If you missed Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ Los Angeles, you missed a three-day filled bonanza of fashion, empowerment, and dancing! One of the key highlights for this event were the panel discussions. AMAZING! On Friday, October 29^th, the Curvy Collective hosted a panel discussion for Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ Los Angeles titled: “The State of the Curvy Community.”

Moderated by Chenese Lewis, conversations were raw, real, and racy! The panelists, including Kelly Price, Reah Norman, Sharon Quinn, Heinrich St. Germain, and Judge Karen shared their impassioned positions about plus size fashion, the community, and what steps we can take to make it better!

Taking a proactive stance, moderator Chenese Lewis rounded up ten action points as a challenge and marching orders to the audience for us to make change!

The Ten Action Points for the Curvy Community as agreed upon at “The State of the Curvy Community Panel Discussion”:

1. Don’t settle for less.

We should not blithely celebrate the appearance of mere size-8 models on the runway as being a victory for plus-size women, as that is not anywhere near a plus size. Accepting this tokenism can also do more harm than good, as it signals to the fashion industry that full-figured women will be content with a model of any size, however thin, so long as she is merely labeled plus size. Our loyalty must be to the plus-size body, not merely to the plus-size label. If the label is falsely applied, this must be changed. Plus-size models should at least be the size of the clothing that they’re modeling — and without padding. Plus-size fashion begins at size 14W and up.

2.      Don’t believe the hype.

Do not buy into the excuses that the fashion industry offers for its size-discriminatory practices. For example, do not accept the myth that smaller models sell products better than larger models. No one knows which models were compared in such surveys, how they were styled etc. All real-life feedback proves the opposite — that women do want to see true plus-size models.

3.      Industry professionals stand your ground.

When working on mutual projects (e.g. lookbooks, editorials) and the agencies wish to promote their barely full-figured models, tell them that you would much rather work with the larger plus-size models whom the agencies represent, because this is what the public wishes to see. Engage in a give-and-take. Nudge your professional partners in a more size-positive direction.

4.      Bloggers use your power for good!

When participating in blogger conferences organized by plus-size companies or labels, encourage these labels to use larger plus-size models. Encourage the industry professionals to get into a more size-positive mindset. When discussing a fashion item that a plus-size retailer or label is promoting on a smaller model, give an honest appraisal of the piece, but also always include a firm and unambiguous statement that you would prefer to see it on larger plus-size models in the company’s advertising, and express disappointment that the advert didn’t include a larger model in the first place. Present this to the company as an easy opportunity for improvement. Encourage these labels to use their power to feature the larger plus-size models whom the blogger and her readers want to see.

5.      Focus your primary efforts on the plus-size fashion industry, not the straight-size fashion industry.

Stop focusing on the straight-size industry, which is anti-plus, and which always demands compromises and concessions (e.g., diminishing the size of plus-size models until they’re not plus-size at all). Rather, we should focus all of our efforts on improving the plus-specific, full-figured fashion industry. Do not be concerned that this is fashion “segregation.” Rather, think of it as fashion independence. Even the most powerful plus-size bloggers will only ever have a limited influence on straight-size fashion, because that industry can always write off such criticism as coming from a voice that is “not their constituency.” But plus-size fashion bloggers do have an influence on plus-size fashion. Therefore they can combat size discrimination within the plus-size segment of the industry.

6.      More media platforms for plus size women!

Currently there are no print publications for plus size women and very few positive roles in film and television – if any. We must continue to create new opportunities as well as support the platforms that do exist and help them grow (online magazines, podcasts, blogs, etc) by helping to bring exposure to the various outlets that cater to us.

7.      Celebrate the companies that “get it”!

Loudly praise retailers or labels that do feature fuller-figured models, use positive imagery in advertising, and provide quality products and services. Don’t forget to write positive letters to companies and networks when you see something you like!

8.      Don’t support companies that don’t support you!

Money talks, bottom line. If you do not feel that a company is up to your standards for any reason, rather it be the marketing and advertising, or the quality of the product, simply don’t patronize them. Once the company notices a decline in profits they will be force to make changes.

9. Be Positive!

There is an old saying that goes “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”  Always let your voice be heard when you are not pleased with an advertising campaign or company, however a company is more likely to respond to constructive criticism rather than angry rants.

10. Self loathing has to stop! Love your body!

There must be no line separating plus-size fashion and size advocacy. The industry is an advocacy industry by its very nature. (If it weren’t, it wouldn’t exist at all, and everyone would simply discuss straight-size fashion.) Moreover, advocacy sells, because plus-size women who feel better about themselves will spend money on fashion to beautifully dress the full-figured body that they have right now, rather than skimping on mere “temporary/disposable” clothing and spending the bulk of their money on diet-starvation or gym-torture to diminish their figures.

