Couture Wedding Gown by IGIGI
That Saturday, while interviewing Lizzie Miller for a podcast at the Lane Bryant Event one Sonsi team member noticed it was 2:40 p.m. Yikes!
We had to quickly pack up some of our Virtual Shopping Station and hop over to The Park Central Hotel to begin setting up our Vendor Table for the Finale Runway Showcase.
After preparing our two tables complete with product samples, Sonsi-tini recipe cards, free-ship postcards, ring pops, Sonsi waters, free night shirts and even a mannequin, we went to change into our red carpet dresses. Luckily the NY sidewalk hadn’t taken too much advantage of the BCBG dress and it fell smoothly on its Sonsi team member. For her evening attire, one team member boasted some fierce leopard print platform heels with silver ankle cuffs!
After a few Sonsi-tinis in the Manhattan Sky Lounge, we made our way down to the ballroom. A few minor seating rearrangements later, the Sonsi team was settled in their seats ready for the Finale Runway Showcase. The beginning of the show, complete with a poetry slam and bubble lady, was quite a surprise. Even more surprising for one Sonsi Team member who was sitting where bubble lady was trying to exit. She made awkward eye contact with bubble lady, “You want to come through here?” and was luckily saved by a FFFWeek coordinator, firmly telling bubble lady’s keeper, there was no way she was going to fit through all those chairs and people. It was a first for the Sonsi Team Member, she had never almost been run over by a giant bubble.
Bubble lady
After a very professional introduction by three (very cute) young aspiring models, the rest of the show went quite smoothly with Emme acting as the host. The collections began with Qristyl Frazier Designs, full of bold prints, sequins deep blues and beautiful jewelry. Qristyl was followed by OSUN designs a warm, tropical collection with African origins. Next was Monif C.’s daring and sassy swimwear collection and then Pheline’s tastefully beautiful dresses collection. Lotis featured more dresses, leaning more towards the casual side, with designs that could be taken from day to night. Belle Rene’s collection was a tribute to the late Charles Coleman of Bella Donna Designs and she successfully delivered formal wear that celebrated the inner and outer beauty found in women with curves.
Gown by Pheline, Ava Jones
Susan Moses partnered with Sunil Ramchandani was the seventh designer, presenting a collection inspired by New York City at Night. When asked what kind of woman wears Susan Moses’ clothing, Susan responded “She sets trends, she doesn’t follow them.” Then it was KRene Designs whose goal was to create “adorable” dresses, with lots of pizazz and sparkles. IGIGI came next with Yuliya Raquel’s “A Rendezvous in Paris” collection. It featured classically cut dresses with flattering prints, complete with berets.
La’Maica was up next with her vivacious Jamaican collection, which included swimwear, and was said to be created with “a lot of love.” Then Tru Diva’s collection hit the runway, meant to carry full figured women from “the beach to the bar,” followed by the dazzling yellows and teals of Jewel Shannon Couture’s collection.
Jewel Shannon for Jewel Shannon Couture
In between collections Gwen DeVoe presented FFFWeek winners with awards thanking them for all their support in bringing fashion to the plus industry.
Here are the 2010 FFFWeek Industry Award Recipients:
- Qristyl Frazier: Plus Designer of the Year
- Elizabeth Seifu: Plus Print Model of the Year
- Kalyea Moss: Plus Fit Model of the Year
- SKORCH Magazine: Plus E-Zine of the Year
- Michael Anthony Hermogeno: Plus Size Fashion Photographer of the Year
- Whitney Thompson: Plus Runway Model of the Year
- Reah Norman: Plus Fashion Stylist of the Year
- Judgment of Paris: Plus Blog of the Year
- IGIGI: Plus Fashion Retailer of the Year
- Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant: Plus Industry Icon(s) of the Year
Whitney Thompson, Plus Runway Model of the Year
After the Runway Showcase many photos were taken, with rehearsed smiles and funny faces, goodbyes were said and the excitement of the week finally came to a close. Riding back to our hotel in a taxi (after a late dinner at a diner across the street) the Sonsi Team reflected on the experience:
“What an event. Women celebrating women, men celebrating women. No judging eyes, no demands to be something your not. Just a week where you could relish in fashion, make life long connections and overall, love yourself.”
We are so proud to have played a role in the success of Full Figured Fashion Week!
