Editorial
Velvet D’Amour Gets Close and Personal With Editor Maddy Figueroa-Jones
Velvet D’Amour Gets Close and Personal With Editor Maddy Figueroa-Jones
By Velvet D’Amour
PLUS Model Magazine has been on the virtual airwaves for over three years and I’ve been fortunate to get to know Madeline Jones, Editor for PLUS Model Magazine very well and I was thinking how great it would be to turn the tables on her. After much planning Maddy agreed to couple a photo shoot with an interview, so that the readers could learn more about Maddy, and allow her to be in the spotlight which she so graciously shines on the many plus size beauties and industry here in PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE.
I hope you enjoy…
[Velvet] You are a New Yorker through and through, if you had to relocate anywhere in the world, which city would you choose and why?
[Maddy] I love living in New York – there is no other place like it but if I could move anywhere in the world it would be Paris. Paris is where fashion ideas originate and are showcased in such a grand way. I would love to take in the culture and art – I love learning about people and their customs and practices. I feel like it makes you grow as a person and enhances your vision.
[Velvet] How do you see the Plus size scene differ between the East and West coast? How has the global Plus scene evolved in your opinion?
[Maddy] Each coast has an amazing way of taking our limited but ever so evolving fashion industry and making it fit their own style. As a whole the Plus scene is making headlines everywhere. We have all heard about Lizzie in Glamour but we are everywhere, we are on the runway in Australia, TV in London, CNN, talk shows, reality shows, it seems like doors are opening even if some are questionable. It’s up to us to make it what we want it to be. Has it evolved from what it was 10 years ago? – Absolutely!! Do we have a lot more to accomplish? Oh yes!
Vogue (of course), Elle and Glamour. Vogue is the MECCA of Fashion – where you will see editorials like no other and where you can read so much about fashion history as well as where fashion is going. Elle is brilliant with their fashion editorials and Glamour speaks to the readers and finds ways to incorporate the reader which is what we always have in mind at PLUS. [Velvet] Are there any limitations or constraints which are imposed upon you when creating the magazine or have you free reign? [Maddy] Great question. Valery and I pretty much talk about everything when it concerns the magazine as a whole but the monthly details I pretty much handle on my own. I do open up dialogue with our amazing staff on shoots, concepts, ideas, etc. So yes I have free reign but I believe that putting a collective effort together is so much more rewarding. Everyone from the photographer, stylist and makeup artist have input on the project we are working on. PLUS is for the industry and together with important and talented people in the industry we put this magazine together every month.
[Velvet] You recently made an announcement via the PLUS Model Magazine Blog about 18PLUS. Can you tell us about what 18PLUS is and how aspiring models will be affected?
While we have always pushed the envelope to feature plus size models of all sizes it has been difficult for us because the sample sizes are not readily available for us to shoot on models that are size 18 and above. Valery and I decided to stop waiting for the doors to open and reach out to the designers and clothing vendors for those bigger sizes and just continue to ask until they realize that this is what the consumer wants to see. We are also asking all models who are “18PLUS” to get ready because we are going to be featuring them in 2010 as we receive collaboration from the fashion industry. This means the models have to know how to pose from the top of their heads to the tips of their toes without any excuses.
I intend to wow the industry with what we are going to do and ask for feedback from those clothing companies about their sales. For years we have heard that companies do not use bigger girls because they don’t sell the clothing. I want to see it for myself!
[Velvet] How has PMM progressed since its inception, and where do you see it going/headed in the next 5 years?
[Maddy] WOW! When I look back at the first few issues… we were bi-monthly, no editorials and we were just testing the waters. Many people thought we were on a road to nowhere and would never be taken seriously but we just pressed on knowing we wanted to be a voice and make a difference in the industry. Personally I don’t give myself specific goals for the magazine, I just strive to be better and work “smarter” so that PLUS will reach its full potential. Valery and I work from a point of integrity and being able to stand by everything we do and this is how I believe we have been able to form the relationships and reputation that we have within the plus size industry.
