well as the audible. Casting directors would like someone who looks like the role. Some of the lead female roles are Mimi in La Bohème, Violetta in La Traviata, and of course, Carmen which is probably the sexiest and most popular character in Opera. I am a size 12 now and my goal is to be a size 10. My curves are in check! With my bone structure and standing tall at 5’8, I will look emaciated at any size smaller than 10 and looking sickly is not my goal. I want to maintain my health. My instrument is my voice. I walk with it inside of me every waking moment of my existence. It is susceptible to everything in my environment, both the physical and emotional.
Suzette: The term “Diva” describes a woman of outstanding talent in the world of Opera. The term has evolved and become a buzzword with both negative and positive undertones. How would “Diva” describe you?
Victoria Wefer: You’re correct. The negativity surrounding the word “Diva” is usually pinned on a woman that expects special treatment, wants things done her way without compromise or consideration of others; she won’t care about her colleagues or the rest of the team around her. I use the word “Diva” to describe myself as someone that is prepared, confident, strong willed when I NEED to be, considerate, generous, and a team player. Being gifted and talented is a blessing and a treasure. Like all gifts, you have to take care of it. Protecting my image and the way I’m perceived by my audience is important to me. I always want to put my best foot forward.
Suzette: How do you prepare for a performance?
Victoria Wefer: I try to think of positive things, surround myself with positive people and drink plenty of water because it is very important for me to stay hydrated. I also try to listen to music that makes me feel energized, like listening to Beyoncé.
Suzette: What advice did you receive that has kept you focused on your journey?
Victoria Wefer: Wow! I’ve gotten a lot of advice on my journey so far. The one piece of advice that has remained with me and comforted me, onstage and offstage, came from my voice teacher, Diana Soviero: “Whenever you start doubting yourself, remember you did this you built all this without fear and that’s what you need to have a career in Opera. You must be fearless.”
To learn more about Victoria and hear samples of her music, please visit www.victoriawefer.com
We’ve been following Romy Dya’s journey for many years…
Through her music, Romy Dya has inspired so many of us to not only accept who we are but to love ourselves through the good and bad times accepting the journey that is before us. Having the opportunity to feature such a talented artist is a dream come true for PLUS Model Magazine because through every lyric she allows us to see ourselves in her. She has been open with us through her music allowing us to witness her transformation into who she is today while honoring her journey.
To listen to her music is to enter the heart & soul of this passionate artist.
Get to know our cover model Romy Dya…
We were listening to your EP “Transformation” when we were putting this interview together and it’s so deep. Can you share with those that have not heard it yet, about this EP and your music?
My motto for making music is that there is power in your weakness. Sharing my vulnerability with others through my music helps them to heal.
‘Transformation’ is about my healing journey and going from darkness to light. My life has been a rollercoaster and I’ve had a tough youth. All these years I pushed my tears away, but in 2021 I started to face the demons from the past. I had to go through it and get to the root of my pain. I had to understand where certain trauma responses came from but also certain patterns in life that kept repeating. I found peace in meditation, went to retreats, did a few Ayahuasca ceremonies, and learned to accept things and let them go with love. The EP is a message to myself as well as to others. All of the songs are intuitively created, from writing, recording to producing and mixing my EP. What I learned from this healing journey is that this is also an ongoing journey.
This year I’m also going to release a Love EP because I found love and I want to share this beautiful and transformative experience with the world.
Take us back to the beginning, was this what little Romy always knew she wanted to do?
At the age of four I already knew that I wanted to be a singer because my mom was a singer too. She was a country singer and even though it wasn’t my genre, I looked up to her. She told me to practice every day and so I did. One of my favorite artists was Gloria Estefan. I would always sing along to her song ‘Rhythm is gonna get you’ together with my dad. Those are my earliest memories.
At the age of ten I started writing my own songs in English (I’m from The Netherlands) and that has always been my therapy. I never stopped writing ever since.
We have interviewed several entertainers and many of them have told us stories about how the music industry has been very tough in regards to size and how you represent yourself. Is this something you experienced? Do you see a change in our culture for diversity and representation in the music industry?
Yes, I definitely experienced that unfortunately. I’m curvy and I’m proud of it now, but in the past, they told me a lot of times that I needed to lose weight.
