Founder's Message

It's good to be back! But where have all the plus-size magazines gone? 2001 was a difficult year for many, especially the last quarter with the terrorist attack on 9/11. The year started off with Belle Magazine folding in January 2001, Mode Magazine folded in October 2001, and Radiance Magazine went to an online version.

So why in the year 2002, are we down to one magazine that serves the “plus-size” market?

Is it because America still has not recognized that women of size are fashionable?  Is it because America has not realized that the majority of its female population is size 14 and up?  Is it because in 2002 there are still stylist, photographers and makeup artists who will not service “plus-size” women because they are not a “normal” size? Is it because advertisers don't believe that women of size use beauty products, exercise, get their hair done, buy cars or have children, husbands or significant others who cherish and love them unconditionally? Or is it because marketers do not
know how to successfully market to and retain the “plus-size” consumer?

Regardless of the reason, today's plus-size woman is demanding fashionable clothes that we can buy off the rack, instead of from a catalog.  And it is rumored that many “straight size” designers are beginning to take notice of the buying power of the plus-size consumer.  According to a June 2001 article in Apparel News.net retailers such as Ann Taylor, Tommy Hilfinger and DKNY have plans to expand their existing line or have expanded their existing line to include “plus sizes”.  However, manufacturers must realize that they cannot just cut a “straight size” garment larger and call it plus size.  Today's manufacturers must study the various shapes of women of size and truly take into consideration if the garment will be flattering on a
plus-size woman.  Although we have come a long way in terms of the variety of clothing choices, clothing manufacturers need to take time out to survey women of size to find out what they want and don't want in clothing.  Once manufacturers realize that plus size women are not a fad or will get skinny, we will begin to have more choices in clothing. Remember, if we all were the same size, same color, same religion the world would be a BORING place!

So, my Voluptuous Sistas - Make it all about YOU in 2002!

Peace and Blessings

Jennene Biggins
Founder and CEO

Once again, it's a new year and we are bombarded with diet advertisements claiming
"miracle" weight loss.  The truth is until you begin to feel good about you on the
inside, you will never want to work on the outside.  I recently looked up the topic
of "obesity" in T.D. Jakes' book entitled "His Lady-Sacred Promises for God's
Woman" and He touched my heart with the following declaration.

"You've dieted, starved yourself, walked miles on the treadmill and tried to lose
weight through pills, powders and prayer.  You wrestle with yourself, believing that if you looked a certain way, then you would be more acceptable in the eyes of the
world, more beautiful to men and more lovable to yourself.

You've left someone out of the equation.  The Lord has an image of the perfect
woman-you!.  He created you in His image, and is extremely pleased.  He does want
you to lose something though: your old self-image.  Move from less calories to
more confidence, from low-fat to high-praise. You are no less than the beloved
daughter of the Heavenly Father, and He loves who you are and who you are becoming."

Your Vow to God...

No more starving, no more self-hatred.  Today I begin by loving my body as a gift from God. I ask the Holy Spirit to guard me from everything that would defile
His temple, and to give me strength, confidence and poise.

Chyna McGarity-Arnold is an modeling expert and author. Chyna began her career as a Plus Size Model in Marietta, GA (Atlanta). She was told that she would never model and that large size modeling would never be accepted by anyone in the fashion industry such as designers, clients and photographers. Today, Chyna has worked for major clients such as Hanes-Just My Size, Elisabeth, Jones New York and Champion Jogbra, just to name a few.

Modeling FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.    How do I get started in modeling?
*Find out what type of modeling you want to pursue and do your research.
*Find a reputable agency by contacting your local Better Business Bureau and asking for any information they may have on modeling agencies in your area.
*Make a list and contact the agencies and ask if they represent plus size models and what are their qualifications. If they say yes, ask for their open call date and what are their submission procedures. *Make sure to call more than one agency and make arrangement to send pictures, or go on open castings.

Q.    What other ways can I find representation of an Agency?
*Ask someone you know that is a professional model
*Ask others who are in the industry such as make-up artists and photographers. In
addition, check the yellow pages and designers that may be in your area.
*Call the Apparel Mart and ask the fashion office for agencies they work with, or the local malls Fashion Event offices.

Q.    What are the types of modeling?
*Catalog, Character Modeling, Commercial Print, Electronic, Editorial, Fashion, Fit, Fitness, Glamour, High Fashion, Informal, Petite, Plus Size, Promotional, Runway, Showroom, Specialty (Hands, Legs and Feet etc.), Television and Film.

