October 24, 2007
Stilettos and Curves Traveling Plus-Size Fashion Show
Stilettos and Curves Traveling Plus-Size Fashion Show
Whistle-Stop: Detroit, Michigan
by Lisa Klobucar, Hello Gorgeous! Self-Esteem Columnist at Elegant Plus Magazine
Curvy, rubenesque, voluptuous and zaftig are all words to describe the fuller figure. I had the good fortune to attend a fashion show Sunday night (October 21, 2007) at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan that celebrated women who embodied those words: the “Stilettos and Curves” fashion show. Not your average fashion show, Stilettos and Curves is part of a growing grass-roots self-esteem movement across the United States that marries fashion with plus-size models to show big girls can, do, and deserve to look fabulous. It joins the likes of the pioneering Hips, Heels and Curves Tour from DeVoe Signature Events out of New York City, the Simply Couture Tour out of Los Angeles, and the Divabetic Tour, to name just a few, that are criss-crossing the country, plus numerous local and regional shows that are shouting this positive message from the catwalks. Mo’Nique may have taken the movement sleek and Hollywood style with her enormously popular Fat Chance televised plus model boot camp and competition, but this type of urban event is where it all started. This wasn’t just a simple fashion show, it was a fashion EVENT!
To see gorgeous, big girls, not just walking the runway but strutting their stuff in glamorous, well fitting and stunning clothes was truly exciting. These ladies knew they looked great and their confidence showed in the way they came down that runway. Outfit after outfit was presented on models of varying sizes and shapes, none smaller than a curvaceous size 14 with sizes as large as 30, while every shape of curves from apple to pear was dressed to kill. No matter the outfit or the model it was a celebration of curves. No wafer thin, “Twiggy’s” on this runway! This was a runway for the woman of size, substance, and style.
This wonderful fashion extravaganza was presented by the Full Figured Diva Academy. Who knew that there was a place to celebrate the “Diva” in all of us?
Plus models strut their stuff at the Stilettos and Curves Fashion Show
The Show
The sell-out crowd was an awesome mix of men, women and children. They were all charged and ready to see this show. Once the lights dimmed, the clapping started even before the first model had appeared on the stage. There were two little boys there cheering on their mom as she walked the runway. Deafening enthusiasm washed around me as the models came out. Cheers, shouts, whoops and whistles were the order of the evening, both in appreciation of the fashions being shown and for the models themselves.
The fashion show featured clothing from local stores, so the outfits were very accessible and affordable for anyone attending. Most of the stores were all very familiar big name brands like Lane Bryant, Torrid and Ashley Stewart to name a few. In every color of the rainbow, the clothing styles ranged from business attire, to casual weekend wear. There was even a section on formal evening wear. I saw several dresses that I would love to wear for some holiday gala or New Year’s Eve party.
While there were outfits that could easily run into the hundreds of dollars, there were also plenty of outfits for every size and budget imaginable. The fact that all the Divas were various shapes and sizes brought home the point of there is a outfit for every size. One of the models, Relita Clarke, has been a runway model for six years and she’s always been a plus model. She told me, “I love being in an organization where everyone looks like me and to have that empowerment is a wonderful thing. We are trying to send the fashion industry a message. A message that not only thin women can do this.”
The one thing that really stood out with Stilettos and Curves Fashion Show was that each model wore colors that complimented her. In the big runway shows you never see that kind of nod to reality. The designers usually put the models in whatever fits best, applies make-up, and doesn’t worry about color. This show took the time to showcase clothes that put the models in the best light not only for the styles being displayed but for them personally, just like real women in the audience who were looking to them for inspiration ought to do.
For this big girl sitting in the audience and watching these women walk down the runway I felt exhilarated and inspired. The Divas looked great and they knew it, it showed on their faces. The audience loved the way the models looked as it was hardly ever quiet with clapping and shouts of encouragement throughout the hour and a half show. I have to admit after watching the Divas come down the runway, I felt the need to strut my stuff as I walked out the door. I think their mission was accomplished.
