On The Scene: The 2nd Annual International Fuller Woman Expo

Detroit, MI- We are proud to invite you to be a part of the Second Annual International Fuller Woman Expo held on September 18, 2010 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Downtown-Detroit, Michigan.

The Fuller Woman Network is dedicated to empowering women to recognize her internal and external beauty; to educate and motivate through workshops and seminars while providing information on the products and/or services available to them through companies around the country.

In 2008 hundreds of vendors, exhibitors, models, presenters, performers and patrons descended on The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario to be apart of, the first ever plus size woman consumer trade show, The Fuller Woman Expo. In 2009, we launched the International Fuller Woman Expo at the St Regis Hotel in Detroit, Michigan . We were honored to have as our keynote speaker Personal Power Expert Mrs. Delores Pressley, founder of Plus USA Woman Beauty Pageant and Convention and The Born Successful Institute. For our inaugural event, hundreds of people from across the country were in attendance. We had sponsors from all around the world who supported this worthwhile event. Media outlets in the Detroit Metropolitan area joined us in the celebration such as the Detroit Free Press and The Michigan Chronicle with features in the Detroit Fashion Pages and on Fox 2 News.

In 2010, we are pleased to welcome talk show host, comedian and actress Ms. Kim Coles as our keynote speaker. She is best known for her portrayal of Sinclair on the hit television show, “Living Single” , a role that garnered her 4 NAACP Image award nominations. Ms.Coles is the host of the popular game show “Pay it Forward” on BET, making her the 1st African American Woman to ever host a primetime game show. Ms.Coles is also the co-host of “My Black is Beautiful”, a talk show that celebrates the diverse and unique qualities in African American women.

To add to the many positive initiatives she is involved with, Ms. Coles will speak at the Fuller Woman Expo about her latest empowerment series for women called, “G.I.F.T.S.” which is an acronym for Gratitude, Intention, Forgiveness,Triumph and Self love. This unique series is geared toward unleashing the potential we have inside of all of us.

Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with products and services that cater to the “Fuller” woman, from the inside out. You will be recharged, motivated and inspired by the workshops and seminars that will be presented from leading authorities from across the country. A staple in the expo in both Canada and the United States is the “Curves in Motion” fashion showcase(sponsored last year by Lane Bryant Outlet) featuring designers and talent from around the world. Prepare to once again be pampered in the “Curvy Girl Lounge” with free massages, free-make over’s, free gifts and much more!

For more information regarding sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please visit the “Detroit Edition” tab on our website TheFullerWomanExpo.com. For the latest news and information, follow us on Twitter : @fullerwomanexpo and on join our Facebook fan page: International Fuller Woman Expo.

Contact:

Cassandra Jones-McBryde
US Director & Executive Producer
(313) 850-4507
thefullerwomanexpo@gmailcom


Stephanie Penn-Danforth
Assistant Director & Co-Producer
(313) 492-1991
presstfwe@gmail.com

Do you plan on attending??

~Luvin' My Curves

My Recap of Full Figured Fashion Week

Good Morning!!

As I'm sure you all know by now Full Figured Fashion Week was a huge success! With coverage from The New York Times, NY Magazine, and Vogue Curvy among so others, folks are finally taking notice of what we've known all along "Curves are In"!


The Panels on Friday were jam-packed - I really appreciate having a day in the midst of all the fashion in which attendees can talk about what's really going on. I think we as a plus-size community realize just how important it is to love the person underneath the clothes, as well as have a better understanding of how designers, retailers are able to cater to us.

For the Finale on Saturday, the vibe was just right. Each designer represented for their line and the models included notables such as Mia Amber, Anansa Sims and Joanne Borgella. New to the finale this year were the Full Figured Fashion Week Awards which recognized the best designer, fit model ,blog, print model, magazine and icons in the industry.

Qristyl Frazier



Osun Designs


Monif C. Swimwear Collection



Pheline by Ava Jones



Lotis


Bella Donna


Susan Moses Collection


K.Renee Designs


Igigi


LaMaica Fashions



Tru Diva by Veronica L.


