5 years ago, during New York Fashion Week, Avenue Plus Size Clothing Shop held a runway show for customers at its Third Avenue store to showcase the upcoming collection. The models were all approximately size 12/14 which prompted a woman, standing next to me, to say aloud what I was thinking: “I wanna see what those clothes look like on a body like mine”.

It’s a frequent request. We want to see what clothes look like on bodies with big bellies, wide hips, ample bosoms, thick thighs, etc especially since opportunities to try on clothes are dwindling with the closure of brick-and-mortar stores.

The good thing is that our request is being answered and it was evident in several events that took place during Fashion Week like the launch of Ashley Nell Tipton’s collection with JC Penney and Curvy Night Out with Lord & Taylor . And, on Friday, there was clothing line SmartGlamour’s lookbook  launch and runway show where women in sizes from XS to 6X displayed the fall/winter collection. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

 

As for Avenue… I don’t know for sure but like to think that someone heard that woman 5 years ago which is why their Spring and Fall fashion shows now feature actual customers.

On Saturday, to help show how their clothes look like a body like mine, I joined Renee, Judith and sales associate, Nicole, at Avenue’s Hackensack, NJ store. It was great fun to strut in pieces that I purchased like the Marled Hatchi Cutout Sharkbite Top,  Ombre Twofer Top, Criss Cross Peplum Top and Plaid Belted Runa Wrap, worn over the Zipper Pocket Ponte Leggings and Shayne Chain Strap Tall Boots (which are not only gorgeous but also so comfortable to walk in!).

Hopefully more plus-size retailers and designers will follow suit. I’m available for modeling gigs.

(Disclosure: I purchased my clothes and am not being compensated for this post.)