All shapes of curves shown in casual and eveningwear
The Women Behind the Show
Natasha Bryson, 30, is the director of the “Diva Academy” and she also runs Gemini Modeling and Talent Group in Baltimore, Maryland. Natasha has graced the runway in many shows and is not your typical big girl. In fact she is not a big girl at all. She’s an extremely slender woman, but she’s in our corner. Natasha’s recognition for the need of big girl fashions prompted her to open the Full Figured Diva Academy several years ago. The Diva Academy includes a four week boot camp for aspiring models and women who just want to learn to strut their stuff and improve their confidence and fashion sense. Like most plus-size fashion and model boot camps, Diva’s are taught to not only walk the runway but also how to wear the clothes and how to walk confidently in 3 inch heels. Also included are makeup and hair tips that can be applied to your everyday life, not just on the runway.
I asked Natasha how she finds her Divas? “Our advertising is pretty much a grass roots effort with email and radio spots, and of course word of mouth. Many of our Divas have come to us from friends of friends.” The success of such methods was all around me Sunday night with a packed, sold-out show which truly speaks of the hunger and demand for such shows in opposition to our “thin is in” culture. Natasha ‘s attitude in regards to all women shows when she says things like, “My goal is to have women feel good about themselves no matter their size. I feel that you have to work with what you have been given and improve on yourself from there.” Following up on the self-esteem message of these grass-root shows, Diva Tammara Zanders (Sponsorship Coordinator) added, “we are striving for a consistent presence not only in fashion but in ourselves.”
Don’t think that all these women do is walk the runway, they all have careers outside of the Academy too. For example, Kimberly Badru is one of the original Divas. She has been with the Full Figured Diva Academy for three years, but she is also the director of a catering company. Kimberly became involved with the Diva’s not only for herself but to give her daughter a positive role model. She wants to show her daughter that she can be and do anything she sets her mind to in life.
Trendy business wear and classic evening
styles come down the runway
The Tour
The Full Figured Diva Academy is currently on tour showcasing “Stilettos and Curves.” The tour has been to Pennsylvania, Virginia and Michigan. The next stop on the tour is Maryland. While in Maryland they will hold a four week, two hours a day boot camp and then present the fashion show with the local Divas who attended the boot camp as well as the national Diva’s who travel with the show.
So are you ready to be a Diva? Or maybe you just want to check out the next fashion show. You can find out more information by clicking here.
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29 Comments on Stilettos and Curves Traveling Plus-Size Fashion Show »
October 24, 2007
Tammara Zanders @ 2:00 pm:
Wow! Lisa, what wonderful article. It was a pleasure meeting you on Sunday. I am glad you found the show inspiring. It is our mission to present full-figured women in a positive light. Not just as sex kittens or vixens. We want our audiences to look at the models and see someone that looks like them, not just in size, but in shape and height as well. Thank you for attending and staying afterward. If the gown you posted is the one you like, it is available at Sydney’s Closet. Thank you for writing such a wonderful article, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
- Tammara Zanders, Sponsorship Coordinator - Full-Figured Diva Academy
Eadie Silverberg @ 3:15 pm:
This was a great article, as it showed me other ladies of size, who were making a statement about their beauty and grace, rather than just thinking in terms of large sizes!! The article really gave me an insight into what a larger-lady can do. We have been looked down upon for too long. . . it’s time for us to make a great showing in the field of fashion and beauty!!! Thanks for a great article!! We know we are beautiful, and it’s time the world took a different look at us larger ladies!!
Janalee Martin @ 3:20 pm:
Lisa, you did an awesome job with the article!! I wish I could’ve been there!!!
Dana Brown @ 3:34 pm:
This is definitely an awesome article. I am so glad that you were able to attend the show and witness full figured “her-story” in the making. This movement is truly expanding and allowing for many more opportunities in the fashion industry for plus sized women. It is totally life changing!