Jewel Shannon

You can view my full collection of pictures here.

Oh, and what I wore during Full Figured Fashion Week ..... I kept my looks simple - there's was alot of running around to do before the events.

Shirtdress: Target, Cami ??, Peeptoe Flats: Avenue

Love this dress!!! Tatum dress courtesy of Lucie Lu; earrings gift from South Africa.

Alexandria Dress courtesy of Kiyonna, Peep Toe Pumps Enzo Angiolini

~Luvin' My Curves

Full Figured Fashion Week 2010 Day 1

"Every girl that has a dollar will spend that dollar."

~Gwen DeVoe
Executive producer of Full Figured Fashion Week

No truer words could be spoken.

The energy in the room was high, it was exciting to see both old and new faces all come together last night for the Opening Night Runway Showcase of Full Figured Fashion Week™ 2010. Like last year it was a full house and I was so happy to see my fellow Curvy Collective members, and met some great fashionable curvy ladies who came out to support. Last night's show featured 7 lines, ranging from the ready to wear to the one of a kind - it was the perfect beginning to a great week ahead.

Pure Energy

Trendy, ready to wear and affordable. If you don't know Pure Energy is available at Target.

Kiyonna

Sophistication in lace and cuts that flatter, Kiyonna hit the stage to show off their line.

Chan.nel Karama, Ltd.

If I had to judge by audience reaction the line that got folks the most excited, it was definitely this line. Funky, edgy but still classy - HUGE KUDOS!

LaDan's Closet

Let's all say it together "Goodbye Black Winter Coat." Featuring outerwear for the plus-size woman, this line featured distinct cuts and vibrant colors - another crowd favorite.

Just My Size

WHO KNEW??!! If the collection that was shown last night is any indication Just My Size is definitely on the come up. More than just activewear, underwear and hosiery.

The Angel Alternative

Maybe it was the runway music but the first word that comes to mind when I think of this line is "whimsical". This line went through time with colorful bold dresses to classic silhouettes.

Jaspher Knowles

Coming in from the Bahamas, the Jaspher Knowles collection closed out the show - different looks but I enjoyed them all.

For more of your viewing pleasure - there's a great slideshow courtesy of Rueters (here) and video of each showcase (here).

I'll be tweeting as much as possible during the rest of the week's events, and make sure to keep on the look out for more video and pics!

~Luvin' My Curves

The State of the Curvy Community

Morning!

Full Figured Fashion Week™ is rearing to go...if you're waiting until the last minute to get event tickets I would suggest not to :) Once again, I'm a proud member of the Curvy Collective and we are hosting "The State of the Curvy Community" panel. Last year's panel was packed, so make sure you don't miss out !

Last year's amazing panel!

Listening to the news, articles circulating through the internet, the media would have you believe that the plus size woman is a burden to society, with no fashionable options,a second-class citizen, and one who should be ashamed to exist. If you were to buy into the news, all the progress we have made in the last ten years in fashion, community pride, and confidence would all be in vain. As society would try to regain control of the plus sized confidence and community built, shaming us out of existence or into a “healthy” lifestyle, what does a full figured curvy, confident, and chic woman do?

We talk about it.

This year, in conjunction with the Second Annual Full Figured Fashion Week™, The Curvy Collective hosts a panel discussion, “The State of the Curvy Community.” 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, through the eyes of the industry’s leaders, bringing different perspectives from various experiences and points of view.

