FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK™ PREPARES TO TAKE ON NYC–JUNE 16th-19th New York, NY. In less than two weeks, hundreds of curvy fashionistas will show NYC that full-figured fashion has come a long way–and they’ll have Gwen DeVoe to thank for it.  As the launch of this year’s Full Figured Fashion Week™ nears, founder and executive producer Gwen DeVoe is thrilled to see how much the event has grown. “Everything is bigger this year,” says DeVoe, “we’ve doubled our sponsors, we’re working with plus-model icon Emme, we’re expecting attendees from all over the country and we have models and designers clamoring to be featured in the shows.” Where last year’s inaugural Full Figured Fashion Week™ was a tremendous success with over 1,000 attendees, the recent media attention on plus-size fashion has helped put a spotlight on DeVoe’s ambitious project. This year’s event boasts over 35 sponsors including Sonsi™ – a brand new online retail experience that combines shopping and socializing for full-figured women.  Additional sponsors include Lane Bryant, Revlon, Pure Energy, Just My Size, Re/Dress, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Silhouettes and Lucie Lu.  

 With a dozen events held over four days in the heart of NYC, Full Figured Fashion Week™ offers something for everyone interested in the plus-size fashion industry. It’s not a market to overlook–over $25 billion dollars are spent every year on full-figured fashions.  ”As a small independent plus size boutique owner, Full Figured Fashion Week™ is proof to me that we are a creative and economic force to be reckoned with, especially when we join forces,” says Deb Malkin, owner of Re/Dress a Brooklyn-based vintage and resale clothing boutique specializing in sizes 14 and up. Malkin adds, “Full Figured Fashion Week™ is as much about showing the future potential of the plus size market’s creative and financial power as it is about what’s going on right now.”

 This year attendees will be treated to a fierce runway competition, a panel featuring two former contestants from “The Biggest Loser,” a performance from The Glamazons and a jaw-dropping finale showcase hosted by plus-model icon, Emme Aronson. Former “Project Runway” contestant Qristyl Frazier will show her latest collection, and the stunning Anansa Sims, daughter of legendary Beverly Johnson, will walk the runway. It’s a celebration of all things curvy, but it’s also an important time for industry insiders to gather and discuss the challenges facing designers, models, and full-figured women across the nation. 

 This year’s event roster includes: 

 Wednesday, June 16th

Full Figured Fashion Week™ Opening Night Runway Showcase
The kick-off event to Full Figured Fashion Week™ 2010. Featuring collections from designers across the nation, this fashion showcase and networking event offers a night of great fashion and fun.  Featured designers include: Pure Energy, Kiyonna, Just My Size, LaDan’s Closet, Chan.nel Karama Limited, Drapery and the Angel Alternative. 

Thursday, June 17th
Full Figured & Fabulous™ Runway Model Competition

Hosted by Grizz Chapman of “30 Rock” fame, this runway competition pits the NYC’s fiercest plus-size models head to head. The winner will leave with a $1000 cash prize, so come prepared to cheer for your favorites and celebrate with your fellow fashionistas. 

Friday, June 18th

Full Figured Fashion Week™-Healthy Curves for Life 

Join former “Biggest Loser” contestants Nicole Brewer and Carla Triplett along with personal trainer Aja Davis as they discuss ways curvy women can be healthy women. 

 Full Figured Fashion Week™-The PLUS Side of Business 

American women spend over $25 billion dollars a year on full-figured fashion. Come find out how you can get in on this flourishing industry at this hard-hitting panel on the do’s and don’ts of running a successful business in the sphere of full-figured fashion. Panelists include Yuliua Raquel, founder and designer of Igigi.com; Stephanie Danforth, Editor-in-chief of Daily Venus Diva; Jessica Svoboda Natarajan of Svoboda; and more. 

Full Figured Fashion Week™-Aspiring Models Seminar with Sharon Quinn

Learn the secrets to starting a career as a plus sized model from people who are making it happen right now.  Moderated by Sharon Quinn, The ORIGINAL Runway Diva, this panel of experts includes models (including Fluvia Lacerda) and industry insiders like Anthony Higgins, Director, Goddess/Model Service Agency. Perfect for anyone looking to start or grow a plus-modeling career. 

Full Figured Fashion Week™-The State of the Curvy Community 

From the Lane Bryant ad controversy to Gabourey Sidibe earning a spot in People’s ”Most Beautiful People” issue, full-figured Americans are making front-page news. Join Marianne Kirby (author of Notes from the Fat-O-Sphere and co-host of the Two Whole Cakes podcast), Golda Portesky (founder of BodyHealthWellness.com), Erica Watson (stand-up comedienne), the Mad Fashionista (blogger) and Yuliya Raquel (founder/designer of Igigi.com) for a spirited discussion about the state of the plus-size community in America. 

 Saturday, June 19th 

Full Figured Fashion Week™-Shopping Excursion 

Blogger and plus-sized fashion stylist, Marie Denee, will take shoppers on a guided tour through the showrooms and boutiques catering to NYC’s curvy fashionistas. 

 Full Figured Fashion Week™-Finale Runway Showcase and Awards Ceremony 

The Full Figured Fashion Week™ Finale, hosted by plus-model icon, Emme Aronson, will showcase the best of full-figured fashion and modeling. Designers include Qristyl Frazier of “Project Runway,” Monif Clarke of Monif C. Designs, Yuliya Raquel of Igigi and many more. We’ll also introduce the winners of the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week™ Awards including Whitney Thompson of America’s Next Top Model. 

For a full schedule of events, and ticketing information, please visit: http://www.fffweek.com. 

For press inquiries and requests, please contact Rachel Kempster at press@fffweek.com.