Full Figured Fashion Week: Interview of Gwendolyn DeVoe, its creator

Gwendolyn DeVoe is a former plus-size model and now  the proud organizer of the first Full Figured Fashion Week. She was kind enough to find some time in her busy schedule to answer a few questions about this ground-breaking  Fashion Week, about her own career, and about her company DeVoe Signature Events. I thank her again for her replies.

1/ The first Full Figured Fashion Week will premiere on June 25-27, in New York City. With 40 million women over size 14 in the USA, wasn’t it about time?

It is ABSOLUTELY about time! The full figured or plus size consumers have been virtually ignored throughout the history of traditional fashion week events. We have grown tired of trying to be accepted and included and have decided to create our own event.

2/ Who can attend this series of events and what will they get out of it?

Several types of events will be held throughout June 25-27th. Each event has a targeted audience. Those who are interested in attending should visit our website (http://www.fffweek.com) and peruse the event schedule and description to determine which events are best suited for them.

3/ What responses did you get from the plus-size fashion industry when you first came up with the idea of this fashion week?

Actually, the initial responses were a bit overwhelming. Since we have been producing plus size fashion related events for many years, we knew we had a strong following, but when international supporters, such as yourself, started to reach out to us, we were simply amazed at how quickly news of the event had spread.

4/ How hard was it to put together the first edition of the Full Figured Fashion Week? Did you get support from the traditional fashion industry?

It was not hard at all. We first started with our colleagues in the plus size fashion industry. After we secured their support, we knew that other beauty industry professionals would come on board, even if was just out of curiosity. We are so very thankful to ALL our supporters and know that this event will be a historical one.

5/ In France, 40% of women are size 12 and over. In the UK and Germany, this proportion is even higher. Does it mean your Full Figured Fashion Week could have a global outreach?

Absolutely! We have already had conversations with colleagues in the UK and in Australia about bringing the event there. So, yes, the global outreach has most definitely begun!

6/ Ms. DeVoe, you have a very strong expertise in the fashion industry, especially in plus-size, stylish clothing. Could you tell our readers about your background?

First and foremost, my expertise in the plus size fashion industry began when after playing basketball in college, I gained weight and had to find new places to shop for clothes. From there, I free-lanced as a plus model for several years. Somewhere in between modeling and being an event planner, I began to produce fashion events with an emphasis on plus size fashion. From there, I opened up The Plus Academy, which is a training and development program for aspiring models. I have since created and produced a number of signature events including Dangerous Curves…the Tour, Full Figured & Fabulous, and Project Curves. Recently, I have added the professional development and management of 10 plus models to my resume. So you see, if it’s not Plus, its not for me!

7/ Your company, DeVoe Signature Events, has several activities beside the Full Figured Fashion Week. Who do they cater to?

DeVoe Signature Events caters to people who aspire to work in industries whose doors have been somewhat closed to plus size individuals. Our events are motivating, empowering and most of all, they are usually the first of their kind.

8/ One last word?

We encourage everyone who has an interest in seeing quality, fashionable clothes on real size models to attend Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC on June 24-27. FFFWeek is not just another fashion show. We want to send a loud message that our consumer dollars will no longer be ignored. We want to see clothes that fit our curves on the runway, worn by models that look like us. Additionally, we want plus size consumers to be aware of the fabulous collections that are available to you and encourage you to support these collections.

You may also like the following articles:

1. Summer sale at M&Co for full-figured ladies
2. Plus Size Blog: Full Figure Plus (fullfigureplus.com)
3. Item of the week: Looking for Mr Tall t-shirt
4. Big Interview: Marie Denee, the blogger who launched her own plus size store
5. Interview: The Curvy Fashionista tells all about her blog, favourite brands and more