Our masthead is staffed with the best in the industry. These are not just writers, these are people who have “walked the walk” so they CAN “talk the talk.” I have models email me that they print out all of Sharon’s articles and put them in a binder and refer to them before they go to a shoot or go see. I have models that save the links to all of Larissa’s questions and answers because she feels like everything she has written she has needed to refer to at one point or another. I have aspiring models coming to shoot with Lucaspictures with printed editorials from PLUS or pictures from models like Mia Amber. This tells me that we are providing what we set out to do and this is what I’m most proud of. [Velvet] Unfortunately, you lost your very dear father. I wondered what wisdom he imparted which comes to mind when you work on PMM, as well as when you deal in the Plus community in general. [Maddy] My father was a gentle soul and always put people’s needs before his own and that is something that I hold on to every day. He was always very proud of me in whatever I did and was very supportive of my passion for the plus size industry. I was blessed with mom’s “gusto.” She is the one who taught us to be smart on our feet and defend our personal space so I feel like, between the both of them, I received a great mix of what I need to face life in general.
[Velvet] Your husband is a fashion photographer specializing in PLUS fashion, what is it like to pose for the one you love?
[Maddy] Luke is amazing! I still remember when he reached out to me on a model site asking if he could test me. I would be the 1st plus model he would be shooting so I was not that enthused about the shoot but like a fairy tale we just had instant connection. Once we got together and he decided to go from film to digital I was one of two models that would pose for him endlessly (the other being my friend Mia). Sometimes we would be sitting at home on a Saturday night and he would say “Go put something on – I want to try something” and an hour later I would be in full makeup/ hair and shooting. I think we both learned a lot from each other because we were able to speak freely about details of our work.
[Velvet] I recently had the great pleasure to shoot you, (with the amazing Tara on makeup and hair), and I found it such a pleasure to shoot you, not simply because you have a very vivacious and effervescent beauty, but because you are highly capable of emoting, which isn’t always easy to do. Have you any tips which you could offer other models on opening yourself to giving more than a mere pretty face?
[Velvet] Where do you think the world of Plus will be by the time your daughter Madison is your age?
[Maddy] I’m thinking positively now – LOL! I want to believe that the Plus size industry will be a part of mainstream modeling industry. The powers that be will embrace the curvier form and therefore bring more fashion choices to all women beyond a single digit size.
[Velvet] If Madison declared a desire to model what advice would you give her?
[Velvet] What was your experience being plus sized and pregnant?
[Maddy] I loved being pregnant. I had a great pregnancy once the nausea went away. I can remember every kick and move. Every time something new happened I was able to experience it with Luke and with my family. We had the ultimate baby shower for Madison. It was a party like I had never seen before but it was for a life that Luke and I were bringing into this world and I wanted to celebrate! I was not affected by being plus size during my pregnancy. I did not get diabetes or high blood pressure and I only gained 25 pounds so I have only good memories of feeling Madison growing inside of me.
[Velvet] I’m so excited about the PLUS SIZE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS website… can you speak a bit more about that innovative new site please?
[Maddy] The idea for this site came as a result of various things Valery and I were experiencing. I watched media people not researching the industry properly and just asking “anyone” to comment on the industry. We have been getting requests from clients such as Charming Shoppes and various denim companies looking for fit and showroom models; models they can work with and groom. They were not willing to take the time to go through other sites where straight size models were also present. They needed to be able to look at a model’s stats and pictures and say – I want to work with her! We decided to take our current PLUS Model Mag Directory and expand where models can post their professional pictures, update their stats and also read about castings and events. I also like to be able to correspond with the models one on one and reach them right away when opportunities come up. So far one of our members was signed with an agency about three weeks ago, two were seen on Good Day NY and I booked one member on her first mini runway show. Another “plus” for the PSIP is a unique way of promoting our advertisers on this site. When a client like Ashley Stewartadvertises with us –, it covers the magazine and the PSIP.
[Velvet] And finally, how has having the cutest lil’ babygirl everrrr, changed your life?
STYLING: Deb Malkin – redressnyc.com
In a world where the fashion industry has often adhered to rigid ideals of beauty, Cynthia Vincent stands as a trailblazer, challenging conventions and fostering a sense of belonging for individuals of all shapes and sizes.