Hosted by the Curvy Collective, Sharon Quinn, “The Original Runway Diva,” will moderate the panel discussion . Joining her and sharing a valuable perspective are:

• Yulia Raquel- Founder/Designer for Igigi
• Marianne Kirby- Blogger from The Rotund and co-author of Notes from the Fatosphere
• Erica Watson- Plus Size comedienne
• Golda Poretsky- Founder of Body Love Wellness
• Mad Fashionista- Plus size fashion blogger and personality from Diary of a Mad Fashionista

Sponsored by the Fuller Woman Expo and Life Size Radio, the “State of the Curvy Community” panel discussion will take place:

• Date: Thursday, June 18^th
• Location: Hotel Penn
• Time: 4-6pm

This panel discussion is your chance to engage the community and some of its pioneers who consistently challenge the status quo. You can get your tickets to this panel discussion for only $11! Seats are on a first come, first serve basis and you can reserve your spot here!

Will we see you there?

Sound Off: Is there really love in the club?

Morning!!!!

Pretty interesting question, read on...

Dear LMC,

Have you ever been to one of those big girl parties? I went for the 1st time not too long ago and I had no idea what to make of it. There were girls of all sizes, the music was good but the things that stood out to me were this:

1. Why can't I feel this wanted in a regular club?
2. Is this feeling of me being desired real, as in do most of these guys have a fetish and that's why they are at the club?
3. I had the feeling that alot of the ladies were regulars, and most of the guys were preying on the ones with less esteem.

It felt great to walk into a club and not only be given attention when "that song" comes on - it felt nice that I didn't dress up only to stand on the wall, there were guys who wanted to dance with me and even some who wanted to exchange numbers. I should have gone to these parties before but I don't think I was confident enough to go, plus I heard that the guys were only trying to take advantage. I wonder if it's even worth going to meet a decent guy.

I know this email is all over the place, but do you really think there is love in the big girl club? Have you ever been?

~T



Hey T!

Some of us, myself included have ventured into the "big girl club" scene. The impression that some of us walk away with varies, depending on what the "goal" is. Awhile back I had a pretty lengthy discussion with some of my fellow plus-size beauties. As we talked about clothes, work, men and nonsense, someone brought up "the club", and not just any club but "the big girl club".


For some this is a touchy subject.. depending on where you live the "big girl" scene is different. And until some time ago I was oblivious about the "big girl club" scene out here, I knew they existed but never experienced it. So one day I finally decided to venture out with a group of my friends, I had a great time and like you it was nice to be asked to dance in a club setting. ( I refuse to stand on the wall, but I usually end up dancing alone).

However, I didn't come to the club to look for love.. I went to party. I went to check out the scene I had heard so much about .. and yes.. while I saw some things that were side-eye worthy, I tried my best to remain fair in that I saw side-eye worthy things in "regular" clubs as well. Since then, I've gone to a couple of other parties and every time I must admit I enjoyed being a part of the majority, it's a small rush that I get as I walk in. However, I go to have fun, nothing more.

To answer your questions, I don't think there is love in ANY club, not just one kind of club in particular. Sure you can meet someone at the club, but in the same vein you can meet anyone anywhere. Don't think that you have to go to a specific kind of party in order to meet a guy who likes you. Are you alone in feeling that when you go to a "regular" club that you may not feel as wanted as when you go to a "big girl" club? No, many people might feel the same way you do, the chances are just higher that a guy who is attracted to a plus size woman may go where he knows those women will be. The most important thing is that you feel confident wherever you go, not just a specific type of party. I hope this helps a bit - your confidence and what you think of yourself is what's going to find you love, not the location... you may even find "him" in the least expected place. :)

Have you ever to been to one of the parties we're talking about here? What's the "scene" like in your town? Do you like them or prefer them to other parties? Do you identify with T or have any words of advice for her? What do you think of T's observations?

Sound off, I'd love to hear your thoughts...

~Luvin' My Curves

Calendar Worthy: Curves & Cocktails & Full Figured Fashion Week 2010

Mark your calendars..... I know it's only March but if you don't want to get left behind then put the pen to the calendar and start to mark it up! As the plus-size community gets stronger and starts to mobilize more events that allow us to network and just "be".



The "Premiere Shopping Event for Women with Curves" , Curves & Cocktails is back in NYC on May 8th at the DUMBO Arts Center from 11am- 5pm. If you've never been, read my review of last year's event here - make sure to buy your tickets and get more information on the official site.

