Plus Fashion News
Supermodel Emme Speaks On The Plus Fashion Industry
Supermodel Emme Speaks On The Plus Fashion Industry
Emme is the first plus size supermodel to ever grace the pages of mainstream magazines and have a billboard in Times Square. Along with a successful modeling career, Emme is an author and clothing designer who has appeared on show’s such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s The Today Show, CNN and Good Morning America.
Most recently Emme served as the host of the Fox reality show More to Love and this year will host the main fashion case at Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC. I had a great conversation with Emme about life’s lessons, where we are headed as an industry and why Full Figured Fashion week will be a success.
Maddy: You have been in the industry a number of years, what have been the most significant changes?
Emme: It’s all been in a very positive way. I see there’s more activism within the subscribers to fashion and the models themselves. The public wants diversity and we are seeing the actual definition of beauty be dismantled and then put back together with a new concept.
This is important to do, if not necessary to carry out the beauty and artistic expression of what we are doing in fashion. Fashion should not show us what beauty is; it should be an artistic expression, a vehicle.
Maddy: I think people often forget that the industry is based around the fashion industry and not the models. It’s being included in fashion that is the actual problem.
Emme: Fashion is an artistic art form but so much is put into air brushing the models being one particular way and we’ve had this year after year and decade after decade so we’ve been conditioned to see beauty in one way and now its beautiful to see the plus size industry growing. In this time of recession it’s the best thing that could have happened because it forced the “bottom line”; the business makers and those sitting around the conference room table to say “Oh my God how are we going to make money?” so they started to market to the plus size industry. We are seeing this change with the mainstream media finally taking notice. Their readers want change. They want to be seen and if I’m a 400 pound woman trying to get to a healthy realistic size, I can’t identify with a size zero. I need someone I can aspire to. When you see beautiful women that are size 14, 16 and 18’s in mainstream media this is what captures that woman looking for inspiration.
Maddy: The clamor over the small “Lizzie Miller” picture in Glamour show’s us the power we have with our voices yet we are accustomed to being invisible. What are your thoughts about how we could participate in what is currently happening now in the media and the power behind our voices?
Emme: My backround was not in fashion, I was a reporter so I was used to asking questions and I think I was perfectly suited to trip into this industry when I did because I kept on asking, but why? Why can’t I get paid the same as the same young lady that has a billboard just like me? Why? So I hired a publicist because I kept on not getting the answers. So I said if I’m not going to get the answers, then I’m going to talk about what women are saying to me. I realized it all has to do with “us. If we don’t take confidence with us, people will not treat us any better than we expect them to. When I walked into a room, I was too much for them.
Maddy: Too much in what sense?
Emme: I was going against the “norm” in fashion industry by just existing not to mention my voice and my body. I was this athletic, good-looking woman who refused to go with the “norm”. I did bike tours, triathlons because of the joy of life and then these people are telling me that the clothing does not fit right. I’m too big but I could drop and do 100 push-ups.
Maddy: Was there a time when you felt like it was you against an entire industry?
Emme: I walked away from the industry for six to eight months and went into another career, I was like screw that! This really is bad, people are really disrespectful and I did not like that. However, the moment I walked way in 92 and said I’m not getting paid enough for this type of attitude I’m dealing with is when I started to get calls from FORD saying your bookings are increasing with you not being around so your going to have to come back. I thought to myself if I’m going to come back, I’m going to really listen and reflect what’s going on out there. I realized there was something happening without any warning and it was “change”. So I said to myself, “I just need to keep on talking!” I was not going to succumb to losing weight and equating goodness with size, which is a big lie by the way.
Maddy: Is there something you wish would change in the fashion industry?
