Archive | February, 2014

Full-Figured Fashion Week

5 Feb

uptown-rick-owens-2Diversity on the runway has always been a big issue in the fashion industry. Designers have every right to place the clothes they’ve constructed on a model that fits with their aesthetic. But what does it say about the designer when all of their models look the same?

I can go on for days about the lack of racial diversity on the runways. There are others who do it on a regular basis. What I’d like to focus on is size diversity. We all come in multitude of sizes and we all can appreciate beautiful works of art. Fashion Week, for me, is a time when stunning works of art are put on display for our critique and enjoyment.

With Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York starting tomorrow, I’m realistically hopeful to see different sizes on the runway this year. Last fall, designer Rick Owens stunned Paris audiences with multi-cuved, multi-hued models performing a stepshow on the runway. The women stomped down the catwalk with fierce aggression showcasing some pretty unique items. There were thigh jiggles, big boobs, little boobs and hair of every texture. It awe inspiring.

When I first stumbled on the show, I couldn’t help but rewatch it. And then it hit me that I was seeing something different, but not different. I see women like that all the time—at work, on the train, on the street. They’re everywhere…except the runway.

Yes, I’m “skinny now,” but I haven’t always been this way. I’m not not that skinny. I’ve said several times on this blog, my thighs jiggle and I’ve got a pooch of a stomach. And guess what else? I wear clothes. I like fashion. I get excited for fashion week.

Can the barrier that was broken last fall in Paris carry over this week in New York? Will designers look to other boy types to market their wares?

Fashion Week began as an opportunity for designers to showcase their goods to buyers. The commercial aspect of the event didn’t grow to its current height until recent memory. Buyers are still at the shows, they’ve just been pushed back a few seats to make room for the Kardashians. That’s fine. But the Kardashians aren’t the rail-thin girls we only see walking the runway.

I don’t take issue with the current crop of models being hired to strut. Personally, my favorite model these days is Joan Smalls. There is, however, room for designers to show buyers what a woman curvier frame would buy.

The fashion industry can be exclusive, but it doesn’t have to be. I only hope designers will recognize that a diverse runway will only help them in the long run.

It was a personal exercise to consider curves and size ranges in the clothes I sell. This was a great way for us in the studio to study more ways to make clothes available to more people. It was as simple as that.
—Rick Owens in Vogue Turkey

What do you think about diversity in the fashion industry? What other types of models would you like to see draped in your favorite designer’s clothes?

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Dancing Queen

3 Feb
Zumba—it's a beast

Zumba—it’s a beast

For three years in high school and one year in college, I was a dancer. In high school, we performed at pep rallies and half time. In college, we performed at step shows and different events on campus. I wasn’t the best, but I loved it.

I’ve always had such admiration for dancers. There’s true artistry that comes with using your body to interpret music. My moves these days are limited by the little amount of practice I’ve given the craft. But I love dancing nonetheless.

Before I began my weight-loss journey, I found myself still semi-practicing in my living room. Instead of doing a routine that I’d choreographed, though, I was trying to mimic the moves I saw on music videos. Let me tell you, that is work.

Just about everyone loves Beyonce. We love her style, her songs and especially her dancing. From the “uh-oh” booty pop to the “Partition” twerk, the woman can move. My favorite videos to imitate are hers. For my best friend’s wedding, the bride and bridesmaids did a routine to “Single Ladies.” We pulled it together in a couple days and it was a lot of fun. But more than that, we burned some calories.

During rehearsals, water was at the ready. We had to go over every move to make sure they were done properly. We studied the video and repeated moves as best we could. When we finally performed it, there was a mixture of fatigue, elation and release when it was over.

There’s so much effort that goes into putting together a routine. Stretching is of absolute importance when you’re planning to dance. You will use muscles you didn’t know could ache. You’ll be moving your body in ways you couldn’t think possible. And your rehearsals could take days to get it all right. My dance team in college was well over a dozen girls, some in groups doing different moves at the same time. Practice makes perfect, and practice requires stamina. A three-and-a-half-minute routine takes takes hours of rehearsal.

Have you ever watched “Dancing With the Stars?” Every season there are one or two people who lose a significant amount of weight from rehearsals and performing. The hard work and effort eventually pay off.

When I began copy-catting music videos, I got back into that routine. It would take days, sometimes weeks, to get the routine right—or as right as I could make it. For instance, I wasn’t doing the entire ” B-Day” video, because there wasn’t a routine that took up the whole song. I’d practice when I had the time because unlike college and high school, I had a job and a dog and bills to pay.

I find it a good break from the norm to dance. Even going to the club with friends I burn a few calories. If that’s not for you, there are tons of studios that offer beginners classes. Here in New York, I know lots of people who go to Ailey Extension. They have everything from Beginner Ballet to Zumba. Or do like I did and study a YouTube video.

Do you like dancing? If so, what’s your go-to move?

photo credit: ah zut via photopin cc

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