NYFW may be over but we’re still talking about it.
New York Fashion Week was definitely an exciting experience for those of us at PMM.
Was it perfect? No. We’ve read the articles and heard the gripes. However…
It was still refreshing to be sitting front row at shows that showed different sizes and shapes on the runway, including the finale show for Project Runway where we saw plus size models such as Liris Crosse, Monique Robinson, Denka Obradovic and Jazzmine Carthon strutting their stuff.
According to Glamour Magazine / Lauren Chan:
“By the end of the week, we spotted models above sample size on the runway (or at a presentation) a total of 208 times—that’s 181 more appearances that last season, people! We accounted for every time a model appeared (even if she had two looks in one show) and for every event that billed itself as a part of NYFW—that includes events from plus-size-only brands (Dia & Co., Addition Elle, and Torrid) and indie labels (like Miaou and Lou Dallas) that aren’t on the official CFDA- and IMG-manned calendars, but that contributed to the boost. Even excluding those programs, though, the total number of size-diverse turns at “traditional” Fashion Week was still record-breaking at 65.”
Last season, we only saw 27 plus size models walk the NYFW runway and the season before that, it was only 12! Now we are at 65. The numbers are GROWING, not decreasing.
Here’s 7 moments during NYFW that we will never forget:
#1: Project Runway
The best part of the Project Runway finale NYFW show was how much Heidi Klum and the judges smiled when the plus size models walked the runway, especially Liris Crosse, who is famous for her fierce walk. We loved seeing Monique Robinson walk the runway like she was meant to be there and all the other plus models really did us proud.
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#2: Chromat
This image says it all. Not only did Glamour style editor Lauren Chan (above) walk on the runway for Chromat but also Emme Aronson, Denise Bidot, Hunter McGrady and more! The audience went wild as each model strutted down the runway, which also included gender and race diversity, too. Click here to see more on Chromat’s Instagram page.
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#3: Torrid show
Never in our dreams, did we think we’d see a plus size brand on the NYFW runway. And celebrities sitting front row at that show? It happened at the Torrid NYFW show with Ashley Nell Tipton, actresses Britney Young, Adrienne C. Moore and Miss Jay Alexander all sitting front row alongside plus size bloggers, models, influencers and the media. It was truly wonderful to see so many shapes and sizes, dressed to the nines at NYFW, and we hope this happens every season to come. (Images: Torrid via BFA)
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#4: Addition Elle
Speaking of the major plus size presence at NYFW, Canadian plus size retailer Addition Elle was back with its third show, this time earning themselves a place on the official NYFW calendar. With actresses Danielle Brooks and Gabourey Sidibe sitting front row and Ashley Graham and Jordyn Woods on the runway, this was definitely an exciting show.
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#5: Chrissy Metz at Curvy Con
the Curvy Con was not technically a part of NYFW but the event was a great way to kick off NYFW for many of us in town for the shows. Our favorite part of the Curvy Con (aside from that LIT after party!) was keynote speaker, actress Chrissy Metz, who wore Eloquii and spoke so candidly to a full house about being a plus size actress in Hollywood.
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#6: Arissa Le Brock & Roxy Earle Rocking the Runway at Mac Duggal
Designer Mac Duggal is known for injecting diversity into his show and this season was no different. We loved seeing plus size model and past PMM cover girl Arissa Le Brock as well as reality TV star Roxy Earle on the runway, wearing his stunning designs. (Images: Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)
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#7: Jackets and Drinks event
NYFW is not just about the shows but the events and after parties too! Designer Jeff Cafone unveiled his new leather jacket collection, available in sizes 12 to 30 at an event held at the Gregory Hotel on Friday, September 8th. Guests were invited to try the jackets on and offer feedback on fit and style. It was a packed event and Cafone’s collection was a hit.
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All in all, this was a NYFW season to remember and we’re excited to see what’s on the schedule for next season. We’ll definitely be there!