I have had some time to gather my thoughts and share with you, my experience at the 2011 Full-Figured Fashion Week Runway Finale in New York City. Before I begin, special thanks to Chicago Designers Crescendo Apparel (www.crescendoapparel.com), Chinoo Designs (www.chinoodesigns.com) and SoundChick Accessories (www.soundchickaccessories.com) for outfitting me in STUNNING outfits and accessories for the main event. My God-mother, Linda Cox was my special guest. As a part of my prize package, we stayed at the beautiful Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square. During the VIP reception, I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine Schuller. Catherine was this year's FFF Week recipient of the "PLUS Icon of the Year" award. And rightfully so! Catherine is a former FORD Model, actress, stand-up comedienne, and has been a spokesperson for several curvy brands which include: Just My Size, Dillard's Nordstroms, Catherine's/Lane Bryant (Charming Shoppes), Filene's, and Macy's! She has also worked as an image consultant, and served as an editor of MODE Magazine (the 1st Plus-Size Fashion Magazine 1997-2001) for 4 years. Meeting her was a HUGE pleasure. She's hilarious!
I also had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Arlinda McIntosh, Designer/Owner of "Sofistafunk: The Skirt Company". If you've read this month's issue of PLUS Model Magazine (the Mia Amber Davis tribute issue), you may have seen an editorial featuring FFF Week's host Shanda Freeman. The GORGEOUS full-length skirt that Shanda is wearing is a "Sofistafunk" skirt. Arlinda and I exchanged info & I'm sure we'll keep in touch. I may just have to do a feature story on her in the very near future because her designs are AMAZING!!! In addition to meeting an industry icon, and a fabulous skirt designer, I hit the red carpet for my interview with this year's "Face of Full-Figured Fashion Week" Nina Taylor. Nina is also the reigning 2011 Miss District of Columbia Plus America. She will compete in the 2011 Miss Plus America Pageant in Dallas, Texas along with our very own Toy Monique Hawkins. After one more press interview and a few more pics, including a pic with SUPER Plus designer Monif C., it was off to the Finale. Now, there are no words to describe the awesomeness of this finale!! Granted the show was a little long, I don't think that was too much of an issue for the audience, as we were treated to some of the most colorful, creative, HOTTEST plus-size fashions I've ever seen!!! Not to mention, a plus-size dance troupe, the history of Lane Bryant, a tribute to Mia Amber Davis, and an awards ceremony to boot, this finale had it ALL!
After the Finale show ended, I quickly scurried up to my room to change into my Chinoo Designs ensemble that I'd chosen for the after party. When I returned 20 minutes later, most of the people were gone! Party Poopers! I was ready to get my dance on too! Eh well. There were still quite a few people in the foyer chatting and taking press photos, so I slid into the mix to chat with some plus modeling buddies and take a few more red carpet pics. And just like that, my FFF Week experience was over. Though there were MANY people that I either didn't get a chance to speak to, or only saw in passing, the experience was well worth the trip and I am SO grateful to everyone who voted for me as Full-Figured Fashion Week's Biggest Fan! Please click on my slideshow for pics of my experience!
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