It's baaack...

The dates are set.... it's seems not so long ago that we were in the midst of the 1st Full Figured Fashion Week and now we are here again!

FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2010 June 16-19, 2010

Grab your friends, pack your bags and get ready for something that's made just with you in mind!


As events and happenings are updated I will make sure to keep you informed - but I urge you to not wait until the last minute.If you are looking for a place to stay- click here for a list of the Full Figured Fashion Week 2010 host hotels. If you're from out of town, I would definitely suggest booking one of these rooms early - you don't want to miss out on the action! The tentative schedule is up; and it includes a Young Designer Showcase, The State of the Curvy Community Panel, Big and Tall Male Showcase, an Escorted Shopping Trip amongst so many other events.

Follow FFFWeek on Twitter, join the Facebook group- get involved and get to NY!

Stay tuned!!

~Luvin' My Curves

P.S: I didn't forget the Fat Girl Flea Market- the dates havn't been announced yet- once they are I'll be sure to let you know.

What's up for the weekend: Indie Plus Size Designer Event at Re/Dress this Saturday!

It's fashion week in the city - but Brooklyn is where it's at this weekend if you're looking for plus side Indie Designs!

Re/Dress NYC always the gracious hostess will be presenting an "Indie Plus Size Designer Trunk Show & Fashion Show" on Saturday, September 12th from 12 noon to 9pm.

Meet the designers!
See the fashions!
Watch the models work the runway!
Shop til you drop!

See Designs from:

Size Queen by Bertha Pearl - PDX
Diesel Femme Wear by Sossity Chiricuzio - PDX
Cupcake & Cuddlebunny by Rachel Kacenjar - CLE

& Jewelry from:
Masani Wearable Sculptures
Amazon Barbi

There are small independent designers who focus on making amazing one of a kind, vintage or retro inspired fashions for the curvy girl, sizes Large to 5x. Don't miss this events as their clothing can't be found in any NYC stores besides this event. If you're looking to score some stand out pieces then this is not the event to miss.

Will you be there?

~Luvin' My Curves

Things to Do: The Fuller Woman Expo

Hey Everyone!

Just keeping you in the know about events with our curves in mind- The Fuller Woman Network will be hosting the "The Fuller Woman Expo" on September 19, 2009. I'll be making my way to Detroit and I hope that you will too! Read on...

History will be made when The Fuller Woman Network (TFW) travels to Detroit, MI for their first ever Fuller Woman Expo in the United States. Scheduled to take place on September 19, 2009, the Fuller Woman Expo is an empowering event embracing women for who they are and uplifting them with a positive approach. This year the Fuller Woman Expo is being held at COBO Hall and Exhibition Center from 10am-5pm.

Following the tremendous success of the first ever plus size woman consumer trade show in Canada, Georgia Greenwood of Toronto met Cassandra Jones-McBryde, a like minded plus size model advocate based out of Detroit, MI. Through numerous conversations both women discovered their shared goals and set out to bring the impact felt in Canada, to women in the United States.

The 3^rd International Fuller Woman Expo will feature over 40 exhibits of the very best products and services including items pertaining to fashion, beauty, health, fitness, home, career, financial planning, education and much more. Attendees will also enjoy a full schedule of speakers, book signings, live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and cooking and design demonstrations.

Immediately following the Expo the Fuller Woman Network will present "Full Of Fashion", a fashion showcase featuring lovely models, from TFW Network, walking the runway with confidence and poise in some of the industry's top clothing lines and designers.

By bringing this trailblazing event to the United States, The Fuller Woman Network intends to change the way people regard size. According to TFW Expo Founder, Georgia Greenwood, “We are all different, some are tall some short some Black, White, Asian, slim or fat and that's the way it will always be. Once people truly begin to realize this, racism and size-ism will be eliminated and The Fuller Woman Expo is a step in that direction.”

Lane Bryant Outlet (a subsidiary of Charming Shoppes) the leading plus size women’s retailer has signed on as a corporate sponsor for the Fuller Woman Expo. The Fuller Woman Expo is presented by The Fuller Woman Network and will take place at Cobo Hall & Exhibition Center on Saturday September 19, 2009.

Women attending the Fuller Woman Expo can look forward to an empowering day planned with everything that enables them to live a productive life. In addition to women’s fashion, the 3^rd annual Fuller Woman Expo will feature booths and demonstrations that speak to the needs of women while celebrating the plus size woman. As an added bonus, Lane Bryant Outlet has agreed to sponsor a contest in which one of the women attending the expo will have a chance to win a complete outfit.

As a company that has been in existence for over 100 years, the organizers of the Fuller Woman Expo are not only excited but honored that Lane Bryant Outlet would align themselves with such a worthy cause and movement.

About The Fuller Woman Network

Established in 2004 as an image consulting firm catering exclusively to plus size women with the motto, “Image for both Body & Mind” as our guide, The Fuller Woman Network has evolved into a facet of subsidiary companies ranging from clothing designs, girls camps to our newly created project The Fuller Woman Expo. Throughout this transformation we have had one goal in mind; the advancement, acceptance and celebration of the plus size woman. We are on a mission to empower these women to recognize their internal and external beauty through educational workshops and seminars where she will begin to accept, love, respect, treasure and celebrate her unique beauty and join the CURVY REVOLUTION.

For additional information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please email: presstfwe@gmail.com

Please visit our website: www.thefullerwomanexpo.com.

WUK UP for Caribana 2009 with The Fuller Woman Network!

Good Morning!!

I'm tempted to write this post in Jamaican patois but I wont' do that to you all. :)
Every year folks converge on T-town to get their wine on and celebrate what we call Caribana!!! Read on and find out why YOU need to be there this August 1st!

courtesy of Torontoist.com

This year, The Fuller Woman Network will make history as the first ever group of Plus size women to have a section in the Caribana parade dedicated to them.

Caribana 2009 celebrates its 42nd anniversary, it is the largest Caribbean festival in North America. Presented by the Festival Management Committee, the three-week Festival attracts over a million participants annually, including hundreds of thousands of American tourists.

This jubilant extravaganza where people from around the world will take to the streets of Toronto in an outpouring of enthusiasm for the culture and pleasures of the Caribbean will feature The Gem Stones. Presented by The Fuller Woman Network, The Gem Stones float will feature confident, sexy & outgoing women in custom made costume and head dress.

With over 60% of the women in North America being considered plus size, this is the perfect opportunity for women to celebrate their curves during this event that kicks off in Toronto, Canada on Monday July 14^th. Those attending are in for a treat as the celebration continues through Sunday August 2^nd.

Complete with live music performances, the parade will take start at Exhibition Place and proceed west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Admission to the event which takes place on August 1^st from 10am-6pm is $20-$25 to enter Exhibition Place. Spectators can witness this celebration for free on Lake shore Boulevard.

The Fuller Woman Network was established in 2004 as an image consulting firm catering exclusively to plus size women with the motto, “Image for both Body & Mind” as our guide, The Fuller Woman Inc. has evolved into a facet of subsidiary companies ranging from clothing designs, girls camps to our newly created project The Fuller Woman Expo. Their goal; the advancement, acceptance and celebration of the plus size woman. On a mission to empower women to recognize their internal and external beauty through educational workshops and seminars where she will begin to accept, love, respect, treasure and celebrate her unique beauty and join the CURVY REVOLUTION, The Fuller Woman Network is a definite thumbs up!

If you're interested in playing mas with The Fuller Woman Network contact playmaswithtfwexpo@gmail.com or call 416-208-3923 for more information.

Here are some videos to give you a taste of Caribana:

Will I be there? Definitely trying to make it!!! Who's coming with me?!

What are your thoughts on Caribana?

~Luvin' My Curves.... mi gwaan!

What J is Jonesin' For... FFFWeek Edition

Good Morning!!

Where did June go?! Now that the rain has cleared up (sort of), summer can FINALLY start or at least feel like it's started. This month I'm not jonesin' for much- just the majority of the pieces I saw at the Full Figured Fashion Week finale on Saturday!!

Enjoy!

A huge thank you to N. Danielle for her beautiful photos- there's a gangload of pics over on the Luvin' My Curves facebook group, make sure to check them out.

Candi Apple Couture

I featured this line for June's International Chic- I love the fit of her clothes, there's no reason to hide your curves and Candi Apple Couture is a must in my closet! I imagine myself wearing the 1st outfit to my swearing in ceremony- styling on all the other brand new attorneys!!

Agape Goddess Wear

I love the uniqueness of this line, my friend Carmen describes this line as "funky goddess wear" and definitely plans on buying something. I love the details of the knitwear and even though I can't see myself in this line, I would incorporate some of her line with some of my more structured pieces.

LaMaica Fashions

I wasn't able to get a picture of the fierce straw hat that the 1st model strutted out in. LaMaica had a bold coat that I would wear in the fall- very fashion forward line.

Monif C.

Who doesn't love Monif C? She gave us a tease of some her new pieces for the fall and all I have to say is, my birthday is in September and my favorite color is purple... the dress you see , yes... all me! I've always liked Monif's attention to the plus size woman's body and how she adds details that standout.

Big Girls United (BGU)

So good to see BGU on the runway...this line is a definite for "make 'em stare" party dress! This line didn't have any flowing pieces like their runway counterparts, but instead showed off more body concious pieces in a flattering way.

Osun Designs

Adding some ethnic flair to the mix, I liked her heritage inspired style and can't wait to see more at the International African Arts Festival this weekend.

Sealed with a Kisss (SWAK)

Cute, comfy, casual wear with a hint of sass.....

Qristyl Frazier Designs

My mom loves the denim dress, while I prefer the assymetical print dress... but be both adore the tie dress- too bad we don't wear the same size ;) Her line also has an attention to detail which I greatly respect and is sometimes lacking in some plus size brands.

Robert E. Knight

I've always been a fan on Robert E. Knight because his formal wear is SERIOUS! I'm a huge believer in that if I'm going to pay money for a formal piece then it needs to be worth every penny of it size & style wise. When I saw the wedding dress below , I wanted to go out and find a husband because that would be the only part left to find.Simply beautiful...

Jewel Shannon Designs

WHITE HOT!! I don't even think I would get into the water if I wore a Jewel Shannon design, I would catwalk up and down the beach or the poolside so everyone could see how hot I look. Vacation anyone? Her segment was vibrant, daring and a great end to the show.

So there you have it folks.... I'm jonesin' for ALL of those pieces and then some. Make sure to check out the rest of the pics over on the Luvin' My Curves Facebook group. Also you can check out the official Full Figured Fashion Week picture gallery courtesy of Richard Lew. (click here)

Is there anything you see that you're jonesin' to rip from the runway to your closet?

My 2 cents: I've been reading some blogs that have in a way cheapened Full Figured Fashion Week- I respect everyone's opinion immensely. However I feel that this is a first, and considering all the plus size industry has done only to be basically ignored - this was HUGE! This weekend was alot more than a fashion show- it a time to build relationships and awareness in the plus size community. The clothes may not have blown some away, or for some it may have been alot of the same thing- however I wonder what exactly was missing? If you produced FFFWeek what plus size designer would you have put in? There are plenty of straight size shows I've seen that have clothes that I couldn't imagine anyone would wear so it's unfair to hold the finale show to a different standard in which everything must be showstopping- that's the beauty of fashion there is something for everyone! I think we need to be aware that the audience & most of all the resources are vastly different and sometimes it's unfair to compare when the foundation doesn't match up.What we can do in the meantime is continue to support, offer help and know that everything gets better with time.

~Luvin' My Curves..