Now that we have defined the TEN ACTION STEPS, which ones will you employ? Which ones do you agree on? Sound off and let me know!Popular Posts:

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Are you flocking to Los Angeles for Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™? Are you going to be in town tonight Wednesday, October 27th, before the festivities kick off?

YES?

Then join us for an informal meet and greet as we put Twitter avatars and Facebook profile pics to the real fashionistas and fashionistos behind them!

Here are the details:

What: Curvy Cocktails LA

Where: X BAR 2025 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067

When: October 27th, 2011

Time: 7- 11pm

Please visit Facebook for more information about Curvy Cocktails LA.

***Don’t forget***

Tomorrow is the Opening Night of Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ LA!

Hosted by R&B Diva, Kelly Price and KJLH’s Lon McQ, Curves for a Cure: a Celebration in Pink is our silent charity auction, raising funds for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness!

Designers such as Jibri, Monif C., Fennimas, Igigi, and more have donated items for you to bid on! Portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure- Los Angeles chapter! So you can BID for a CAUSE!

More information on Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ here!

Will I see you tonight and the rest of this weekend????

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With the addition of Kelly Price, KJLH’s Lonnie McQ, designers and models from around the world, Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ is an event you do not want to miss! If you could not catch NY’s Full Figured Fashion Week, NOW is your chance to catch it on the WEST COAST!

This Weekend Only:

Score your special discount from KJLH THIS WEEKEND ONLY FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS!

Purchase your FFFweek(end) Tickets here

and

enter code

KJLH

To save and to score your seat!

Will I see you there?Popular Posts:

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its first Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Event

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, coinciding with Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ Los Angeles. Imagine having the opportunity to bid on either one of a kind or exclusive pieces,knowing that the proceeds are going to a special and important cause.

Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ is doing just that.

In celebration of those who have endured, know someone who is battling, or those who wish to support, Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ will open the festivities with  Curves for a Cure: A Celebration in Pink silent charity auction hosted by full figured R&B artist Kelly Price. Designers within the community and across the country have donated their designs for auction and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Will you be there?

Here are the details:

Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ Los Angeles

• What: Curves for a Cure: A Celebration in Pink Opening Ceremony
• Where: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars
• When: October 28th, 2010
• Time: 7pm
• Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the Door

Purchase your Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ tickets here. Each time we sell out BEFORE the event! Do NOT MISS the chance to take part in history!

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3. Full Figured Fashion Week(end)’s Own Social Media Powerhouse

Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ arrives in Los Angeles, October 28^th- 30^th and to lead the way through the internet is Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™’s Curvy Collective. As plus-size fashion continues to be hotly debated, leading this charge is a dynamic group of the plus size community’s leading fashion bloggers- The Curvy Collective.  Created to capture, expose, and share up-to-the-minute news for Full Figured Fashion Week(end) ™ Los Angeles, The Curvy Collective fashions a network of bloggers to leverage their blogs and social media platforms to facilitate the latest news, exclusively for Full Figured Fashion Week™.

Curvy Collective co-founders, Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista and Johara Tucker, of Luvin’ My Curves, launched the collective in Spring of 2009 with the inception of Full Figured Fashion Week ™.

With over 50 submissions to the collective, selection was tight! Each blogger who is part of the collective will fashion a badge on their site, linking to all the newest developments for Full figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢. Chosen to join the Los Angeles event along with the co-founders for Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ Los Angeles are:

• Cid’s Style File
• Curvatude
• Curves and Chaos
• Curvy Girl Chic
• Full Figure Plus
• Les Pitreries De Vanoue
• Lips, Hips, and Fashion Tips
• Musings of a Fatshionista
• Return to Sender
• The Aspiring Model
• The Marcy Minute
• Xoxo Nikstar

In addition to up to the minute news and information, The Curvy Collective will also co-host a variety of events during Full Figure Fashion Week(end)â„¢. These events include:

Curvy Cocktails

Join the Curvy Collective for an informal meet and greet BEFORE Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ kicks off. If you are in town Wednesday, October 27^th join the Curvy Collective and the L.A. Fatshion bloggers for drinks at the X Bar inside the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza!

Please visit the event on Facebook for more information about Curvy Cocktails

“The State of the Curvy Community” Panel Discussion

The Curvy Collective will host the panel discussion: “The State of the Curvy Community” Friday, October 29^th from 4-6pm at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Moderated by Chenese Lewis, panelists will address the climate of plus size in the media, the progress, challenges, and successes of the curvy community.

Confirmed panelists include:

• R&B Singer- Kelly Price
• Stylist and PLUS Model Magazine Fashion Director- Reah Norman
• The Original Runway Diva- Sharon Quinn
• Judgment of Paris founder and owner- Heinrich St. Germain
• Actress and Comedienne- Kim Coles
• Judge Karen’s Court- Judge Karen

Tickets to attend this panel can be purchased through www.fffweek.com.

