Actors are celebrated at the Oscars. Musicians are celebrated at the GRAMMYs. But what about the celebrities and brands leading the $20 billion plus-size industry?
Unfortunately, this industry is widely overlooked even though nearly 70 percent of women fit into this category. Tawana Blassingame, CEO and editor in chief of Queen Size Magazine, has made it her mission to change that by creating New York City’s prestigious Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIAs).
“At last, it’s time to mark the tremendous strides made by the plus-size community as a whole by ensuring the celebrities in our industry are recognized for their hard work and sacrifices,” Blassingame said.
“The FFIAS are where we lift each other up in celebration because we know we have always mattered; the world is just now waking up and realizing it,” said Madeline Jones, co-owner and editor in chief of PLUS Model Magazine.
The Full Figured Industry Awards began in 2019. Blassingame wanted to give recognition to the craftsmanship and commitment of the individuals across all platforms who are involved in the full-figured industry.
“We can’t wait for the fashion industry to see us. We have to see ourselves. It is time for us to level the playing field. New York is known to be one of the most recognizable fashion capitals of the world. So to be able to host this event in New York really puts the icing on the cake,” Blassingame said.
Some awards presented during the ceremony are: Outstanding Big and Tall Model/Plus Model, Designer, Fashion Stylist, Boutique, Photographer, Makeup Artist (and more). In addition, the event includes six honoree awards in the categories of: Confidence, Entrepreneurship, Advocacy, Iconic, Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Retail Brand. Going forward, the awards will be gender-neutral.
This year’s Outstanding Retail Brand Award recipient is renowned brand ELOQUII, which is known as “the ultimate fashion destination for sizes 14-28.”
“It is an incredible honor for ELOQUII to receive the Full Figured Industry Award for Retail Brand of the Year. We are thankful to our dedicated ELOQUII team and loyal customers who have supported us since the beginning and allowed us to be a part of their journey with fashion. Without our community, we would not be able to provide the expert fit, elevated designs and high-level quality that we consistently deliver,” said ELOQUII Creative Director Yesenia Torres.
Pioneering entrepreneur and fashion designer Phyllis Brasch Librach will be honored with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, which is sponsored by PLUS Model Magazine. Librach, “the fairy godmother of plus-size prom,” is the founder and president of Sydney’s Closet.
The niche apparel company focuses exclusively on creating wedding, evening, pageant, prom and party dresses for women ages 16 to 60 who wear sizes 14 to 40. The dressy dresses are sold online and at 400 bridal salons, dress shops and boutiques in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia.
“I’m honored and thrilled," said Librach, adding,"This Lifetime Achievement Award never would have happened without the trust and loyalty of our devoted Sydney’s customers. We take their confidence to heart knowing it’s not just about finding a dream dress for one magical night, but making memories that last a lifetime."
Other honorees include: Icon of the Year Maui Bigelow (curator of PHAT Girl Fresh), Entrepreneur of the Year Akira Armstrong (founder and CEO of full-figured dance company Pretty Big Movement), Keesha Monique Codling Confidence Award recipient Sheena Postell (model and founder of Bilonn’s Vision LLC) and Advocacy Award recipient Denise Caldwell (fashionista and lifestyle expert).
Additional sponsors of the 2022 Full Figured Industry Awards include: Lane Bryant, PLUS Model Magazine, MVP Collections and Design House of Mallie Boushaye.
The 2022 Full Figured Industry Awards will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, with Nov. 3 being the final day to purchase tickets.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theffias.com or email Tawana Blassingame at prtheffias@gmail.com