Nowadays a lot has changed. Especially since Lizzo became known. She opened a lot of doors for many and is unapologetically her amazing, authentic self.
PMM: If you could do a collab with another entertainer who would it be and why?
I would love to make a song with Russ. I look up to him because like me he does everything himself, from writing to recording, producing, mixing, and mastering. He motivated me to do all of that myself and I love how he wrote a book about changing your mindset and being aware of your thoughts. You can manifest anything you want. So, I’ll manifest a song with him in 2024.
I Fkn Love Myself is the title of your 2021 album and the songs spoke to many of us because it was raw, unapologetic, and sultry all in one. Can you take us back to this time in your life and how you use your music to inspire self-love?
I created that album to remind myself that I have to love myself unconditionally. Yes, life can be a rollercoaster and we constantly change inside and outside. But I had to learn to love myself in every phase of my life. And sometimes I’m really feeling myself and some days I don’t like my Scorpio attitude and feel like shit. But even on those days I talk to myself in the mirror and I tell myself: ‘You are strong, beautiful and you got this.’
Quick FIVE:
1) Stilettos or Flats?
Flats
2) Outdoor Concert or Small Intimate Venue?
Small intimate venue
3) How would you describe your fashion aesthetic?
Goddess vibes with a touch of darkness and light
4) One thing you have learned through your journey.
Love heals everything.
5) Your favorite quote.
‘When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’ Paulo Coelho.
Photo Credits
Picture by Rocky Khedoe | @13plus31
Make-Up by @mifasstudio
Clothing by @miidorie
Creative Direction by @blessjoyba
Cover model credits:
Instagram @romydya
Website romydya.com/
TikTok @romydya
Facebook @RomyDyaMusic
Youtube @romydya
For singer/songwriter Chel, there’s nothing more important than following your dreams and staying true to what you believe in.
It’s a principle Chel follows in her life and budding music career, where her talent and authenticity combine to create a pop force on the rise.
Born in Springfield, Illinois, Chel always knew she wanted to make her mark in the world. She has a passion for music and women’s empowerment, things that haven’t always served her well in the male-dominated and superficial industry.
She faced hurdles immediately, including people telling her she didn’t have the “look or body type” to succeed in music.
Thankfully, Chel didn’t like being told she couldn’t do something. She refocused her energy on herself and her gifts, finding her voice and confidence along the way, creating a lane for her that truly fits her goals and desires.
She’s an outspoken advocate for people of all backgrounds and body types, aiming to use her musical skills to her story: a tale of perseverance, hard work, and blossoming into the queen she always knew she was. It’s a story familiar to many and Chel’s determination along her journey has resonated with them.
She quickly became a prominent influencer with an audience that spans millions across her Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram pages. She uses her growing platform to spread a message of body positivity and power for major clothing brands and more. She’s also a host on DASH Radio, where she interviews the hottest new artists on a primetime weekend show that reaches millions of listeners. She has been featured by Billboard and New Music Friday.
Through her music and social media presence, a career in modeling emerged. This is something Chel never saw for herself but sees it as an opportunity to be the person she wished she had growing up. This has lead her to work with the likes of Good American, Anthropologie, Target, and Disney.
No matter what life has thrown her, Chel has persevered and kept going. With new music out and on the way and her accomplishments and influence only growing, Chel is a name you won’t soon forget.”
PMM: As a singer, model, and radio host you are in the spotlight often. Was this the life little Chel dreamed of?
Chel: Little Chel started putting on weight at 7 or 8 and was on weight watchers by 10. Little Chel went to school and was told she wasn’t worth anything. My parents loved me and wanted the best for me so they tried to help by encouraging weight loss but that deepened the already deep wounds and insecurities. Throughout all of this, little me held on to my dream of one day being a real pop singer. There is part of me that wants to say little me always knew I could do it because she never stopped holding on… but there’s also a part of me that wants to say she would be staring at me now with disbelief and tears of joy in her eyes.
For those that are not familiar with your music, can you tell us about your exciting career and how you balance it all?
