Network, network, network. Sound familiar? It’s only THE most important thing you can do for your career; the plus size fashion industry is growing by leaps and bounds and it’s absolutely essential to stay on top of trends, know the key players, and, of course, to make sure that they know YOU! Pack your bags, grab your business cards, and get ready to fire up your business by attending the top 7 plus size events of 2018. If you’ve gone to any of the events in the past, feel free to chime in with your thoughts and tips for newcomers!
Founded in 2014 by Mickey Armstrong, this past April marked the 5 year anniversary of the premier Full Figured Fashion Showcase. Held in the Washington, DC area, District of Curves shines a spotlight on the plus size fashion industry with 7 days of discussion panels, branding and marketing workshops, health and wellness events, and the very first DMV Plus Awards & Dinner Party. The event culminates in the finale showcase, which debuts the hottest up and coming designers as well as the latest collections from past favorites.
Date: April of each year
Takes Place: Multiple locations throughout the Washington, DC area
Known as the “Oscars of the Plus Size Industry,” FFFWeek was created by Gwen DeVoe in 2008 to connect brands, consumers, curvy talent, and influencers in a week chock full of fashion shows, networking events, panel discussions, industry awards, and, of course, SHOPPING! This year was the 10th anniversary and ran from June 18th through June 24th, calling attention to underserved markets such as Big & Tall men’s fashion and the “Silver Foxes”(absolutely stunning curvy women over 50).
Date: June of each year
Takes Place: Multiple locations throughout the New York City area
A mix of fashion, empowerment, and celebration, Essence of Curves kicks off with the “Curvy Boss” panel, featuring plus size leaders, entrepreneurs, and others who are busting through barriers in the industry. The finale show, a “Style Review” runway show, showcases mores than 100 plus size curvinistas (men AND women) rocking the latest fashions from national designers, as well as featuring the finest makeup artists, hairstylists, and talent!
Date: July 6th and 7th
Takes Place: New Orleans, LA
Created in 2015 by Marie Denee, the powerhouse behind The Curvy Fashionista blog aka THE go-to resource for anything plus size related, the TCFStyle Expo is a body-positive fashion convention that brings together independent and mainstream plus size fashion, advocacy, entertainment, joining men and women in an empowering environment.
Date: August 11th and 12th
Takes Place: Atlanta, GA
Founded by plus super bloggers Cece Olisa and Chastity Valentine of Garner Style, The Curvy Con is a two day event during New York Fashion Week that brings plus size brands, celebrities, fashion style gurus, and influencers together to mingle, shop, and embrace their curves in a healthy, positive way.
Date: September 6-8
Takes Place: New York City
ZaK (KSecret Dunbar), Creative Director and CEO of Jon Marc Collection, struggled with body image insecurities for years before realizing just how many women and young girls experienced the same battle. To combat this growing epidemic, she founded National Curves Day, an all-inclusive movement for women and men in the curvy community that incorporates a curvy pop-up shop, VIP cocktail hour, and the 4th Annual Honors and Fashion Gala, all to embrace body diversity through self-love.
National Curves Day (NCD) has been mandated by proclamation by the National Day Calendar to celebrate the Curvy community by “Embracing, Encouraging and Empowering”!
Date: October 13
Takes Place: Arlington, VA
Gwen DeVoe, Creator of the world-famous Full Figured Fashion Week will join forces with Mexican designer Melina Alarconi of Generose to bring curvy fashion to Cancun, Mexico. The Curvy Fest is a 3-day long international event welcoming bloggers, brands, media outlets, models, and leaders of the plus size industry, bridging the market and community gap between Mexico and other countries. Attendees will be treated to bilingual panels, with guest speakers such as the aforementioned Marie Denee, a beach party, a fashion runway extravaganza with top-notch designers and LOTS of shopping! Welcome to paradise!
I’m thrilled to be doing the PR for this event – interested designers, companies and models can reach out to me directly for more information at emma@medeirosfashionpr.com
See you there!
