Full Figured Fashion Week is an event that all the curvy community looks forward to. This will be my first year attending and I am beyond ecstatic to witness all the fabulousness! I have always admired the founder of this ground breaking event, Ms. Gwen DeVoe.
Gwen DeVoe, Founder of the Original Full Figured Fashion Week
I’ve always wanted the chance to pick her brain and recently she was kind enough to sacrifice time from her busy schedule to chat with me. Sometimes when you speak to someone you admire you are disappointed; well this definitely wasn’t one of those occasions! I was happy to find that she was extremely open and unapologetically honest. On top of that, she is articulate, funny, and charming; I definitely see how she earned the nickname, “Diva”.
Here are the questions that were on my mind and I hope they hit home to some things you may have been curious about.
SCF: Looking at Full Figured Fashion Week today, it’s hard to imagine that it wasn’t an overnight success. How did you manage to stay motivated to achieve your goal?
Ms. DeVoe: FFFWeek is definitely NOT an overnight success. In fact, we continue to plan and introduce new concepts to the event every year. This year we will open the week’s events with our Big and Tall male fashion showcase aboard the Harbor Lights cruise ship. I was motivated to produce a men’s showcase after receiving dozens of emails from big and tall men who wanted to get into the industry. As long as there are plus size men and women in this world, I will never lack inspiration or motivation.
SCF: What’s more important, what you know or who you know?
Ms. DeVoe: I think what you know is more important. Sometimes what you know about who you know can give you the leverage you need to move forward.
SCF: I love how you mix fresh faces with well known models. What’s the philosophy behind that? Do you feel like everyone deserves a chance?
Ms. DeVoe: Indeed, I do feel that way and thank you for acknowledging this. For many years I have watched talented, unsigned models work the “Local” modeling circuit with no recognition and rarely receiving an opportunity to network with the agency models that they look up to and admire. I wanted to change that and decided to mix the FFFWeek runway up a bit. Both agency and unsigned models have stated that they enjoy the type of comraderie that this practice brings.
SCF: Are you still accepting models for The Plus Academy? If not, why did you discontinue the program? Will there be any other workshops that aspiring models can look forward to?
Ms. DeVoe: The Plus Academy has not been discontinued but it is on a brief hiatus. However, when we re-launch it will be with a different vision, new classes, additional locations and lots of fanfare! Also, we intend to re-launch the Project Curves Bootcamp in several cities as well. This one-day bootcamp is for those aspiring models who are unable to commit to a full session at The Plus Academy. So, stay tuned, we have a lot up our sleeves!
SCF: How do you feel about the state of the plus size industry today? If there was one thing you could change what would it be and why?
Ms. DeVoe: I would change the way some business is conducted in our industry. Conducting business in the plus industry is challenging because of the various emotions that are sometimes involved. I think that the plus industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last 5 years and I predict that the industry will continue to grow at a rapid speed. The speed in which the industry is growing, however, does present some challenges. Most areas of the plus industry were founded by women who formed sisterhoods and ultimately agreed that something should be done to increase the positive awareness of full figured women in beauty, fashion and business. If I could change one thing, it would be to increase the knowledge of those who are in the industry to ensure that they are conducting business appropriately and successfully. This is one of the reasons why I’ve added a few educational components to FFFWeek this year. We’ve laughed, cried, and broken bread together, now, let’s conduct some successful business together by taking our products to the next level. Education, strategy and marketing is key and we have to learn to use the tools and resources that are available to us.
SCF: As an aspiring plus size model myself, I have faced rejection because of my height. What’s your take on petite plus size models? Should the plus industry be more inclusive of women of various heights and sizes?
Ms. DeVoe: At the present time, I do not have a specific plan for petite plus size models. They are routinely included in my events so I am already a trailblazer in that regard. And, of course, I agree that it’s a good idea to showcase all body types in projects that involve fashion. However, it was not so long ago that plus sizes in general were not included and we still have work to do there. Keep pushing for the right to be included, it will happen. In the meantime, consider creating your own unique opportunity. I did, and it obviously worked for me.
SCF: When you aren’t busy with FFFWeek, what do you do for fun?
Ms. DeVoe: I haven’t had much “fun” recently but when there is an opportunity, I will always choose to dance. I love to dance. I did, however, get to attend the Universoul Circus a few weeks ago and that was “fun” to me!
SCF: You are a cornerstone of the plus size modeling industry. Do you feel pressure to enlarge the platform for full figured women?
Ms. DeVoe: I think it’s more of a calling for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else (and I’ve tried!). I don’t think I feel pressured to enlarge the platform for full figured women. I do it because I believe that it should be done.
SCF: Is it true that you will be passing on the torch? If so, to whom will the responsibility be given and in what capacity?
Ms. DeVoe: Hmm, I don’t recall saying that I was passing the torch anytime soon. But, in my head I have quit this business on many occasions (smile). So, I guess if these rumors have started, I have officially arrived and can’t quit now!
SCF: Many fashion weeks geared towards women of size are popping up all over the country now. Do you support these events or think they are infringing on the brand created by DeVoe Signature Events?
Ms. DeVoe: I applaud the efforts of these events, particularly if they are in cities that I do not choose to bring FFFWeek to. However, I do feel that it is an infringement on my brand to name these events FFFWeek if they are not produced by me or have not been brought to me for collaboration. To me, it’s simple business etiquette and respect. I very much look forward to attending similar events such as the Curves Rock Fashion Weekend in Maryland this year and I think there’s another event in Chicago as well.
Special thanks to Gwen DeVoe for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to meeting her at the original Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City from June 13 – 16, 2012.
To make things even better, Ms. DeVoe was generous enough to sponsor a giveaway! Do you want to experience some of the fabulousity that FFFWeek presented by Sonsi has to offer? Here is your chance!
Enter to win two tickets to the “Retailers/Boutiques Runway Showcase And Industry Awards Ceremony” This semi-formal event is in New York City on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 6:00pm.
Please note: This giveaway does not cover transportation costs. You will have to make your own arrangements!
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Tags: FFFWeek, Full Figured Fashion Week, Gwen DeVoe, Gwendolyn DeVoe, Interview with Gwen DeVoe
Filed under: Fashion Events, Interviews with Industry Professionals