I’ve been making music for about 10-11 years now. I find so much joy in the creation process and can definitely say that’s by far my favorite part. As much as I like making the music, opening up stadium shows for Jason Derulo and Nelly or headlining the pride festival a few years in a row doesn’t hurt either.
I have a bunch of new music that I will be releasing this year. I have an album ready to go and I just need to choose a date. It is so cool to get to reinforce the messages of all the things I care about in my music and I can’t wait to share that with everyone.
I’m not going to lie, it can be really challenging to balance everything. I do everything myself. I have three careers and making time to build/maintain a brand, create content, market yourself, manage yourself, find opportunities, network, and still make time for a social life can sometimes be overwhelming.
As I’ve continued this journey, I’ve found that it’s really important to
1. Make lists
2. Have a day planner (organizer)
3. Have a mom or a friend who reminds you to get your things done
4. Let yourself take breaks
It’s really easy to overdo it when you work for yourself because you’re technically never off the clock. Realizing that you need to step back sometimes is the key to making it all work.
Most people will be very shocked that you are considered a “plus-size” model in the fashion industry, but here we are… let’s chat about your modeling career and why you feel diversity and inclusion are so important.
It’s funny… I still feel imposter syndrome sometimes in regard to my modeling career. I still feel the need to tell people I’m a “plus-size” model when they ask what I do because I fear that if I say “model” they won’t believe me.
I have had people argue with me about if I’m “plus-size enough” and I’ll be honest, it’s frustrating. I don’t fit into straight sizes. I’ve been over 200 pounds since I was a teenager. I’ve been called a “whale” in a swimsuit and “miss piggy” in my regular clothes. To this day, there are still men who won’t date me publicly because they don’t want to be seen with a “fat” girl.
I say all of this to say that my experience in this world as a heavier-set woman, has not been easy. Even as the industry changes, and even as the weight and size I’m at have become more accepted there’s still so much pressure on how my body should look. To some people, I’m still “a big girl” and to others “I’m not big enough.” To that I say, no matter what your body looks like, someone will always have something to say so you might as well rock what you’ve got and do your best to make peace with the internal war on yourself.
The reason this is all so important to me is that I don’t want ANY other 13-year-old to sit in their room and wonder if their life is worth living based on their weight. I didn’t have any examples of gorgeous, confident, plus-size women in the media growing up. If I can make just one other person feel comfortable in their skin because of something I did, then it’s all worth it.
With so much happening in the world, often we turn to music to help during heartbreak or ease anxiety or just to start our day. What are your days like and how does music fill your soul?
I start the day by responding to emails and texts. I then move to writing down a list of all the things I need to get done that day. I proceed to go through that list. I’m constantly on the lookout for new opportunities whether it be music or modeling or influencing. Some days I’ll have a modeling gig, some days I’ll have a studio session, and some days will be filled with content creation.
It’s actually kind of interesting, lately, I haven’t been listening to a lot of music. I don’t really know why. I do sing in the shower every day, love to go to karaoke, and I love to see live music. When I do listen to music, I really take it in. I listen to the words that are being said and I really feel it. Music is definitely a form of therapy and writing music has gotten me through some of the hardest points of my life.
On the cover you are wearing a swimsuit that says CHANGE… what changes would you like to see in the entertainment and fashion industry and why?
So much. In the music industry, I’d love to see it become more equal. I think it’s a VERY male-dominated field and women in the industry get paid less, taken less seriously, and are taken advantage of. I’m currently working with TuneCore and Gritty In Pink to bring awareness to this. I’d also love to see the music industry become more size-inclusive. We are starting to see it but I want to see so much more representation.
In the modeling world, I would also like to see more representation. I want to see not only size inclusivity (plus, mid-size, thin) for both men and women, but I also want to see more inclusivity in race, religion, and age. We all want to feel beautiful and the more different kinds of beauty we represent, the less the industry can profit off of insecurities. I’d also love to see equal pay. I know sometimes in the industry women of color are paid less and that’s unacceptable. It’s cool to see pages like @shitmodelmgmt where models can finally have a voice and a platform to discuss what should and should not be happening in the industry.
Is there a mentor in your life or a favorite quote you can share with us and why it resonates with you?
