By Camille Leverett*
Earlier this month the third annual 2011 Full Figured Fashion Week™ (FFFWeek) www.fffweek.com was held in New York City. I attended the FFF Week Finale Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Marquis. Eleven independent designers, boutiques and retailers showcased their summer and fall collections. Curvysta debuted their first collection the Black Label Collection for fall 2011. The collection is for women size 12-24. Jovanna Reyes the designer for Curvysta is based locally here in McLean, Virginia. Jovanna and her partner/sister Ingrid Reyes founded Curvysta in 2009.
Last week, I had an opportunity to sit down with Jovanna, whose background includes stints as a boutique owner in Atlanta, Georgia, a buyer for Bloomindales and stylist. As a plus size woman herself, she understands the frustration that plus size women face in finding high-end, high quality, designer fashionable clothing. She noted that “Regular sized women have over 101 designers to choose from, plus size women do not have the same options.” She also explained that during her experience at Bloomingdales she learned the importance of high quality in design in terms of the fabric choices and in the craftsmanship. This is something that she incorporates into her own designs.
Jovanna explained that her inspiration for the Black Label Collection is vintage clothing. She explained that two of her favorite pieces in the collection are the little black dress and the velvet coat. This “basic” black dress is a form fitted dress with intricate lace on the top. It is inspired by a vintage dress that her mother once owned and wore often during her childhood. She noted that “The dress has built in foundation – so you don’t have to wear a bra with it!” Isn’t that great? Another “vintage” inspired piece is the full length velvet swing coat. She once owned a vintage velvet coat that was her favorite piece in her wardrobe.
Other highlights from the collection are the black matte stretch sateen high waist pants and mandarin silk white blouse that comes with two interchangeable collars, one with a ruffle and another with sequins. Another standout was the kimono dress with a dragon print. Her black jumpsuit is sexy; it also has built in foundation. She also told me that she also loves her Kim Kardashian inspired dress which is a gray tuxedo dress with the flat ruffle on the bottom. The dress is made of cotton and features a tuxedo waistband. Her evening looks include liquid sequin pants with matching jacket and a stunning liquid sequin floor length gown.
Jovanna will be previewing her collection on Tuesday, July 12th at 6:00 p.m. the Full Cup 218 N Lee St, Suite 206, Alexandria, VA (Old Town) during the Sparkle & Lace Charity Event benefitting Dress for Success. Also featured will be the jewelry from Lia Sophia www.liasophia.com/tiffanybernier and clothing from the BeautyFull Boutique. “Bra-tini’s and light nosh will be served. Bring a friend and receive a $5 gift card from Lia Sophia. A portion from the evening’s proceeds will benefit Dress for Success. RSVP by July 10 to lindsey@thefullcup.com
Also, stay tuned for a Curvysta trunk/fashion show which will be held at the BeautyFull Boutique in the fall.
Camille Leverett is the owner of the BeautyFull Boutique Designer Consignment for Size 14 & Up in Old Town Alexandria at 118 N. Fayette Street. Twitter:@BeautyFullB | Facebook: BeautyFull Boutique
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