Fashion
Meet The Amazing Plus Size Designer Joining The Cast of This Season’s Project Runway
The upcoming season of Project Runway is the season Tim Gunn has been dreaming of.
Not only did his wish for more model size diversity on the show become true but this season may be a major step in showing the fashion industry that fashion shouldn’t stop at a size 4.
He told USA Today of the work we will see from designers this season while using models sizes 0-22:
“The work was the best it had ever been. They learned something that is so beneficial to their future, and that’s invaluable.”
What hasn’t really been talked about is that there’s another plus size fashion designer in the cast this season.
We met Kenya Freeman when I was personally sitting across from her during breakfast at the recent TCF Style Expo in Atlanta. I’ll admit that we didn’t talk much but the woman sitting next to her spoke volumes on Freeman’s talents by simply wearing a dress designed by her.
The woman wearing Freeman’s dress was Juanita Davis from General Motors, representing Chevrolet at the event, who was a stage sponsor. The dress had everyone swooning and wondering who was the designer of this stunning creation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXLFTvGBxfO/?taken-by=iampriiincesss
The dress was from Freeman’s Sylvia Mollie brand, based in Atlanta. I immediately wanted to know more and since I did not get to see her at the expo since it was very crowded, I stalked her Instagram and website. And I was not disappointed.
If you want to see stunning red-carpet ready fashion, you must check out her Instagram here. Freeman is no stranger to dressing celebrities and after looking at all the images, I was left wondering why I had not heard of her before? Better late than ever, right?
Freeman has over 15 years of designing/sewing experience and from what we have seen, she is not afraid to design for all sizes.
The 37-year-old designer told Atlanta Journal & Constitution that she loved the idea of using models sizes 0-22:
“I actually loved it! Of course, we were super shocked to have plus-size models. Me, I was excited. Being a woman of size, I said, ‘Bring it on!’”
She went full-time on her fashion designing dream in 2014 and now she’s on Project Runway, which she describes as a “magical experience”:
“It’s a magical experience thinking how many people would love to have been there. Overall, I’m grateful for the experience. It was very trying on my soul.”
The new season of Project Runway airs tomorrow night (8/17) on Lifetime. And we can’t wait to see Freeman and how well she does this season.
Are you going to watch Project Runway this season? Follow us on social media @plusmodelmag and let us know!
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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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
@felicityhayward
@nizzymacc
@danielle_nekole
@whatkaliwears
@tiffythefashionslayer
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.
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
@msgigggles
@talitakate
@valeriemaroneyy
@curvy_ambassador
@nativeactress
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.
@pridantas93
@shunitawynne
@nostalgic_nayok
@dlovecurve
@ariwearsthings
@thickfitdee
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.
@amandaneumanoficial
@aaliyahrenaa
@iheartcandyboo
@organiccurves_
@annemanyi
@johanamaya81
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