With another New York Fashion Week officially under wraps, I had to wonder: when will we ever get over these really thin women walking down the runway? Will a size 16 ever really get her shine on the runway? Well, look no further than the Queen City Full Figured Fashion Week!
Orchestrated by Keir “KeKe” Duncan, a former plus-sized model, QC Full Figured Fashion Week aims to reintroduce the world to the average sized woman. Check out this version of The Sit Down. I assure you, the average sized woman never left.
KeKe rips The Sit Down with RiaRob, fashionista style…
On when did the concept of the Full Figured Fashion Week came to her…
It came to me at the conclusion of the last event in July. It was in Greenville, South Carolina and we had a long ride back home. We just got back in Charlotte and the plan basically materialized from discussing how our community was hungry for a fashion event just for them. So as we started planning events for the remainder of this year, models, and other members of my staff, including Stephney and Tangie with I’MERGE PR. suggested we present an avenue that provided innovative clothing options for the full-figured woman that was not just a fashion show but a showcase with additional events will get full-figured women out of the house. Many women are reluctant to go out because of what people may think of them, but if they were to come out to an event that is for them, created by women who look like them and have their best interest at heart, it will make people recognize us as part of the fashion world too.
On male participation in the festivities…
Although we are not presenting a full line for men, several men take part in the show. Men are more than welcome to come out to the other sponsored events. We have several meet and greets as well as other free . The fact remains that we need the support of the community as a whole, be it male or female, full-figured or not.
About Size Revolution, LLC, her company…
I started Size Revolution this year to provide avenues for full-figured women and teens. By creating events such as fashion shows, trade shows, and runway events, it will uplift, encourage, and build the self esteem of many full-figured women who would rather not come out to fashion events in fear of being judged or ridiculed. It is their avenue to take a stand and be noticed.
About her modeling staff…
My modeling team consists of 15 models but for this event we held a model call to expand to 30 models. Outside of Fashion Week, we are still looking to add models to our core team.
If a full-figured model has something that puts her at an advantage over a “standard” sized model…
In my mind, I hope there isn’t a huge difference. What I find, however, from attending shows to starting my company, is that plus sized models gives more performance because they have that extra “ummph.” It is something that they exude while on the runway that gives off confidence, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. They do not put on boring shows. I have never attended a full figured runway show that was boring. They have a connection with the audience.I’m not sure about you, but as a full figured woman, I cannot relate to the standard sized model on the runway and thus cannot fully connect with her. More people are able to connect with full-figured models because even if you are not full figured, you know someone who is. It could be your mother, sister, aunt, or friend.
On the designers showcasing at the event…first time designers, established, or both?
We actually have some of both. Of course, first time designers are showcasing in order to have the opportunity to present their lines in an actual fashion show. Established designers are making the rounds for additional exposure so more people are aware of their lines. It is also directing people to the full-figured fashion industry. We are not doing this for fun and we want to be taken seriously. This is a huge industry. Full figured women are getting their clothes from somewhere. Why not use the various resources to show full-figured women that there is a choice? I have a wide range of designers and boutiques with fashions at various price points.
Ashley Stewart’s participation in this event…
It is a great honor. I have been able to build a relationship with the Ashley Stewart’s regional manager for its North and South Carolina stores. This will be the third show where I have utilized them. Under my company, I have worked with him on two prior occasions. I am pleased to work with hm again for this show. When you create these great relationships, they really go a long way. I love working with them. They make great clothes, I shop there myself. I consider myself a fashionista and try to stay ahead of the curve. I try to utilize stores that I would utilize. I love their product and admire the styles that they carry in the stores.
Considering going back to full-figured modeling…
I’m not modeling now. I miss it. Usually, I will get the bug out at rehearsals. Modeling is definitely for the younger model. I am older now, I’m 38, and I don’t mind sharing that. It just gets to a point where you have to transition to the next phase. With my love for the fashion industry, I knew that it was simply time to stop. Sometimes I may come up with a routine but I am truly happy with this phase because I get great joy from helping full-figured women and teens. At times, people are surprised when they ask me to speak at the end an event. I sound like Russell Simmons “Thank you for coming out. God bless you. Good night.” I really do not have much to say because I want the events to be about the audience and the participants. I am equally happy behind the scenes as I was in the spotlight.
Where she sees this event five years down the line…
It will be our fifth annual Queen City Full Figured Fashion Week. My goal is that we bring in international full figure designers by that benchmark. I would like to have a night dedicated to up and coming full-figured designers. I will definitely continue to do more shows and events hopefully along the lines of New York Fashion Week where there are numerous events over a two week spread.
Time for the Stats. My favorite part!!!
The Queen City Full Figured Fashion is underway through October 3. Check out the website for various event locations at www.qcfullfiguredfashionweek.com
Make sure you support KeKe’s company, Size Revolution LLC at www.sizerevolution.com
Follow KeKe on Facebook – www.facebook.com/keir.duncan
Special thanks to Tangie and Stephney of I’MERGE PR for arranging this interview. Congrats to you for a great event.
Nice blog, very instructive!
If you need to get this out to a wider viewers I’d suggest you strive a press release.
There are lots of free press release companies out there and I am all the time glad to offer any recommendation on writing and management.
Thanks
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