I wouldn’t be here and could not do any of this without my parents. It took them a second to get on board because of their fear of this being a harder path. That being said, once they did, they have been my biggest fans and my biggest support system. They are my world and I am so lucky to have them and to be doing all of this with them right by my side.
I got my love of music from my Dad (he’s taken me to almost all the concerts I’ve been to in my life, which is a lot)… and my refusal to give up from my mom.
My favorite quote is; “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”
Thank you Chel… we are so incredibly honored to feature you this month.
Follow Chel: linktr.ee/musicbychel
Instagram @musicbychel
Photographer: Kat Thompson
MUA: Chel Sgro
Body
Why The New Docuseries of Plus Size Dance Squad The Honeybeez of ASU Should Be on Your #StayHome Watch List
The Honeybeez, a plus-size dance squad from Alabama State University are now TV stars with their new show on Snapchat.
We’re all in need of some inspiration right now during this hard time and the Honeybeez of ASU (IG @asuhoneybeez) are delivering that and more with their new series.
The plus size dance squad, who we mentioned in our “10 Best Plus Size Moments of 2019” round-up here, caught the eye of actress La La Anthony, who in turn partnered with ITV America’s Leftfield Pictures to produce the 10-part series for Snapchat featuring the plus-size athletes.
The series gives viewers a look into the life of the Honeybeez. Led by the fearless Coach Ruth “Anna Marshae” Williams, the episodes chronicle the squad’s journey, from tryouts through high-pressure performances, as the Honeybeez overcome myriad challenges and criticisms, fulfilling the team’s motto to “be bold, be beautiful and be you”.
That motto, according to Coach Williams, means to “be your authentic self, step outside of the box and be bold enough to accomplish your goals while staying beautiful inside and out”.
Coach Williams went on to tell us:
“I’m hoping viewers not only learn what it takes to be a Honeybee, but that anyone can do anything no matter what size, through confidence, hard work, and determination.”
We’re not surprised. When Nike featured the group in their Dream Crazier campaign, we knew that was just the beginning for this amazing group of dancers in inspiring the world. They epitomize what it means to never let your size stop you from doing what you love.
La La Anthony expressed why she felt the Honeybeez are such an inspiration:
“The Honeybeez are an inspiration, not just among the HBCU dance scene, but to young dancers and performers everywhere. Their impact and success are a result of immense determination and talent, all while projecting strength, positivity and love. We can’t wait for Snapchat’s audience to get to know these amazing young women.”
Leftfield Co-Presidents Shawn Witt and Gretchen Palek added:
“We’re ecstatic to be sharing this story, alongside La La and Snap, at a time in which we could all benefit from witnessing the unbridled perseverance and strength of character on display in each episode.”
You can check out the 10-episode series on Snapchat’s Discover page here.
And this is just the beginning for The Honeybeez. According to Coach Williams, there’s more to come from the dance squad.
“I have set high expectations for this 2020-2021 line. I want to blow people’s minds when they see us this season. Right now, we’re just enjoying our accomplishments with this Snap Original Series.”
What do you think of The Honeybeez of ASU? Will you be watching their new TV show? Follow us on social media and let us know: @plusmodelmag: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
#MyPlusJourney
#MyPlusJourney: Plus Size Comedian Erica Watson On Building a Media Empire, Dating & More!
Plus size comedian Erica Watson continues to be a major figure in the plus size industry, defying stereotypes in Hollywood and beyond.
Our #MyPlusJourney series will share the many stories of those within the plus size community who have persevered and thrived throughout their lives despite immense challenges. These individuals continue to inspire and empower others in the process.
During Women’s History Month, we are honoring amazing women within our industry who are doing incredible things and Watson is definitely one of them.
The comedian, actress, writer and director is an incredible powerhouse, having been a leader in the plus size industry for several years, inspiring others along the way to know that anything is possible, no matter what your size or age.
From her critically acclaimed Fat Bitch comedy show and supporting role on Showtime’s The Chi to guest host duties on Windy City Live Chicago and being the face of Avenue’s Show Your Confidence campaign, as well as having her own beauty line with NENA Cosmetics, Watson has an impressive resume that shows her versatility and talent.
She’s now ushering into the new decade with new projects that continue to expand that resume, laying the foundation for an epic media empire. We chatted with Watson about the next chapter in her career and more.