Cynthia Vincent designs celebrate the beauty of diversity and cater to a wide range of body types, breaking free from the restrictive norms that have for so long defined the runway.
Get to know BAACAL Designer and Founder Cynthia Vincent…
Can you tell us about the ethos and inspiration behind your fashion brand? What drove you to create it, and what values does it represent?”
“Style Uncompromised” is the entire ethos of BAACAL distilled down to its core. Style, quality, thoughtful and sustainable.
Style is something you have or evolve as you better understand yourself. Clothing is one if the most powerful tools to express who you are and how you present yourself to the world.
Quality, Style and Sustainability are interconnected for me.
Beautifully made clothes can last a lifetime, if the design and style last past a trend cycle.
In a competitive market, what sets your brand apart from others in the plus-size fashion industry? How do you differentiate yourself, both in terms of style and messaging?”
BAACAL is really the first designer-led brand for Plus, Extended, and Curvy sizes.
As a CFDA Designer, I want to give more women the ability to wear clothes that fit and flatter. I don’t really know of another brand that is offering beautifully made, expertly fit clothes past a size 8 that are stylish enough to last for years not just a trend cycle. Especially not from a brand that is also concerned with ethical and sustainable practices.
Could you share some insights into the design philosophy of your brand? How do you ensure that your clothing not only looks great but also caters to the unique needs and preferences of plus-size individuals?”
The philosophy is: Modern wardrobe essentials mixed with the item of the season.
For me, it is important to see what is missing in the market and offer it to her. Items I too am often needing and wanting. When I first launched BAACAL it was December – and I wanted to prove a point so I offered Coats! I did that because I was always looking for a new coat in November- December and they were always gone by then. I realized I could not be the only person. My hunch paid off. We sold out. The Double-Breasted Car Coat, and in Spring the Trench coat, have been perennial sellouts for us every year since.
For BAACAL it’s about building an amazing wardrobe that you can pull from and always know you will look and feel good.
That’s the essentials like the Car Coat, our Tie Neck Dress or the Perfect White Shirt. It’s also items of the season that hit the trends while still being timeless. Like our iconic Joni Dress – which started as the Item of the Season, but now we do a few new cotton prints each year and our customers collect them. She does this because she knows whenever she reaches for it, she will feel fantastic.
Fashion is often about self-expression. How does your brand empower individuals to express themselves through their style, regardless of their size?”
I love fashion and trends and creativity. I think self-expression through clothing is not trivial. It is vital to our well-being.
When I am designing and creating a garment, the most important thing besides looking beautiful is how it feels. Because when you feel and look amazing it is empowering! We have all had those days when you have an amazing outfit on, but something is just not right. Then you are pulled out of the moment – forced to deal with a strap or adjust something. You just don’t feel great because it does not fit right.
As women past a size 10 we have been used to settling on fit, settling on what little choices were out there and being unable to fully express ourselves. There are so many brands and clothes out there – but not for women past a certain size.
Longevity and sustainability are important aspects of the fashion industry today. What are your long-term goals for the brand in terms of sustainability and ethical practices?”
When I decided to start again in this Industry I had to ask myself two very important questions: 1) Does anyone really need any more clothes; and How do we be more mindful of everything we put into this world?
The first question was answered with a resounding YES when I had my a-ha moment. I was not able to find anything to wear for a very important meeting with an Icon of fashion. After spending countless hours and many many try-ons later, I realized I could not find beautiful clothes for myself that were both well-made and stylish.
I knew I had to start a new brand for women who have been ignored in Fashion, we actually need clothes!
But what about the waste?
I had seen firsthand the enormous amount of waste in our industry and even resistance to just recycling
Thank goodness now almost everyone is aware. That said, BAACAL is made with a commitment to be 80% sustainable. We use upcycled materials, stock and deadstock fabric and trims. We source and produce the majority of what we offer locally and use women-owned small businesses that we pay a living wage to. We are committed to reducing waste wherever possible.
Could you elaborate on the size inclusivity of your brand? Who is your target audience, and how do you ensure that your clothing appeals to a diverse range of body types and tastes?”
I take great care to cross-fit on many different body types as I’m developing my designs. I also offer styles that fit in a certain way and use techniques that are size inclusive such as smocking and adjustability.
