ShortCurvyFierce Interview

Colleen Stovall does it all. She is a blogger, model, and show producer. I followed her blog before I met her and even then I knew she was something special.  She is an enterprising, a trendsetter and let's not forget this woman is FIERCE! I am so grateful that she took the time out of her world to share it with us.

Smart Curves: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? Your background? Your interests?

Colleen: I'm a wife, a mother, a banker, a plus size model, a blogger, and my most recent addition is co-producer of Curvy Closets. I was born in Atlanta. I call Philly home. I've lived in the city since I was four years old. My background is actually in business. I studied business administration at Drexel University. Some of my interests are fashion, photography, and traveling.

Smart Curves: How did you become interested in Plus Size Fashion? Where did you get your start?

Colleen: My interest in fashion has always been there. My grandma was such a fabulous woman with a great sense of style. Watching her look exquisite for her nights out on the town with my grandfather always inspired me. However, it wasn't until a few years ago that I sought to become a part of the industry. My husband heard about a casting for a plus size runway show in Philly and encouraged me to go. I went and was picked. At rehearsals, I met Curvy Closets Co-Producer Domonique Revere-Lincoln and my other closest fashion friends. As they say, the rest is history! I've been doing runway shows and print modeling ever since.

I love Colleen in this dress from Elocin!

 

 Smart Curves: How did Curvy Closets come about? What went into producing and modeling in the show?

Colleen: Curvy Closets came out of frustration with the lack of quality plus positive events in the Philadelphia area. Domonique and I have done tons of shows locally and felt there was still a void that needed to be filled. Usually the nice events may only have one or two plus size designers. Or the events dedicated to plus size lacked the ambiance and professionalism we longed for. There are amazing events like Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC. However, we know not everyone can make it to New York. We hope that our one day event gives curvy fashionistas in Philly a taste of what is available and inspires them to search for more. 65% of the women in Philadelphia are a size 14 or larger so we feel like we deserve an event that celebrates our curves on the local scene.
Producing the show was a great experience. It was truly a labor of love. It was our first time but Domonique and I didn't want it to look that way. So we spent time and money, countless hours on the phone, tons of emails, etc to make sure it went well. We both tapped into the connections and resources we have in the plus size fashion industry to help make the show a success. I'm happy to say it was as close to perfect as it could have been.
Modeling was the easy part. I was blessed to walk for Elocin and sean anthony Designs who I've worked with many times. I also had the pleasure of walking for Big Girls United. Runway is my first love. It's what I enjoy most, but I can say I think it is the first time I was that nervous! I was actually shaking on the runway. Hopefully, it didn't show. I usually have my fierce face on the runway, but I couldn't help but smile because so many people I admire, love, and respect were present. It was an amazing feeling!

Colleen looking Fierce at Curvy Closets

Smart Curves: Tell us about the award that was presented to Ms. Gwen DeVoe and how it came about?

Colleen: In most cases, someone has blazed a trail before us that makes our journey a little easier; creating this show was no exception. There are many people in the industry that paved the way for us to be able to create an event like this. While some take this for granted, Domonique and I wanted to make sure that we recognized that. Gwen DeVoe has done so much for the plus size modeling industry. She has pushed for size acceptance and has shown that plus size women deserve to be on the runway. Her work has made corporations take full figured women seriously and support events that cater to that demographic. Full Figured Fashion Week is an experience every curvy girl should have for themselves. I attended this year and left feeling empowered and inspired. But through it all she remains humble and down to earth. When I had the chance to chat for an interview for my blog I was so nervous, but she was so nice and really easy to talk to. I told her about our upcoming show and she was so supportive. Once she confirmed that she would be able to make it to the show Domonique and I both knew we wanted to highlight her in a special way. I only hope that being the first Curvy Closets Cornerstone Award Recipient shows her how much we appreciate all that she has done and continues to do.

Smart Curves: Are there any future plans to have another show next year?

Colleen: If you had asked me that before the show I don't know what I would have said, hahaha. We have already received such great feedback about the event from sponsors, industry professionals, bloggers, models, designers, and vendors. But the best comments have come from our guests! I love it when I hear that someone is inspired to accept their body as it is today. That is what events like this are all about. We should all love the skin we are in!
We are already beginning to plan another show. It will be late September of 2013. So please stay tuned to our website, Facebook, and Twitter; details will be shared there as they become available. We are looking for sponsors and those interested can email us at curvyclosets@gmail.com for more information.

Smart Curves: What trends do you see being big for 2013?

Colleen: For 2013, I'll save my predictions until after I review all the pics from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. ;) For plus size ladies this fall, dark reds and purple hues are hot for fall. Lace is huge so expect a lot of dresses made with lace or garments with lace accents. Peplum tops and dresses are here to stay. You will see a lot of leather skirts this fall as well.

Smart Curves: If there is anything else, you would like my readers to know please feel free to add.

Colleen: I want to thank you for sharing our event with your readers.

If they are looking for more about me, they can check out my blog, http://shortcurvyfierce.com and like my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/shortcurvyfierce. I am also on Twitter at @CurvyFierce and Instagram @ShortCurvyFierce. If they want to stay tuned for more news about CurvyClosets. Check out our website www.curvyclosets.com. To view pics of the show visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/curvyclosets. We are also on Twitter @CurvyClosets.

Let's show Colleen how much we appreciate her passion and dedication to the Plus Size Community by supporting her blog and her venture, Curvy Closets.  Thank you Colleen for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to do the interview.  She is an inspiration to me and I hope she is an inspiration to you. (With a wink and a smile)