PMM: New decade, new projects! Please tell us all about your new dating podcast called “Get in The Game”.
EW: “Get In The Game” is my love letter to every single woman who keeps losing in the game of love. I’ve struggled with dating over the years as many women have. But I think many times it’s because we really don’t know the proper way to date. So I decided that from now on, I will date multiple men at once. At least 5… with the goal of building a “Dream Team” of players to be on my roster. I’m looking for my point guard, my center and my power forward. I will put them in rotation and hopefully win a Championship Ring! <laughs> It’s all in fun and if you tune in, you can hear my journey as a Coach and build your own team too.
PMM: You’re also planning to direct a short film called “The Waiting Room”, which you also wrote. What is the film about and what inspired you to take on a director role?
EW: “The Waiting Room” is a dark comedy about a woman who meets an interesting stranger in the waiting room of a medical clinic. It’s hilarious but also super smart, analyzing how a chance encounter with a random stranger can make you think differently about your life.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Film Directing years ago from Columbia College Chicago and it’s about time I put it to use. Before I did stand-up comedy, I was writing and directing, but took a break to make folks laugh. Now I’m back on track to pursue my first love and true passion… writing and directing. I plan to start a GOFUNDME campaign in May to help fund the movie and am aiming to start shooting this summer.
PMM: As a fat Black woman in the entertainment industry, what advice would you offer other plus size women of color about pursuing a career in Hollywood?
EW: Go for it! Do it NOW!!! What are you waiting for? You are talented and brilliant. You deserve to shine and the world needs to see your light. Study your craft, take it seriously and don’t stop until you reach the top. The time is NOW!!!
PMM: You’re launching a new media relations company called “The Brainstorm” this Spring. What will your company offer and what’s your goal with The Brainstorm?
EW: The Brainstorm will allow me to help entrepreneurs, small businesses and brands get the exposure they need to be successful. I’ve always loved to AMPLIFY amazing people and help them reach their customers and fans in a major way. Think of me as your brand’s best friend and biggest cheerleader! Stay tuned for The Brainstorm!
Special thanks to Erica Watson for talking to us and for her passion in celebrating and supporting others. We are in awe of how she turned her comedy career into a major empire that empowers others to be their best selves.
You can follow Erica Watson on Instagram here and visit her official website here.
You can learn more about the GET IN THE GAME podcast and listen to episodes via Spreaker, iHeartRADIO and iTunes.
You can get updates on GET IN THE GAME via Instagram here.
Do you have an inspiring story to share? Use the hashtag #MyPlusJourney on social media and make sure to follow us too! @plusmodelmag: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
(Images courtesy of Erica Watson)
We’ve heard it many times before… plus size celebrities share their struggles to find a look for a red carpet event.
This time, it’s television host Nina Parker, who was a red carpet correspondent for E! at the Oscars.
She shared her struggles on Twitter along with her happy ending, which was her reaching out to Lynne Carter Atelier to get a dress custom made for her.
And mainstream media is now a-buzz, with the chatter mostly talking to how there are a lack of plus size options available to women, especially in couture.
We have to ask…
Why are plus size celebrities still expecting luxury non-plus designers to cater to them?
Yes, ALL women should be able to have access to fashion they want and need.
Nina Parker is just as worthy as her thinner counterparts on the red carpet from E! and ANY woman needing a gown for a red carpet affair.
However, let’s keep it real here. While more high-end designers are starting to expand on sizing, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to getting those designers up to speed on how to dress curves for a red carpet affair.
There is only one Christian Siriano and while he continually shows up for us, he is the minority, not the majority, within the luxury mainstream designer space. Change is happening in that space but we’re not fully there yet.
But that does not mean there aren’t plus size luxury designer options out there.
Here’s three ways plus size celebrities can successfully find couture in their size:
#1: Support luxury designers within the plus size industry.
Parker spoke with Buzzfeed about her struggles and experiences in trying to find a designer to dress her:
“To get them to dress you is almost impossible unless you’re damn near A list. So that was also an issue, because we reached out to those people. We heard back from a few people and then they kind of just disappeared and we didn’t really hear back in a timely manner. We reached out and never heard back, so it was just kind of like, ‘Okay, are we going to sit here and be frustrated? Are we going to do something about it?’”