The BAACAL woman is anyone with a discerning taste who cares about quality. They are usually at a point in their style evolution that they want to build a wardrobe that will last for years to come.
When I decided to launch BAACAL I did my research to back up what I already knew – that larger women were being systematically ignored in designer and contemporary fashion. That the average American woman was a size 16/18. That size 10 and 12 were always the first to sell out in my past brands Vince and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. Despite these fact, stores would not buy them. So, I took the majority size and went equally up and down the scale, creating our current 1-5 sizing.
Inclusivity and diversity have become central themes in fashion. How does your brand actively promote these values, both in your designs and in your marketing strategies?”
Inclusivity has been a part of my design ethos my entire career.
As a Latina woman, most people assume I am not. I have seen firsthand how most “other groups” have been ignored for far too long. It was important to me from day one to show diverse images of women that you do not normally see in fashion. That includes age, size and race.
Collaborations and partnerships can be powerful in the fashion industry. Have you collaborated with influencers or other brands to promote body positivity and inclusivity? If so, could you share some examples?”
We are always looking for new people and brands to collaborate with. Collaboration is the modern approach. One of the most amazing things that’s evolved in the last decade is the democratization of fashion- I love seeing how influencers we dress create their looks from our clothing. We try to fill as many requests as we can because BAACAL seems to be a favorite for fashion week content!
Body positivity is a key message in the plus-size fashion community. How does your brand contribute to this movement, and what initiatives have you undertaken to support and uplift plus-size individuals?”
While we participate in many local events here for our plus-size community, I think one thing that I really can do is help women learn to express themselves through clothing. There is starting to be a fantastic shift in the dialogue, and the resource of our communal voice is so powerful. I love seeing women of all ages being proud of their beautiful selves and remember that not so long ago those voices barely existed. Still, I hear so often “I can’t wear that” or “That’s not for me”- coming from a buried experience, and a place of shame or insecurity. I want to scrub that from our language. The reason many people feel they “can’t” is because they’ve been told that by the lack of options at stores; or by trying designs that aren’t properly constructed for our beautiful shapes. I speak through my design and want to embrace and empower our community in the best ways possible.
Could you describe a memorable success story or transformation that one of your customers experienced through your brand? How does this reflect the impact of your clothing and message?”
I am very fortunate to have customers who share how much they love the brand with me once they discover it. One that really touched me was a woman who had not purchased a single item of clothing for herself in 18 years! Because she had given up on fashion! She purchased our Joni dress to wear to her son’s wedding with the hopes of having something appropriate.
She shared with me how my dress helped her look and feel amazing at the event and how beautiful she felt. Not only did she get compliments all night (she was the mother of the Groom after all) but when 3 total strangers complimented her on her dress. She thanked me for making a dress that could make her feel truly beautiful for the first time in decades.
Looking ahead, what exciting developments or collections can your customers look forward to from your brand in the near future?”
I am most excited by two things right now: More upcycled pieces, and bringing my collection to women in person. I am working on a project that will allow people to feel, try on and fall in love with the clothes! **?Three things?? Live selling is something I’ve just started to play with- it’s almost like a new version of the boutique experience of the “old days”. Communicating with the customer to explain multiple ways to wear garments, helping her experiment with fashion and engaging in a direct dialogue about how we can use clothing to reflect the way we want to be seen in the world.
Follow and Shop BAACAL
Facebook @baacalclothing
Instagram. @baacalofficial
Click Here to Shop
Interview With Influencer Richlove Rockson…
For our cover model Richlove Rockson her journey has taken her from limited fashion options simply because of her size to showing the world great style via her social media platforms.
Changing the narrative and inspiring others that feel challenged is her passion and we are delighted to get to know more about this beautiful fashionista in our personal interview.
Get to know cover model Richlove Rockson…
How would you describe your personal fashion aesthetic?
I would describe my personal fashion aesthetic as classy yet simple with a pop of color.
Plus-size fashion has evolved in so many ways, and a lot of it we attribute to influencers like yourself showing clothing and style on a plus-size body. What prompted you to become a fashion influencer? Have you always loved fashion?