For more information about the panel discussion and the schedule of events, please visit the Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ Schedule

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KELLY PRICE!

Feeling impassioned about the plus-size community, Kelly Price felt inclined to support the community who showed her so much love in a industry where “thin is in” and with that, not only is Kelly Price hosting the opening night festivities,  she will join Chenese Lewis in the “State of the Curvy Community” panel discussion.

I am geeked!

Are you?

What else is new?

Well, Today is the last day for you to book your room with the special rate at the Hyatt!

The Curvy Collective has finally been finalized and all details will be shared soon! In the meantime, the Curvy Collective and the LA Fatshion Bloggers are hosting an informal meet and greet with Curvy Cocktails LA at the XBar

Also new?

In addition to its designer showcase, Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ will present Lotis Emerges, founded by Lotis Clothing. This is a new initiative that was created to nurture and develop a new generation of designers who want to serve the plus size fashion market. In support of this Lotis Emerges initiative, the collections of three new designers IN ADDITION TO the lineup will be showcased at the event in Los Angeles!

Who else is in attendance for the three day extravaganza under the tents at the Hyatt Regency Plaza?

Fluvia Lacerda, Yulia from Igigi, Rhonda Wilkins, Maddy Jones from PLUS Model Magazine, Alana Chandler, Sharon Quinn, Reah Norman, and sooo many more to be announced!

Have you purchased your tickets? Don’t be the one to wait until the last minute when they sell out! Because they will!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FFFWeek(end)â„¢ TICKETS NOW!

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So what can you expect? Tickets JUST went on SALE! Before you get them, take a peek at what you can expect for Full Figured fashion Week(end)â„¢!

Well, here is what the schedule shares:

Thursday, October 28^th

Curves for a Cure: A Celebration of Pink

Plaza Pavillion

6-10pm

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ – Los Angeles will open its fashion celebration with a silent auction charity event, Curves for a Cure: A Celebration of Pink. Browse, bid, and score one-of-a-kind fashions specifically fashioned for this event. We invite you to attend, shop, and raise money for cancer research- in style. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will be donated to the L.A. Komen for A Cure Foundation

Friday, October 29th

The Voluptuous Woman Company, Inc® presents “The PLUS Side of Business” – Featuring Successful Businesses that cater to the Plus Size Community

Directors I and II Ballroom

10-12pm

The PLUS Side of Business panelists will feature presentations from a diverse group of business owners who will share their experiences of running successful businesses that service the plus size woman/man. The panelists will share with the attendees the resources and information that they have used to create and maintain their respective businesses.

New and Aspiring Models Panel Discussion/Seminar

Directors I and II Ballroom

1-3pm

Have you ever seen a live fashion show, watched a fashion show on TV or flipped through a magazine and said to yourself: “I wish I could do that”? Well the good news is chances are you CAN do it! Whether you are a new model just starting out or you are a few years into your career, you will benefit from our “Aspiring Model Panel Discussion”. Learn the Secrets to starting a career as a plus sized model from the ground floor up and/or how to take your career to the “next level”…. from people who are making it happen as we speak!

The State of the Curvy Community – A Panel Discussion

Directors I and II Ballroom

4-6pm

Perfectly timed, in the midst of current news in the media, this panel discussion addresses the current state of the plus-size community and the significance of Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™, through the eyes of the industry’s leaders, bringing different perspectives from various experiences and points of view.

Designer Trunk Sale and Shopping Event

Constellation Ballroom 2

7-11pm

Come browse the displays of our vendors and sponsors and shop the racks of discounted designer clothing BEFORE these items hit the runway on Saturday, October 30th. Admission is FREE with proof of purchase of a ticket to the finale event on Saturday, October 30th.

Saturday, October 30^th

Semi Formal Finale Runway Event

Plaza Pavillion

6pm Doors Open

7pm Show Starts

LA are you ready? On the heels of the acclaimed Full Figured Fashion Weekâ„¢ New York, DeVoe Signature Events revs up for its long awaited Los Angeles fashion show. Join us for an unprecedented evening for the fashionably full figured as we showcase the latest designs of the hottest, brightest, and freshest talent (and the models) that are redefining plus size fashion. Enjoy an evening under the tents in Century City as we celebrate and showcase the ones to watch on the West Coast.

Masquerade Ball (Afterparty)

X Bar

10pm

Did you think we would stop there? What would an LA fashion show be without a signature after party? After the showcase, it is time to celebrate, turn the music up, and put on your masks at the sexy X Bar for Full Figured Fashion Week(end)’s™ Masquerade Party! 

Are you ready?

Tickets are on Sale NOW, over on the Full Figured Fashion Week(end)â„¢ and peruse around to find out about hotel blocks, tickets, and if you have not been, visit the New York page to see what it is all about! or you can check out my recaps!Popular Posts:

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