Mainstream luxury designers usually lend dresses to celebrities for red carpet events but the drawback to that is celebrities have to pull from the designer’s sample sizes. That means if you’re not a sample size, you will not be able to get a gown or suit.
Most plus size celebrities, even those not considered plus size (sizes 8 to 12), won’t fit into a designer’s sample size.
We don’t know for certain if Parker reached out to Siriano like actress Chrissy Metz did or what other designers she reached out to, but what we do know is that we have many luxury designers within our own community that would offer up something gorgeous in a heartbeat that would fit a plus size curvy woman like a glove.
Would she have had to get something custom made instead of off-the-rack? Yes.
However, when it comes to ensuring the perfect fit, a custom dress is the better choice. Metz’s dress by Siriano was custom-made.
Parker could have taken this opportunity to support one of those amazing designers. I can name so many designers off the top of my head such as Courtney Noelle, A’Shontay Hubbard of Christian Omeshun, Jasmine Elder of Jibri, Jenine Nerecina of Nerecina Couture, Robert E. Knight; all designers of color who create luxury looks for ALL sizes.
Think of the impact Parker could have had not only within this community by giving a plus size designer some major shine at the Oscars but also to support someone of color during Black History Month, at an event which has undergone so much criticism over the lack of nominees of color.
This was definitely a missed opportunity, especially with mainstream media reporting it as a travesty and making it appear as if there are no plus size luxury designers out there.
Is there a huge gap in plus size luxury clothing in the mainstream high-end designer world? Yes.
However, there are more luxury options available for plus size women now than there was 10, 20, 30 years ago.
We can’t expect mainstream designers to expand on their sample sizes without us leading by example via supporting our own and in turn, giving exposure to those designers who are very knowledgeable on dressing plus size bodies.
You may not be looked at as A-list to mainstream luxury designers but to plus size designers, you are.
#2: Hire a great plus size stylist.
Parker told Buzzfeed:
“I’ve been doing award season a few years now, and I think a lot of people don’t know that there are a lot of stylists who don’t even know how to style a plus-size woman.”
Enter Tess Holliday, who replied to Nina Parker’s original tweet about her dress, with a referral for her stylist Meaghan O’Connor, a celebrity stylist in our industry who has been dressing plus size bodies for years.
“@meaghanpoconnor is an amazing stylist who specializes in plus and would make sure you had options. you look amazing!”
Having a stylist that truly knows how to dress a plus size body can make such a difference and give a celebrity more options as they know where to find gorgeous pieces.
A celebrity’s stylist is essentially their fashion advocate and that is so needed for those with plus size bodies, who may need that extra help in choosing the best silhouette to accentuate their curves.
And they are out there.
We have some amazing plus size stylists in our industry… Stylist Susan Moses is a veteran in our community who has styled Queen Latifah and also wrote a book titled The Art of Dressing Curves: The Best-Kept Secrets of a Fashion Stylist.
Stylist Marcy Guevara-Prete, who also co-owns vintage store The Plus Bus in Los Angeles with plus size designer Jen Wilder, has most notably styled actress Gabourey Sidibe for years.
Looking for a plus size stylist who is knowledgeable of sustainable and ethical fashion? Stylist Kat Eves, based in Los Angeles, has dressed celebrities such as singer/songwriter Mary Lambert, actress/comedian Jenny Zigrino and actress/comedian Dulce Sloan. She also runs a blog called Style Ethic.
A plus size stylist can really up a celebrity’s style game not just on the red carpet, but in everyday life.
Parker also told Buzzfeed:
“You can be a fashionable stylist and be completely ignorant about the plus-size community and not know where to shop. That takes a little bit of vetting and conversations JUST to find someone who knows where to go and how to fit you.”
And while it may be annoying to not have it as easy as a thinner celebrity, a plus size celebrity would really benefit from hiring a plus size stylist, which would ensure that they would have a better experience with being dressed for red carpet events.
#3: Don’t dismiss plus size brands when looking for a red carpet look.
Brands such as 11 Honoré, Sydney’s Closet, Eloquii, Kiyonna and Generose offer beautiful gowns, dresses and separates that are red carpet ready.
