Plus-size fashion designer Monif Clarke, who showed her sportswear collection at the finale presentation of Full Figured Fashion week, in her Manhattan showroom.
"People are taking something that was negative and making it a positive," she says to Washington Post writer Robin Givhan.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Clarke and her assistant Brandon Coates, right, help customer Heather Sells into a long dress.
"If you want to make changes to your body, that's an individual choice." Clarke says to Givhan. "You shouldn't be shamed that you're the dreaded fat."
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Clarke smiles at model Denise Azeez, right, as she tries on a swimsuit.
Clarke launched her line five years ago and houses her showroom and boutique in a tiny space in New York's Garment District.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Clarke, whose lines have been featured in Glamour, InStyle and Essence, shares a laugh with customer Donna Johnson, right.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Model Rosie Mercado speaks at a panel on the state of the curvy community at a midtown hotel during Full Figured Fashion Week.
Mercado was the face of Full Figured Fashion Week, says Givhan.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
"We are sexy, sexual beings and so often designers are only creating work clothes," says Erica Watson, panelist and comedian, whose one-woman show is called "Fat Bitch!"
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Deb Malkin, owner of vintage and resale clothing store Re/Dress, speaks during a panel.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Panelist and fashion designer Yuliya Raquel of Igigi, a San Francisco-based clothing company, speaks during a panel on money, market share and captialism.
"She's the hero on the panel because she has brought the rare combination of a custom-dressmaker's technical skill and a fashion afficionado's creativity to a line of clothing that ranges from size 12-32," Givhan writes.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Plus-size models for Jewel Shannon Couture walk the runway at the finale for Full Figured shion Week.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A plus-size model for Igigi walks the runway during Full Figured Fashion Week's finale runway show.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A model for Qristyl Frazier Designs strikes a pose at the week's final show.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A Tru Diva model all in gold on the runway at the finale of Full Figured fashion week.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A model for Monif C. Plus Sizes walks the runway at the finale of Full Figured Fashion Week.
"Customers come to Clarke for sexy clothes. One of her signatures is a wrap dress that can be worn in a multitude of ways.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Another Monif C. look at the week's finale runway presentation.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Models show various looks in black from the Susan Moses collection at the finale fashion show.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A one-shoulder black evening dress for Osun Designs shown during the finale fashion show at Full Figured Fashion Week.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A burst of color from Osun Designs.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A gold coat and pale green outfit from K. Renee Designs.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
An all-purple ensemble from LaMaica Fashions, shown at Full Figured Fashon Week's finale runway presentation.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
A Bella Donna appliqued design, shown at the week's finale runway show.
Helayne Seidman-For The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher
