Full Figured Fashion Week Kicks Off in NYC

When former fashion model Gwen Devoe attended her first New York City Fashion Week event, she realized that no matter how much she liked a designer's fashion line, she would never be able to wear it.

It wasn't because she could not afford it. It was because none of the lines were made in her size. Devoe is a plus size model who, like tens of millions of women everywhere, loves the world of fashion.

But also, like millions of women everywhere, she did not fit the prototype of the women showcased on the runways and in the fashion magazines donning haute couture.

That’s when Devoe decided to throw the fashion industry a curveball and create an internationally known fashion event catered to plus size women: Full Figured Fashion Week.

Now in its third year, this three-day event -- featured in Vogue Italia -- kicked off on Thursday, June 16, with the Curves in the City Shopping Soiree at the Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan. The event continues through Saturday, June 18.

“I’m glad they are celebrating curves! If you’re healthy and happy with who you are, curves are great,” said Rose of Midwood, Brooklyn, as she browsed the racks of Sonsi at the Full Figured Fashion Week sample sale.

“Plus-size consumers are loyal customers whose buying power should no longer be taken for granted,” Devoe told Glamour.com.

Santa Cruz, California designer Jill Alexander realized the demand for plus-sized fashions when she became an overnight sensation. Alexander’s first designs were manufactured in 2009. That same year Jill Alexander Designs was featured in the annual fashionART runway show, and soon after, Full Figured Fashion Week.

“There is a movement and need in the industry, larger sizes just need a different cut in designs,” says Alexander.

“I want FFFWeek to continue to succeed in bridging the gap between plus size consumers and designers/retailers by providing a professional venue that showcases the latest fashion trends,” says Devoe.

But Full Figured Fashion Week is not just about luxurious fabrics and haute couture: Whether its Bennetts Boots, which offers wide-calf boots or True Sheroes, a comic book based on plus sized super heroes (or Sheroes), all the vendors are focused on the curvy customer.

The three-day event also featured two panel discussions on the state of the plus size community. Other events include a fashion bloggers' brunch and Walking Curves, The World’s Largest Fitness Class for Plus Size Women.

The Full Figured Fashion Week wraps up Saturday night with its runway show finale.

For more information on Full Figured Fashion Week and ticket availability visit the event website.