*~* Fashion 411 *~*

In May 2012, the fashion industry made leaps and bounds with the announcement that NYC’s infamous Ford Models was conducting their first “Plus-Size” model search in over a decade!  World-renowned Wilhelmina Models has also expanded their repertoire by introducing full-figured models to their lineup. No longer taboo, full-figured fashions are slowly becoming accepted and acknowledged in the world of high-fashion. The problem is that not every designer is equipped with the necessary skills needed to successfully style a full-figured woman while some photographers tend to shy away from snapping shots of a more voluptuous muse. With the average woman ranging nowhere close to the fit sizes of 2, 4, or 6, the market and need for full-figured designers is greater now, more than ever! 

Fortunately, there are several designers who cater to the full-figured woman and here are a few; known for their brilliant execution, bold patterns and keen eye on what looks good on the curvaceous woman of the modern world!

Monif C. 

 “Awarded Best Plus Size Designer” by Full Figured Fashion Week. 

Bianca Dress 

The expertly placed ruching glides over your curves and creates a beautiful silhouette; perfect for a multitude of body types. The gathered sleeves add the perfect fashion touch.

Dominica Leopard Mesh Swimsuit 

Sexy, sexy, sexy! Leopard print and black mesh creates a swimsuit that is sexy but still mysterious. Give them something to talk about when you strut down the beach in this swimsuit. Features sewn in cups to fully support your bust.
Special Swimsuit Features:
* Bones on the sides of swimsuits for added bust support
* Power mesh tummy tuck lining in front AND back of swimsuits

These swimsuits are specifically engineered to fit and flatter plus size figures.

For more on Monif C.,visit www.monifc.com and follow Monif C. on Twitter at @monifcplussizes for the latest fashions and plus-size inspiration!!

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Igigi by Yuliya Raquel (www.igigi.com) 

Kaori Infinity Dress

One dress, so many ways to wear it and now in Plum! Transform your look into a halter dress, tube top, one-sleeve or both, the possibilities are infinite! Pair it with our Stella Leggings or any solid color, textured, or sheer tights; add gems that accentuate each unique look.

Sahara Sand Dress 

This Sahara Sands Dress exudes sheer animal magnetism with an abstract graphic zebra print—detailed with Spring 2012's favorite blue hue—and a flattering silhouette. Pair with nude heels or go wild with a blue patent pumps for a stand out day to night look.

For more information on Igigi, visit www.igigi.com.

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Jasmine Elder (Plus-Size designer of the year; Full-Figured Fashion Week 2012 Industry Award)

<------- High-Waist Pencil Pants




Sleeveless Iggy Blouse with Orange Hammer Pants------->            

To Check out Jasmine’s complete Fall 2012 Collection, visit www.jibrionline.com

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Check out some of Plus-Size Model Magazine’s (www.plus-model-mag.com) 2012 picks of Hottest Bodies in the Plus-Size Industry!

Fluvia Lacerda-Dorothycombsmodels.com

Jordan Tesfay-Wilhelmina.com

Lauren Johnson-IPMmodels.com

Jennifer Maitland-Wilhelmina.com

Allison McGevna-flauntmodels.com

Now, who said you had to be signed to Ford or Wilhelmina to be considered fierce? Here are a few of the “everyday” full-figured beauties who know how to work it and then some! They are just as hot, just as glamorous, and just as much model material!

*~* Jenell R. *~*

*~* Brittany B. *~*

*~* Candiss C. *~*

               

*~* Aysia W. *~*

These are just a few of the beauties that may not be mainstream but are just as beautiful in their own skin! Curves are the very essence of being a woman and it's time that the world acknowledges this!

Off the Record with Melodic Fashionista.....

I was inspired to write this post due to a recent episode of one of my favorite shows, Project Runway. I watched Project Runway on August 23^rd and I was truly upset about designer Ven Budhu's views and opinions of plus-size women!!! He was insensitive to her needs and constantly belittled her by constantly reminded her of how “big” she was and how it was hard finding the right fabrics and accessories to compliment her figure. Not only was the garment he designed atrocious but he broke the spirit of the working mother of four, and was consequently almost eliminated. Being a plus-size model myself, when he made the comment about having an “unfair advantage” because he was designing for a more curvier woman, I felt some kind of way!! I know I'm just as hot as any "skinny" model in my size 14-16 frame and I know I carry it very well! Any designer should been happy to design for the "everyday woman" b/c it shows versatility! It’s this narrow-minded thinking that produces some of the best “show you better than I can tell you” full-figured designers and models out today! It's time for us to start loving the skin we're in and embracing the warmth that we were blessed with; despite what mainstream society has to say! *My curves are beautiful* .

 (Melodic Fashionista)