Emme: I wish they would stop shooting these girls naked and put clothes on them. They are beautiful and they should show them in fashion. We don’t see them shooting 00 models without clothing and without photo shop because we would see bones sticking out and it would look like they were in a concentration camp! Show them as beautiful women and this is art. While there is a revolution-taking place right now, we need to diversify beauty not just in size but also in ethnicity and all of who we are as Americans. Women are starting to say ” Stop with the unrealistic artistic expression of who we are, but give us something more realistic yet still inspirational and above all do not harm. Stop making it be all about size and not about the beauty. Take a look at Crystal Renn! Take a look at Kate Dillon! There are so many younger models coming into the industry but these girls have got it, and they should not even be discussing being an overweight model.
Maddy: It’s interesting you say that, the common comment among most blogs seems to be “That’s a plus size model?” The public does not realize that a size 12 next to a size 00 is in fact a plus size model.
Emme: Plus size models are the inspiration and aspirations for curvier women. They are here for plus size women to say aha! This is the way a garment would look on me when it’s filled out. These women can relate more and therefore are more inclined to make a purchase based on this.
I’ve been talking to catalog companies from the beginning of my career and I’m not sure where they get these statistics they follow. I would urge them to put women who were above a size 4 in their catalogs but the answer was always the same. Women do not want to see other larger women. I disagree with this idea and believe that if you would put larger girls in catalogs then those curvy women, size 18, 20, and 22 would relate to the images and in turn the company would make more money.
I challenged the statistics every time and no one could ever really tell me where they were getting it from. Eventually they did start using plus size models in the catalogs and sales went up, returns went down and business got better.
Maddy: There are so many body types yet we are all lumped into one. What is the answer?
Emme: There’s an athletic plus size, there’s a more matronly (older mom/grandmother) plus size, there’s a junior full figured and then there’s tall and petite. We need to break it down so that younger women are not asked to dressed in ways that their moms and aunts like to look.
Maddy: It seems like every month something big involving the plus size industry hits the mainstream media. Are we here to stay or is this a passing fad? How do we help for this to continue as an industry? What should we be doing?
Emme: We are the ones that pay the bills. We make this economy move. Once we realize our power as women things will change and stay that way. I remember when I wrote my first book in 1997 I had booked a job in Australia and my publicist had also set up a ton of interviews for me while I was there. Australia was having it’s own revolution at the time. I remember telling the women, “Use your voice and make a statement!” If you stop shopping, they will listen. The bottom line always wins.
Back to my story, I did my shoot and the interviews and left and came back a year and a half later to promote my book and everything had changed. The women were so excited to tell me. “We did it, we took a stand and we stopped shopping!” The sales were affected so much that it shut down production down there and it forced stores to really come together and ask the right questions. What are we doing wrong?
These women were able to mobilize and to actually be proactive with results.
We have millions and millions of plus size women in America and if we come together we could change things. We do not want to shut down production, above all “Do No Harm” but we want to partner with the clothing lines that you love and adore.
Imagine if you had the community come together, take a survey of 10,000 women and drop it off to the table of that retailer that is not doing right by us. “Here is our statistics, feel free to use these numbers”. If we do not see changes, we can’t shop with you any longer because it makes us feel bad.” This would be an affective approach.
Emme: At the same time we need to praise those magazines, retailers and designers that are doing a good job. Let them here your voice so they know that they are doing something right.
Maddy: This year your hosting full figured fashion week, why is the success of this event so important for the plus size industry?
Emme: I will be hosting the main event with the fashion case and I’m really excited about that. Full figured women are here to stay and they want everything that everyone else has. There should not be a distinction between full figured and other women. There should be inclusiveness. Right now we are bi-polar where we have fashion week on one side and full figured fashion week on the other side. One day it’s going to be all together. It’s an opportunity for this market to show the world that we are in fact here and worthy of the same as the rest of the fashion industry. The thing I want to point out is that if it’s preaching to the choir then it’s not as affective. We have to get the industry be a part of Full Figured Fashion Week. If we don’t have the main stream involved then it will not reach its full potential.
Maddy: What are your final words to your many fans?
Emme: We are a bouquet of beauty. We can’t all be Daisy’s. We are all supposed to be different. We have to embrace who we are and be good to ourselves, eat well, live well, think well and above all do no harm.
For more on Emme visit: www.emmestyle.com
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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