-Dana Brown, Runway Coachd-Full Figured Diva Academy
Pati Rankin @ 5:18 pm:
This was truly an awesome article! I think it is wonderful that the message is coming across that size does not have anything to do with true beauty. It is about being healthy and feeling great!
Henry Bunder @ 5:25 pm:
Very well written, then I would have expected nothing less than that from you….
Your descriptions of the event made me feel as if I were sitting in the front row…
dAWN @ 5:41 pm:
Lisa-
Thanks for the great article! I wish there was a fashion show here. Although I would like to attend a boot camp those stilettos are definitely not on my list of musts LOL! (Of course I can’t speak for my husband!) I would love to see my daughter involved in something like this!
Thanks again for a great read!
Morgan @ 6:06 pm:
Hey Lisa, I wish I could have been there with you. Great article! I love the descriptions and the background. I’m always glad to hear about women subverting the dominant paradigm. We always need people teaching us to value who we are and what we do over how much we weigh and other such non-essentials.
Michelle @ 6:18 pm:
Lisa, I adore your article! It takes the reader right into the event and it’s as if we’re sitting right next to you. I’m inspired to want to strut my stuff now! Thanks for sharing such a special event with us!
Sandy @ 6:53 pm:
I saw notice of the show after we had plans for the weekend, or I would not have missed it. Your power of description took me back to when I was modeling in my 20’s. The words have shown me how far we as “BIG” girls have come. I will make sure to attend the next one, maybe even get out there and strut my stuff on the run way again!
Thank you Lisa.
Traci @ 7:16 pm:
Fantastic article! I love seeing plus size fashion take center stage and be promoted! As a full figured girl, I know how hard it is sometimes to find the right clothes. Thanks, Lisa, you did a great job covering and reporting on the event! Your writing style is fantastic! Can’t wait to read more!
October 25, 2007
Mina @ 1:37 am:
i think its about time. i use to be a big girl. but found it hard to find clothes an people treated me bad. i think its great there are shows like this so todays big girls can see that big is really beautiful. Lisa did a great job with this article. would love to see more of what lisa writes.
Sue Workman @ 7:20 am:
Nicely written. Interesting and engaging.
MM @ 7:59 am:
Nice article!
Siren @ 8:33 am:
Its a very good site. Keep up the good work and make loads more big girl clothes.
Stacy @ 9:05 am:
Reading your article made me wish I could have been there to see it all, but then again, the description was so well written that I felt like I could have been there.
It is nice to read about plus sized women being given the attention they deserve. For me, it hasn’t been easy being plus size, but with events like this I can draw on the models confidence to maybe try out some new sexy outfits of my own.
elegantplusmagazine @ 11:02 am:
For anyone who is interested related articles that Elegant Plus has run in the past, they include:
Review: Dangerous Curves…. on Broadway!
A Devoe Signature Event
Plus-size Fashion Show Review,
NYC, June 26, 2005
http://www.elegantplus.com/Models/dangerous-curves.htm
Plus-size Designer Showcase from
the DSE Runway at New York Fashion Week
September 2005
http://www.elegantplus.com/Models/fashion-week.htm
Meet Wendy Alexander: Full-Figured Fashionista and Creator of Simply Couture
http://blog.elegantplusmagazine.com/2007/09/12/meet-wendy-alexander-full-figured-fashionista-and-creator-of-simply-couture/
We hope you enjoy these articles and spend some time poking around reading other content at Elegant Plus Magazine. We have some wonderful writers and viewpoints!
- Thea Politis
Managing Editor
Elegant Plus
http://www.elegantplus.com
http://www.elegantplusmagazine.com
Shay Le-Ann @ 11:28 am:
Well all that I can say is WOW! When it comes to all the ladies at the Full Figured Diva Academy and MS. Natosha, Tammy and Dana…I was there and I was part of that show and I am very grateful for the opportunity. These women at this academy really know their stuff. I appreciated every moment I had with them just to learn a little more. And while reading thiss article MS. Lisa makes me appreciate you so much knowing that you got the point across to the people that were not able to make it or was negative about seeing full figured woman strut the runway. Thank you for such a wonderful article, it does feel like I was in the audience right next to you.