To be honest, when I was younger I didn’t have a great relationship with fashion because I could not find anything in my size, which lead me to wear a lot of men’s clothing because they were a wider fit. But when I saw my big brother Richmond, who was my little motivation back then, wearing clothes and making them his own I felt inspired. And that’s when everything kind of started. I just started to slowly love fashion and the way it opens you to express yourself with it. I always felt limited because it was and is hard to find clothing for plus-size people that are more trendy or as I like to say… “Not old people’s clothing”. Becoming a fashion influencer came later on.
As an influencer how do you hope to inspire anyone who comes across your images or this interview?
I want to inspire anyone out there that feels like they can’t wear what they want because they feel like they are not “allowed” to. That is what I use to feel, because of the lack of representation of plus-size women, men, and especially black plus-sized people. Fashion should be for everyone no matter the size, gender, and where you come from.
You are in Germany, can you tell us about the plus-size fashion industry? How has it changed and what do you hope to see happen in the future?
The plus-size fashion industry has changed for sure but in comparison to other countries like America or London, I feel like Germany has a lot to do! Most clothing that I personally can find in Germany is not “trendy” and are more often boring. To be honest you can also see it when you walk through the streets of Germany. When someone dresses nice or just wears something with color they automatically look at you as if they have never seen a well-dressed plus-size person. I hope to see Germany embrace fashion as others have and see fashion as something that is and can be worn by anyone.
Diversity and inclusion are topics that we have been advocating for sixteen years. How important is it for you and how do you hope to change the narrative in the fashion industry?
Diversity and inclusion are very important to me and I feel like I stand for them. Changing the narrative in the fashion industry will always be hard but I am always down for a challenge. I also feel like I have already started by putting myself out there and showing that fashion can be expressed by everyone and anyone! Because if I could just change one person’s way of thinking about fashion that will go a long way because they can also change one person… and so on and so on.
Follow on IG @richloverockson
Interview With Influencer Richmond Rockson…
Influencers have changed the landscape of the fashion industry by offering people style inspiration outside of traditional marketing.
For our cover models, Richmond and Richlove Rockson, working as models/influencers their work means more than that. It’s an opportunity to offer representation for those who fall outside of the “traditional” body shapes and gender norms.
It’s clear that style comes naturally for these siblings but more importantly, their focus is to inspire their followers to love and accept themselves and show that there are no boundaries in fashion.
Get to know cover model Richmond Rockson…
How would you describe your personal fashion aesthetic?
Personally, I would describe my fashion aesthetic as “Street-classy.“ I like to combine street-style elements with elements of the classic tailored man look.
What prompted you to become a fashion influencer? Have you always loved fashion?
I have always loved fashion since I was a kid. I used to design clothes in my bedroom instead of going out and playing soccer as most boys did at that young age. Funny enough, my mom would always get mad because we would run out of paper all the time, due to the amount I was drawing.
As an influencer how do you hope to inspire anyone who comes across your images or this interview?
I aspire to inspire people to wear whatever they want and try something new. My style is very androgynous, meaning most of my looks are a combination of pieces from the women’s and men’s sections. I want my viewers to understand that fashion has no gender and by separating it into people, we are missing out on the full beauty and potential of fashion.
You are in Germany, can you tell us about the plus-size fashion industry? How has it changed and what do you hope to see happen in the future?
Here in Germany, the industry has changed a lot! However, there is still space to grow. Online a lot of brands offer bigger or extended sizes. However, these extended sizes are not available in stores. In the future, I wish to see that change. Also, I would love to see extended sizes for the entire range of garments brands offer. Not just selected pieces. Brands tend to offer plus-size exclusive collections. However, from personal experience, I can say that these are most of the time very plain and not as “Cool“ or “Fashionable“ as the collections offered for commercial sizes.
How important is it for you and how do you hope to change the narrative in the fashion industry?
Diversity and inclusion are very impossible for me as I personally do not fit into the Eurocentric beauty standard. I wish for brands to execute true diversity and for the concept of seeing different faces, bodies, shapes, and skin tones not to be something special anymore. But rather very common. Because then, no one would have to feel like they are not part of the dome beauty standard. With my style and my imagery, I hope to showcase to brands and to everyone else, that everyone is and can be beautiful.
