Like A Great Bra



Wilbur, Dee Dee, & Ashanti at WWD book signing party.



I may be experiencing some issues with finding a distribution channel so that my dresses are available for women living outside of New York City.  But I refuse to dwell on what I do not yet have and instead focus on what must be done next.  I am impassioned by my efforts to bring more fashion to the curvy woman and I know that the universe is creating a pathway for that to happen.  In the meantime, I press forward and rely heavily on my circle of sisters, the wonderful women who comprise the curvy fashion community and nurture my creativity and support me emotionally.



Keicia Derry wears WILBUR.  Photo: Jeff Fasano



On Monday afternoon, I had lunch with Tara Taylor. A makeup artist with limitless talent, I'd spotted her work posted on facebook.  Talk about beautiful!  I was awestruck.  And she is more lovely as a person than her skills could ever be.  We officially met at the 5 year anniversary celebration for another plus designer, Monif C., a couple of weeks ago.  And I told her that I just had to have her share her talents on my next project.  And so she's agreed to collaborate as I prepare my collection for Fall 2011.  But more than the work, Ms. T was there with assurance to let me know that, despite my less-than-stellar showing with Bloomingdale's, there is a plan and I just have to remain steadfast and focused.  After our 3-hour afternoon chat fest, I felt like there was a renewed sense of hope.  And for that I was grateful.



Wilbur & The Curvy Fashionista - Marie Denee



During our meeting, Tara informed me that The Curvy Fashionista, a blogger who'd written a lovely post about me a little over a month ago, was going to be in town.  I begged her to arrange a face-to-face meeting since The Curvy Fashionista, nee Marie Denee is west coast based and I wasn't sure when the next opportunity might arise.  Tara, who is connected to everybody fabulous in the curvy community, reached out to Madeline Figueroa-Jones, the founder and the creative mind behind the online glossy Plus Model Magazine.  It just so happens that the ladies along with Alissa, Ms. Stylish Curves herself, were all together for a style symposium hosted by Just My Size.  So before they made their way to dinner, I made my way to their hotel where we chatted and had a love fest.  It was just an awesome experience to be in the company of these positive curvy role models.  And feeding off their energy just inspires and motivates me.

So this group of women is really like a great bra.  Their support makes me look good and I look forward to a relationship where I do the same for them.

Peace & Fashion!

The Roof Is On Fire!

It's been hot as hell!  At least that's what some have reported back to me after their visit to the fiery depths.  But the heat cannot impede my progress with the collection.  I've gotten a ton of advance praise for my aesthetic from my fellow bloggers who represent the curvy customer.  And I am so pleased.  I will admit that it feels a little strange to go from a fashion community that virtually ignores me to a tight-knit club who reveres my work.  But I ain't complaining.  I really appreciate it, ladies!  Thank you.  One issue that has remained constant, however, is how my business partners and I are always on the hunt for valid and creative ways to finance our endeavor.  It is quite a challenge.  And I know I am only speaking to the choir because all of us are faced with a similar conundrum.  This time, though, the universe has spoken and there is a demand for what I do.  Unlike any other time, women are more interested in learning how they can find the dresses for purchase instead of just congratulating me saying, "That's pretty."  A few weeks ago, I had a phone conversation with my milliner friend, OH, and my sister-in-law who is such a gifted photographer.  I was telling them that I think the secret to financial success is to stop obsessing about money or in our cases the lack of it.  We should just release it as an issue and not worry about it.  If we can focus on the joy that our craft brings and just continue to look for new ways to express our creativity, then I think the dollars will come.  Listen, I heard it on Oprah and she's got a little stash, so it must be the gospel.  So I am taking her advice.  And it's not just her.  It's a lesson that is hard learned, so it is a message that I read or hear from other successful people.  And I just need to live it.  I was born a winner.  I feel it in my soul.  And I know that all of you are winners, too.  Now that's what's up!  Check out some of the notices that we've gotten from some of my blogging divas by clicking on the following links:  The Curvy Fashionista, The Fat Apple, Madison Plus, The Fat Shopaholic, and The Bohemian Diva. 

Peace & Fashion!