One of the newest designers to hit the scene, Angel Myers of The Angel Alternative has only been practicing design for 10 months. However, her designs are rather promising for such a pre-mature career. With a focus on designing silhouette-like pieces, The Angel Alternative adds a new spin to the MAXI dress.
Pure Energy, available exclusively at Target Stores nationwide, offers fashion forward trend-right clothing that is complimentary for all sizes. Translating the latest contemporary styles into designs that compliment curvy bodies, Pure Energy aims to offer fun, flirty and flattering clothing to juniors and women size 14 & up.
Jaspher KnowlesofDrapery
Drapery
Bahamas native Jaspher Knowles founder of Couture Plus Modeling Agency and designer is anchoring himself in becoming one of the world's greatest full figured clothing distributors. With his insightful designs and vintage-esque appeal, Knowles presents cutting edge fashion for the fashion forward plus size woman.
Just My Size, the #1 plus size brand in America, is dedicated to offering trend right styles at a value. "The JMS woman embraces her curves," said Maria Teza, General Manager for JMS. "So often plus-size women see stylish clothes in the Missy department that they can't find in the plus-size department. Now she can find those same styles in just her size." JMS focuses on women sizes 16-32 and can be found at Walmart stores nationwide.
Kiyonna can be found in over 100 stores nationwide and beyond. Online business accounts for over 80% of sales, and in 2007, the company opened its first Flagship retail location called the Upstairs Boutique in Anaheim, CA. "We're in business still, after all these years, because we've always sold a feeling, not a product. I've always believed in the idea that curvy women deserved to look and feel stylish and amazing. Why not?", says designer Kim Khanbeigi.
Chan.nel Karama Limited and Karama Denim Luxe are lines of clothing based upon the designer's, LC Skinner, own fascinations of intermingling the flair of vintage clothing and the individualism of a hip hop culture while making quality clothing for women of a myriad of sizes spanning from size 0-22. Her items have been featured in multiple media outlets such as the 2006 BET Awards, Uptown Style Weekly, Yo! MTV, in various magazines and on runways in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Atlanta.
A premier plus size outerwear company that caters to women in sizes 12-32. Boasting hard to find styles and unique colors, LaDan's Closet is guaranteed to leave a distinct impression on any woman who wants to step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary.
Sat. June 19, 2010 | 6:30PM - 3:00AM Semi-Formal Finale Runway Showcase, Awards Ceremony and Afterparty Event
Ava JonesofPheline
Pheline
Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, Ava Jones developed an early passion for fashion design. In 2009, Jones established her company, Pheline and debuted her ready to wear collection at the Fuller Woman Expo both in Canada and the United States. The collection, inspired by the figure flattering femininity of the 50's and 60's- was designed and created with a fuller figured woman in mind.
The House of OSUN was established in New York City in 1982 by Delali Osun Haligah. OSUN Designs (pronounced aw-shoon), is named after the Yoruba Deity of all that is beautiful, sensual and womanly. With no two designs alike and each OSUN creation is as individual as its wearer! Delali's specialties are large hand painted, symbols, bold splashes of color, hand dying and beading. The designs are a combination of contemporary style with a distinctly Ancient flavour.
Jessica Mealy, Katie Burke and Renee LethbridgeofLotis
Canadian line, Lotis, was created by this powerhouse trio design team to fill a demand for quality casual and business attire. Lotis' mission is to effectively outfit the professional woman, on the clock AND off the clock, by providing pieces that are conservative with an edge. The line brings versatile fashion forward pieces in casual wear and career wear; chic with a twist of flattering details.
The Jewel Shannon Couture Collection features couture evening and bridal gowns for the sophisticated woman of class and style; designed to fit the specific taste of the exclusive clientele. With unique detail, this collection is created with a difference using a variety of beautiful and rare fabrics. The newest addition to her fashion house is the beautiful Island Jewelz Plus Size Resort Wear Collection which was debut at Full Figured Fashion Week™ in 2009. "My collection is for the woman who is sophisticated, unique, sexy, smart, confident yet mysterious regardless of their size." As Jewel Shannon continues to create couture garments for individuals with exceptional fashion taste, she can be described as A Gem in the fashion world and a designer to be followed in the future.
Kathy YoungofK. Renee Designs
K. Renee Designs
A native of San Francisco, CA. Kathy was blessed with the gift of sewing at a very early age making clothes for family, friends and for herself. Be careful not to label Kathy an "ordinary" seamstress. She is a woman with great creativity and techniques and primarily focuses her energy in creating attractive designs for the full figured fashion world. Being careful not to limit herself, she also designs for all sizes. With over 30+ years of experience, if you can imagine it, she can create it.
Marvalyn NelsonofLaMaica Fashions
LaMaica Fashions
Jamaican born, Florida based designer; Marvalyn Nelson has been creating ravishing male and female designs for over 25 years. LaMaica Fashions originates in the lush island of Jamaica and is now based in the U.S. Her 2009 showcase during Full Figured Fashion Week™ was nothing short of spectacular. Marvalyn continues to impact the fashion industry internationally and locally. Look out for a new collection of handbags coming soon.
Plus size fashion staple Monif C. has earned her rightful title as one of the best designers for plus size women. With her trendy and flirty aesthetic, Monif C. designs remits exceptional structure and quality presentation for the contemporary plus size woman and when it comes down to swimsuits Monif C. is considered the reigning queen of design.
Season 6 Project Runway's alumni, Qristyl Frazier, has served (and will continue to serve) women from ages 22 to 55 - from size 12 to size 24. Her clients are established, tasteful women, who desire stylish, yet practical clothing to fit their active careers and lifestyles. Qristyl Frazier Designs, Inc. has unparalleled flexibility, attention to detail and utilitarianism, and great passion for the real women in the plus size market.
Susan MosesofThe Susan Moses Collection
The Susan Moses Collection
Susan Moses' career as a celebrity stylist has spanned more than a decade and she has dressed some of the most visible celebrities in music and film. This roster today includes, Brandy, Hillary Duff, Mo'nique, Queen Latifah, Kathy Bates, Emme, Wynonna Judd, Chaka Khan, Angie Stone, Gabourey Sidibe, Jill Scott and a host of others. Her greatest inspiration has been styling curvy women. She has always believed that styling is beyond size. So it is only natural to evolve into the design studio. Susan Moses has partnered with Sunil Ramchandani a former designer at Anne Klein to create a beautiful collection of runway inspired garments that is totally "style beyond size".
The True Diva collection offers a variety of style to the contemporary plus size fashionista. From bohemian looks to elegant evening gowns, TRU DIVA communicates style, edge, and sophistication.
"There isn't much of a difference in designing for a voluptuous body versus a straight sized body. Ultimately, every woman wants to accent their best features, deemphasize their areas of concern, and be able to strut confidently in clothes they love. My job is to do just that", says Ukranian-born designer, Yuliya. IGIGI's customer is a stylish, confident and empowered woman who appreciates the beauty in all things in life.
A Tribute to the late Charles ColemanofBella Donna Designs
Long-time friend and business colleague of FFFWeek™ Executive Producer Gwen DeVoe, and designer of 20 years, the late Charles Coleman inspired fashion with cutting edge designs for the sophisticated plus size woman who dared to be distinct. Mr. Coleman's flare for creating classic couture for curvy silhouettes will live on through the collection he left behind.