Follow Richmond Rockson on IG @richmond_rockson
Your Power, Your Breakthrough, An Interview With Cover Model Kathy Rosa…
One of my favorite quotes is:
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” by Charles R. Swindoll
When I learned about Kathy’s story this was what came to mind. While we like to think we are in control of our lives so much is actually our reaction and how we power through those challenging moments.
Get To Know Our Cover Model Kathy Rosa…
Can you tell us about yourself… where you are from… anything about your upbringing or family you want to share and your career path
My name is Kathy Rosa born and raised in Queens, New York! Incredibly proud of my culture and nationality-being Dominican. I studied fashion Design at both The Art Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology AKA FIT. Proud first-generation college graduate!
I come from a very large family, one of seven; family is at the core of everything I do. I take pride in saying that my family came into the United States with nothing and paved the way for their children and their children’s children. I work extremely hard both internally and externally to ensure their great efforts never go in vain. My journey has led me to always live in a state of gratitude. Everything I do… I do it with pure love and joy.
Grateful to the most high to have included me in the right room, at the right time surrounded by the right people. Looking forward to being able to one day pay it forward!
Working in the fashion industry and being plus-size have you seen a shift in the perception of the plus-size customer and what she wants to wear?
I certainly have seen a shift in perception, with more and more companies diversifying and widening their size ranges to finally include larger sizes. I want to walk into any retailer and feel confident that I can make a purchase, without being sequestered to a certain floor/section. We want everything that’s offered to everyone else!
How important is it to have someone who can speak on behalf of the plus-size customer in the rooms where decisions are being made?
We’re now a major part of the conversation, while previously it felt as if we were eavesdropping. With our seat at the table, it’s crucial that we use our voices to continue promoting change. The same decisions being made for a missy customer won’t necessarily apply to a plus-size woman. Our point of view is crucial!
Let’s talk about your personal fashion aesthetic, what do you love most about the new WynneDenim and the additional pieces within the launch?
Comfort is at the core of my personal aesthetic. I truly believe comfort attributes to confidence in a major way. When you’re comfortable your confidence is illuminated. Then I go in and layer in edge, feminine touches, immerse streetwear, and pieces colors and textures that promote pure joy! WynneDenim exudes comfort. I especially love how they moved and grooved along with me. Made me feel secure, form to my figure, and most importantly no gaping!
Everyone’s confidence journey is personal… has there ever been a time in your life when you faced a challenge and came out on the other side even stronger?
At age 29 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Eternally grateful to be walking into year four of being in remission. Some may argue that surviving a catastrophic event may be one of the hardest things you’ll ever go through. I now believe that it is the rebuilding after that is the most challenging. Letting go of who you used to be so that the real you can manifest.
Using the same pieces but in a completely different composition. I thank God for choosing me and allowing my continuation on this beautiful earth. If you’re in your reconstruction season stay the course and bring that fortitude!
Don’t let anyone or anything alter your faith. Spread love and allow your light to illuminate the darkness.
Show them you can keep going…
To My family and Friends, I love you always.
Follow Kathy on Instagram @katrosa29
Follow Kathy on TikTok @kathyana29
[divider]PHOTO CREDITS[/divider]
Cover Model: Kathy Rosa
Photography LucasPictures
Makeup / Hair Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics
Stylist Meghan O’Connor
Production Madeline Jones
Wardrobe Marla Wynne avail at HSN
Yes, Fit Genius is the Plus Size Denim That Fits!
Let us tell you about the new Fit Genius… So you’ve been looking for a pair of jeans and yes we all have a pair (or 10) that we love, but what about a denim jean that moves with you and answers all those questions you’ve been asking the brands for?
Is the denim stretchy enough, what about recovery?
What if I’m not an hourglass shape, will it fit me well?
And what about that annoying waist gap?
The new ‘Fit Genius’ denim at Lane Bryant has launched and it’s addressing all the issues we’ve been talking about for years.
Before putting this shoot together the denim was sent to our editor, Madeline Jones to try for over a month.
