Plus U~ Douglas Says (Yes, from BET’s Rip the Runway)

Hello Ladies, you know how I spend my time trying to search out the most fabulous designers for all your Curves! Well, I have been so fortunate to interview Douglas Says, designer of the recently launched Plus U. You have seen him in BET’s Rip the Runway, and now I had the chance to speak with him and I must share and/ or introduce to all you Curvy.Confident.Chic. Fashionistas the amazing New Jersey designer Douglas Says!

Now is your name really Douglas Says?

D.S @ It is, as of July 9th 1998, which is when I made my name choice legal, my mom was a little disappointed that I changed my name, but her maiden name was never her choice or mine, what’s the difference, if I were a woman and got married, my name would change…

What is the definition of your name?

D.S @ Actually, people read more into then it ever was meant to be, originally I was writing for a column, which was called “Douglas Says”… and once I started using Says… in business, where checks were being written under “Says,” it just made sense…

What inspired you to be a designer?

D.S @ I grew up with the urge inside of me. I had a cousin that was a drag queen and as a child, it all computed as glamour and fashion, so I tried to convey what was inside my head, to my barbies, yeah you heard me

How did you start designing in Plus Sizes?

D.S @ My original muse, Rosemary Cousar, opened up a boutique in Feb of last year, where she carried my items. The response was great, however the “real” women, that have more than curves, couldn’t fit my then industry standard samples, so I offered to do a few “classic D.S staples” and that’s how it all started, eventually a few samples turned into my August 2008 show, God planned every thing…

Who is your favorite Plus Model?

D.S@ All my ladies are my favorite, I appreciate them all for taking the journey with me…Anybody that knows me, knows that it’s very important that the girls “can walk”, as good or as close to the way that I train girls to walk, they are few and far between, so when you find a walker…

What do you think of Plus Fashion in the industry?

D.S@ Wow, if you’re asking me about the choices that are available? I think they’re rather sad, and I can’t believe how many companies have “what they call” a full figured line, yet they don’t invest, in what could be the biggest money maker for their company! None of the companies have reach out to or for me, but then again, I ‘ve only started the line as far back as Feb 2008, that’s from the first sample, I’m speaking of…

Who are your favorite designers?

D.S @ The list is long but an easy one; Geoffrey Beene, Ralph Rucci, Byron Lars, Halston, Zoran, Charles James, Madame Gres, Giorgio di sant’Angelo, Galanos, and Azzedine Alaia… For several reasons other than the obvious, beyond their cuts, mainly because they are leaders and not followers, they’re the truth! With much respect to legends such as Stephen Burrows, Patrick Kelly, Jon Haggins, Willie Smith and Scott Barrie, because without their efforts and achievements I wouldn’t and couldn’t exist…

What do you see for Fall Fashion for Douglas Says?

D.S @ I’d like to continue evolving and transferring ideals from the original line, to the plus line, but first…items “Have” to move, as too provide capital and motivation. It was really hard for me to pull together the 34 looks, that I did, on a shoe string budget, that really didn’t exist. And as you know, a plus line uses more fabric to product.

Where can we buy your items, and do you have a website?

D.S @ All items are custom made, and have to be ordered directly from my studio, the first samples are done in 16/18…. It’s (the website) in the works, for now you can visit me at www.myspace.com/douglassays or call for an appointment @ the studio*973 624 0069

How was BET’s Rip the Runway Fashion show?

D.S @ Although this was my first time getting name credit, alongside my collection, I’ve been involved with them each year that they’ve aired. However, this is actually and really the first time…

And how has Rip the Runway been for you?

D.S @ People have been calling from all over the country and that’s great, but again I Say, if they’re not buying, then it doesn’t help me or the industry get to the next level. (So ladies, that means call him! Go to the website, and show your love!)

What advice can you leave with the Curvy.Confident.Chic Fashionistas?

D.S @ Then (as a Curvy.Confident.Chic. Fashionista) that means you already own or collect art, which should of course include “Douglas Says”…”I’ve answered the call”…D.S

Mr. Douglas, I cannot thank you enough for your motivating spirit! You are truly a gem!

Did you miss the Rip the Runway show? No worries! I have here, courtesy of You Tube, Douglas Says launch of his plus size collection, Plus U.

Ladies, I hope you enjoy the show and hot line as much as I do! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Keep it Curvy!

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