Q.    Do I need to pay an Agency to be represented?
*No. A reputable agency only charges a 20% commission for jobs obtained. If a fee were required, I would not recommend signing with them.

Q.    Do I need a portfolio to see an Agency?
*No. A portfolio is not created by one photographer, but by a series of photographers over time. Also, the portfolio will consist of your tearsheets of work you have done for clients. Always remember: Never let a photographer shoot an entire portfolio for you. If you do not have these types of pictures, snapshots will do fine for an agency.

Q.    What kind of pictures should I bring to an Agency?
*Close-up snapshot of your face with and without a smile.
*In a photo, wear your hair off your face, and then down.
*Full-length shot of your entire body showing your shape wearing a dress, skirt or shorts etc.
 

The 2nd Edition of the Full-Figured Woman's Resource Guide will be available June
2002.  The Resource Guide will be offered in e-Book format so that we can keep
offering up to date information and add new resources with a click of a button. If you
are a vendor or know of a company that offers products and/or services that caters
to women of size. Please visit our website at http://www.volupwoman.com/book.htm
and complete our online application.

Advertising Rates:
FREE text listing
Bold Listing - $10.00
Border/Bold Listing -  $20.00
Half Page Display Ad  - $45.00
Full Page Display Ad - $75.00

February 2002

February 23, 2002 - Diva Glam Full Figured Soiree at: :
Embassy Suites Hotel
Atlanta Centennial Park
267 Marietta Street
Atlanta, GA 30313
For ticket information call (800) 980-7852 or visit http://www.divaglamtour.com
 

March 2002

March 6, 2002 - CurveStyle: Reshaping Fashion The runway event of the year called CurveStyle: Reshaping Fashion and will be doing a model search to find three fresh faces to include in the show and launch their careers in the plus size modeling field. The plus size runway event is being Produced by none other than Catherine Schuller, former Fashion retail editor of Mode Magazine. Catherine said she plans to do for the runway what Mode Magazine did for the print world. It is scheduled for March 6th (two shows 6:30 (VIPs and industry insiders) and 9:00 p.m. (general public)) at the Puck Building in New York City. Industry insiders, celebrities, press and fans will be shown the brightest and the best of the designers who are out there doing the most modern and chic designs for the fuller figured woman ever seen on any runway anywhere, ever! CurveStyle is conducting a MODEL SEARCH for this show.  For more information ant tickets, click here
http://www.curve-style.com

June 2002

Designed Exclusively for Plus-Size Women
Size With Style proudly announces the launch of their exclusive new program, "Size
With Style Spa Plus Holidays", enabling women, sized 14W and above, to enjoy a
spa experience customized to their needs. The first spa getaway is scheduled at the
Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma, California. Click Here For More Info or visit
http://www.sizewithstyle.com/spafrm.htm

(If you are interested in submitting a future event to be added to our website,
 send an email to: events@volupwoman.com , event listings are at the discretion
 of the VWC staff.)

Fredericks of Hollywood now offers tasteful lingerie for plus size women.  Click here
to visit their website.

Junonia has been a source of sports clothing for plus-size women for many years.  Click here to visit http://www.junonia.com/13523
 

IGIGI, a design studio and retailer located in the heart of San Francisco, was created in order to deliver sexy, trend setting, stylish clothes to full-figured, fashion loving customers. Any woman who wears sizes 12-38 will love IGIGI's curve accentuating dresses, and figure hugging tops for day or evening wear.  Click here to visit their website
 

Contemporary Fashions by Kiyonna.com

About the Artist

Bits and pieces of  -EL-’s spiritual imagery explode on canvas. The Alexandria, VA
native and resident of Dale City, VA conveys his craft through thick layers of oil colors
and acrylics. The subjects and images that appear within his work are collected from
spiritual and biblical stories, and principles that challenge and confirm our belief systems. A third generation artist, -EL- hung on the coattail of his second cousin Bernard Brooks, an internationally renowned artist. With pieces ranging from $20 to $3,500, collectors are spreading awareness and interest worldwide.

-EL- studied fine art and art history at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
He has his B.S. in Art and a minor in Art History.  -EL- is known in the art community
for his spiritual imagery and his vibrant use of color.

You can check out -EL-'s beautiful expressions of excellence via his website at
http://www.braxtoncreations.com/gallery/index.htm