“I honestly did not know what to expect because I own denim jeans that I already love so when I tried on the Fit Genius denim I was not expecting anything super-noticeable because their denim is always great. Well, I was in for a big surprise, the denim fabric was not what I expected, it was not heavy denim and it was not a legging. The waist was not uncomfortable and NO waist gap and the way I was able to wear them to work, run errands, and still look like I just put them on made me a true fan of the new Fit Genius denim.”
We asked some of our favorite NYC models and influencers to try the new Fit Genius denim for themselves.
Stephanie Nadia
IG @tephanienadia
Stephanie’s style is fun whether she is casual or casually fabulous!
Shainna Tucker
IG @thickgrlscloset
Shainna’s style is versatile and always on-trend.
Faith Costa
Faith wears her confidence inside and out and always with a smile.
Gwen DeVoe
IG @gwenmoguldevoe
Gwen continues to inspire all of us, and particularly women 50+ that fashion is for everyone.
Jessie Diaz-Herrera
IG @curveswithmoves
Jessie’s work in the wellness space includes joyful movement and we love to see her move in her Fit Genius denim.
Be sure to CLICK HERE to check out the new Fit Genius denim at Lane Bryant available in 2 prints in sizes 10/12 – 38/40.
Photos
LucasPictures NYC IG @lucaspicturesnyc
Produced by
Madeline Jones IG @plusjones
Fit Genius Jeans
Available at LaneBryant.com
New Season Of Style, in collaboration with CC World of Curves, featuring Avenue…
Welcome to a World of Curves!
The Avenue has been a staple of effortless everyday style for plus-size women for 34 years. Throughout their history, they faced many ups and downs and after they filed for bankruptcy in 2019 they were rescued by a brand that we all love and know very well City Chic.
Known for its impeccable fit, sexy silhouettes, and passion for its customer, City Chic has continued to create a significant impact on the plus-size fashion industry.
The journey for this passionate brand brought them to acquire more brands and create a “World of Curves”. You can shop 11 brands under ONE umbrella at Avenue.com. What makes this so exciting is there is literally something for EVERYONE.
Let’s take a look…
Avenue
Avenue combines comfort with style: This is where you will find everyday style at a budget-friendly price point.
Arna York
Perfectly aligned with the more conservative fashionista, these pieces are sure to be your favorites for the seasons to come.
Aveology
Boho-chic meets street style… If you are looking for whimsical style & rich prints this is just for you!
CCX
Sexy, fun street style for the person who loves to flaunt her curves.
City Chic
Elegance meets bold attitude… Dress to impress in everything from dresses to outerwear.
Cloudwalkers Footwear
It’s like your walking on AIR when you wear Cloudwalkers!
Fox & Royal Lingerie
Luxurious, playful, and best of all wearable! This is plus-size lingerie at its best!
Hips & Curves
Love your hips & curves in beautiful intimates you can wear day or night.
Loralette
Fun-loving styles for the young or young at heart… 🙂
Societie+
Youthful styles meets street style… make a statement anywhere you go!
Zim & Zoe
Athleisure & lounge for the woman looking to embrace comfort while looking completely put together and on-trend.
Shop All Brands Here
[divider]COVER PHOTO CREDITS[/divider]Models
Cheyenne
bicoastalmgmt.com
Melanie
IG @thesoulasylum
Photographer
Luke Jones
Makeup and Hair
Christian Briceno
Styling
Meaghan O’Connor
Produced by
Madeline Jones
Models are wearing Avenue.com
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Feature1 week agoRemembering Mia Amber Davis: A Pioneer in Plus-Size Fashion
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Feature2 months agoNew Plus Model Castings and Opportunities!
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Deals1 week agoWeekend Plus Fashion Deals…. Happening On Social!
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Cover Models2 weeks agoGet to Know Our Cover Model Sharon Dumfries…
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Feature1 week agoMay 9 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
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Cover Models3 months agoFrom Catwalk Crusader to Industry Watchdog: Felicity Hayward’s Decade of Disruption
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Feature2 weeks agoSwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
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Cover Models2 months agoWe Will Never Be Empty Nesters… And That’s Okay