Schantel McCrary- “Shay Le-Ann, Full Figured Model” for “Stilletos & Curves” Detroit
Sharletha Jordan @ 3:29 pm:
Great article, you put into words how we the models felt that night. Being full and fabulous is not just an attitude, it’s our lifestyle and to have Natasha bring that to the light is truly amazing. I had a ball and can’t wait until next time around! So sorry for those that missed the show b/c honestly you really missed a GREEAT SHOW, not only just the modeling aspect but Sanging (Go Tam)and dancing too…MoNique and her crew aren’t the only big girls who can throw down!! Again, it was a great experience and I encourage all Divas out there to get involved when they hit your city!!!
Sharletha Jordan, Model
Detroit Stilletos & Curves
Marshay Chapman @ 4:14 pm:
WOW is a great word to use for the Stilettos and Curves fashion show in Detroit, alone with this awesome article that expresses the turth about such a beautiful movement for full-figured woman. If you have not seen a show it is well worth your money and more. This event was my first event as a full-figure model and I had a blast. I would encourage all full-figure model to attend a casting call or to be part of the audience as a full-figure model movement supporter. Much love to all of the full-fugure women across the country. Thanks Lisa for the article and thanks to the full-figure diva’s academy.
Christine Amaryllis Haskell @ 8:48 pm:
Well written and very informative! Nice to know that voluptuous is in style again, and that women are being encouraged to look like women rather than androgynous twigs.
Thank you!
Christine Amaryllis
October 26, 2007
Kimberly Badru ( Fullfigured DIVA) @ 11:50 am:
Lisa,
Thank you for telling “OUR” story as only you can. It was wonderful meeting you and I am happy and over joyed that the efforts of the Fulled Figured Diva’s is starting to take shape!! The love I have for this movement is a REAL and DEDICATED Love. This makes me proud everytime I know that another women has been touched in some way!!!!!! I hope every women will take a tip from the FFDA and find and protect the DIVA inside!!!!!!!!!
Shynika Lawson @ 8:00 pm:
This article is a true reflection of such a marvelous event. I enjoyed myself to the extreme and thanks to the team of Divas..I felt comfortable. The prayer before the show was both relaxing and uplifting!! These women are phenomenal!!!
Since I have become plus sized…I have had the hardest time finding a reputable company to work with that will not exploit my body. Full Figured Diva Accademy has been a blessing to me. From the staff to the models…everyone had such a beautiful heart. It was a pleasure to work with such talented and inspirational women…I learned a lot. I have nothing but good words to say for the fabulous group of women and for the wonderful MS. Natasha and her vision for plus sized women.
October 29, 2007
Dawn @ 6:29 pm:
I was disappointed that I didn’t get to go to this event, and am even more upset now!! This sounds like an INCREDIBLE event!!! I enjoyed the writing also. Very descriptive wording… and what awesome words!!! rubenesque…voluptuous…zaftig
As always, great writing Lisa! Can’t wait for this group’s next visit to the Motor City!
Shawn @ 8:46 pm:
Wonderful! If the show ever comes to Ohio, I am there.
October 30, 2007
Kimberly Sanders @ 12:22 pm:
Way to go Lisa. Thanks for the great read. Being an active member of the “big girl movement”, I am always pleased to see any positive press on women of size. We too can be and do what all the skinny folks can! Kudos to Elegant Plus Magazine for being all about us! Thank you!
October 31, 2007
Jadox @ 7:13 pm:
Lisa -
Thumbs-up on the article! Loved it, wish I could have been there!
Jadox
Rachel @ 11:28 pm:
Lisa
This was written beautifully.It really is nice to know there is shows out there for us bigger gals.You did an awesome job!!!!!
Rachel
November 15, 2007
Plus size is fabulous! @ 9:12 am:
Great article! What an empowering event for any woman of any size to see real women reflected on the catwalk!