11 Honoré, in particular, offers designer brands and will even work with you to custom make a dress, as they did previously with Chrissy Metz.
Chances are Parker could have been able to get something off-the-rack from a brand, perhaps needing minor alterations. With 11 Honoré offering up to size 24 and pieces from major designers such as Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera and Dolce & Gabbana, we’re pretty sure Parker would have found something to wear.
There’s also Rent The Runway, which offers plus size designer fashion including red carpet looks.
We hope that Parker takes Tess Holliday’s advice. And we hope to see more plus size stylists, designers and brands front and center because they are out there and ready to work with celebrities to make fashion magic.
What are your thoughts on Nina Parker and plus size celebrities who struggle to find designer red carpet looks? Follow us on social media and let us know: @plusmodelmag: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Body
Loni Love Has Twitter Feud with Project Runway’s Liris Crosse Over “No Plus Size Icons” comment
Loni Love continues to get herself into hot water over a recent comment she made in an interview with Hello Beautiful.
That comment Loni Love made, “There are no real plus size icons for me” has resulted in taking the focus off her recent holiday collection with Ashley Stewart and putting more focus on plus size women voicing their opinions on Love’s comments, including naming many plus size icons, white and black.
And it appears Love’s way of listening to those opinions is to block those individuals, most recently blocking plus size model and Project Runway model winner Liris Crosse, after having a heated discussion in a series of tweets.
Yes, you read right. Liris Crosse.
As many in the fashion industry know, plus and mainstream, Crosse is a veteran in the modeling game. She has had a successful career in modeling for 20+ years, as well as acting, hosting and public speaking. She is now an author and has a successful Boot Camp program she developed for aspiring models. She was dubbed the Naomi Campbell of Plus by the media and was the first plus size model to win the model competition on Project Runway.
So when Jami Griggs of the blog Style Over Size responded to Love on Twitter, mentioning Crosse and Ashley Graham are plus size icons, it ignited a heated conversation, which resulted in Love blocking both Griggs and Crosse. See the exchange below (Screenshots courtesy of Liris Crosse/Twitter):
Author Danielle James wrote in that infamous article for Hello Beautiful:
“Loni Love is a pioneer in the industry for plus size women from being a hilarious comedian to having a successful talk show as well as an acting career and an author. One thing about Love is that she has always empowered plus size women, particularly Black plus size women, while on and off the set.”
We don’t dispute Love’s career accolades or her contribution in empowering women with those boss moves. However, after that interview, her recent interactions with plus size women, most of whom are Black, are not empowering other plus size women. What it’s doing is showing a side of Love that is not plus positive at all.
These women are simply trying to point out that there are plus size icons out there, including recent ones in the last five years. Past or present, that is a fact… the plus size industry is full of plus size icons in many areas, including fashion.
As Crosse pointed out, Love could have used her platform to actually empower plus size women but in turn, she is showing herself as a plus size woman talking negatively about the plus size industry.
To echo Crosse, we haven’t been afforded the mainstream press opportunities to become the type of plus size icon that Love is apparently seeking.
Your words are not helping to elevate us, Loni Love. And that’s not the definition of empowering plus size women.
Instead of blocking our voices, we hope you will consider humbling yourself and actually listening to what we’re saying. You might actually find that plus size icon you seek in the process and learn more about the plus size industry.
We reached out to Loni Love for comment and no response has been received as of the publishing of this article.
What do you think of Loni Love and her “no plus size icons” comment? Follow us on social media and sound off: @plusmodelmag: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
-
Feature1 week agoRemembering Mia Amber Davis: A Pioneer in Plus-Size Fashion
-
Feature2 months agoNew Plus Model Castings and Opportunities!
-
Deals1 week agoWeekend Plus Fashion Deals…. Happening On Social!
-
Feature1 week agoMay 9 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
-
Cover Models2 weeks agoGet to Know Our Cover Model Sharon Dumfries…
-
Cover Models3 months agoFrom Catwalk Crusader to Industry Watchdog: Felicity Hayward’s Decade of Disruption
-
Feature2 weeks agoSwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
-
Feature1 week agoUnveiling the Power of Self-Care Rituals: Insights into Mental Wellness