Fashion
PMM Archive: Never Apologize – A PLUS Model Exclusive With Designer Janet Howard
Every now and again, a plus size designer raises eyebrows, sets the bar, or takes the plus size fashion scene to the next level. Janet Howard will do all three as she debuts her Curvy Collection for Los Angeles Fashion Weekend. Reah Norman and I had the pleasure of sitting down with this fierce, feisty, and foxy feline nestled in her Los Feliz home to bring to you the designer set to shake things up in Los Angeles.
Who is Janet Howard?
Featured in Vogue USA, Pantone, Pret-A-Porter Collections, Figaro, Mademoiselle, Marie Claire, Glamour, LA Times, WWD, Buzz, Chatter, Essence, NY Times, Vogue Paris, Clin d’oeil, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar- to name just a select few, this fashion forward and acclaimed member of the CFDA heads out to shake up the fashion scene for the curvier set.
Check out the entire interview here
PMM: So tell me Janet, how long have you been designing?
JH: I have been designing my whole life. I often joke that I do not have another life skill! Since I was eight years old, I began making clothes. I learned from my mother- she’s a master tailor. Fashion and designing is part of my DNA.
PMM: So did you go to school for designing?
JH: I was self taught! I was thankful that I was born with it. In fact, I tried to go to college. That lasted a year and a half and I was like ‘get me outta here.’ I thought I wanted to be normal and be a lawyer.
I am a college dropout and pretty proud of it!
PMM: You have had an amazing career, tell us about it!
JH: I was doing LA shows back when they were called CA Collection in the early 90’s. With sights set higher, I headed to NY. With my own line, I was named California designer of the year in ’97. I was the second designer from California to be invited into the CFDA! It was so exciting as it is really hard to be in the CFDA- you have to be invited!
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May 9 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@panamakish
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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.
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April 25 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@plussizewildflower
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Apr 18 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
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April 11 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
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Apr 4 Edition – Our Favorite Plus Size Style Moments Of The Week
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
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