Don't Dismiss Me

A tense moment for me on "24 Hour Catwalk"

Early this morning on facebook, one of my supporters who happens to be a curvy girl, make up artist, and fellow entrepreneuer, posted something that made me stop and take pause.  She wrote, "I love being overlooked.  It makes me work harder."  I thought to myself, "Kelly Brown, you must be crazy!!"  After many years, 15 to be exact, of toiling in virtual obscurity, I am tired of being overlooked.  Truth be told, I'm tired of working harder.  I want my gifts and talents recognized by somebody who is in a position of affluence and influence so that my load can be lessened.  I want financial success to stop being so darn elusive.  So, of course, I had to comment.  After carefully weighing my words, I typed, "I intensely dislike being overlooked.  Ignored.  Sends a message that I have little or no value." I thought that would be the end of it.  I thought I could get on with the rest of my day basking in my glum.  Boy was I wrong!  Kelly B quickly responded, "Wilbur Pack, Jr. it has the opposite effect on me.  I don't take it as me having little or no value, I take it as someone not having the clarity to see the great value I know I have! take it in stride and go harder - it usually ends up in those who overlooked you regretting that they did!"

Kelly Brown

The universe has a way of sending just the right message at just the right time.  Kelly Brown delivered that message because I needed it.  Although I continue to move forward, there are moments when I falter and I just want to feel sorry for myself.  Yet, I know it is an emotion that is too heavy to bear on this path.  If I am going to reach my pinnacle, I cannot let these kinds of feelings weigh me down.  Now, I am refocused and re-energized.  Look out world because I am coming through.  And all of you who dare to dismiss me, you may want to give it a second thought!  My name is VICTORY.  If you want to check out my girl Kelly Brown, check her out at MASQUEmag.

Peace & Fashion!

Going Live

Thursday of last week, the revamped skwilbur.com premiered.  I wanted it to look a lot more polished.  Sophisticated.  I wanted it to have an aesthetic akin to net-a-porter.com - a shopping site with an editorial feel.  But the fabulous shopping experience offering "accessible luxury" that I had in mind would cater exclusively to plus size women who are still marginalized and underserved.

The company website has never truly represented what the SK WiLBUR brand is about.  At least, that's how I feel.  I just don't think my business partners and I were able to truly convey to the previous web designers what BOLD, MODERN, & CLASSIC style looked like to us.  I think Frantz, our latest and most thoughtful designer to date, has finally got it right.

About a month and a half ago, I was sitting in Starbucks in Penn Station reading a book while waiting for my train home.  A gentleman walked up to me and asked if he could sit in the empty seat next to mine.  I must have looked at him strangely because that's when he said, "I know New Yorkers are very particular about their personal space."  Honestly, whenever I am anywhere and I see an available seat, I sit in it - no questions asked.  "Oh you must not be from New York," I responded, "because New Yorkers don't care how uncomfortably tight it might be, we are going to sit down."  We chuckled and ended up having a brief and engaging conversation.  As it turned out, Alain (that's his name) was a Floridian until the age of nine when his family moved to New York.

When I noticed it was just about time for my train to be announced, I bid farewell to Alain and made my way to the correct track.  At Jamaica Station, where I needed to switch to another train, I saw Alan on the platform.  He didn't see me and I just laughed to myself.  When I boarded my connecting train, I saw my new acquaintance already seated.  "You're stalking me," I roared hysterically.  As the train cruised along the tracks, Alain confided that he is in construction, but has a background in film.  I showed him photos of my designs and disclosed some of what I had been working on.

"Well if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know," Alain offered.

"I could really use a web designer who won't charge me an arm and a leg."

"I just happen to have a friend who designs websites.  I will text his info to you."  I handed Alain my business card before getting off the train at my stop.

By the time, I was home I had received a text from Alain with Frantz's contact information.  The rest, as they say, is history.  Some people might call it destiny or kismet.  But I'd like to think that the universe was creating a pathway for me to connect with Frantz.  I am very pleased with the work that Frantz has done so far and I believe that Sorta Kinda Enterprises finally has a clear web identity on which we can confidently build from.  If you haven't done so, check us out.

Peace & Fashion!

Fashion's Night Out 2012 - A Breakdown

Suma, SK WiLBUR, and Ashanti

Last night, my sister and I painted the town a fierce shade of fabulous as we traipsed from SoHo to the Upper East Side.  Our first stop was Piperlime, a bricks and mortar outpost of the wildly popular accessories & apparel website which has just opened on Wooster Street.  It was crowded, just like everywhere else, but the line to get in moved along quickly and efficiently.  I was relieved I didn't have to feign insult and indignation questioning the men in black responsible for crowd control, "Do you know who I am?"  Inside there was a candy bar with only lime colored treats and a bar that was serving Zoe-tinis named in honor of the famously ubiquitous celebrity stylist/designer/reality show star Rachel Zoe who was scheduled to make an appearance later on in the evening.  After Ashanti and I were loaded down with candy and cocktails, we were lucky enough to find a seat.  I immediately struck up a conversation with Suma who writes her own style-savvy blog TheFashionBeautyJunkie.com.  Adorned with a nose piercing and tattoos all over, I complimented her on her dress choice.  And then I shared with Suma my joy designing for the often neglected and marginalized curvy goddess.  She volunteered to  write a little something-something about the full-figured woman, which I thought was a great idea, naturally.

SK WiLBUR with Cornelia Guest

Never one to let grass grow under my feet, Ashanti and I soon bid adieu to Suma and headed to Bloomingdale's 59th Street where my friend Cornelia Guest was appearing with her chic line of cruelty-free handbags and purses.  Hanging with Cornelia and her very cute assistant Jesse was all smiles, laughs, and good times.

I had to settle for store signage.

After photos and a remedial course in "tweeting" from Ashanti, it was "kiss-kiss goodbye" to C & J and Ashanti and I braved the crowds as we made our way to master shoe craftsman Manolo Blahnik's boutique on 54th street.  Cyndi Lauper was scheduled to perform, but the line to get in was BANANAS.   To my dismay, I soon learned, that I needed to be on the guest list to be part of the crowd inside and not part of the outside crowd.  I tried to feign the indignation and insult I did not have to summon at Piperlime, but the two causasian girls holding the clipboards and teetering in their 4 inch pumps, Blahniks probably, were not buying.  So Ashanti and I walked away stylishly defeated with our heads held high straight to the subway and headed home.  Now I just have to figure out for 2013 how I get onto these exclusive guest lists.

By the way, check out today's issue of USA Today.  Your's truly is included on page 4 of a special Full Figured Fashion Supplement. Doesn't look like I got Fashion Star, but there's always this.

Peace & Fashion!

Celebrating In Style

My mother in her
"Birthday Suit"

This week the career takes a back seat as my siblings and I celebrate my mother's 70th birthday.  It's a huge occasion for us because many from both sides of my family have not lived long enough to see this age.  In fact, my great Aunt Edie who turns 80 next year and my mother are the only "chosen" ones so far.  To commemorate the celebration, I, of course, designed a dress for the old girl.  It will also be included in the Spring 2013 collection I am calling Clandestiny.  It's all color blocked saffron and marigold linen with a cotton ikat thrown in for good measure.  Here's a sneak peek and a lovely photo of the two eldest family members.  Stay tuned and I will keep you posted on all the festivities.

Peace & Fashion!

My mother and my Aunt Edie

Possessing A Prizefighter's Determination

Sometimes I struggle with what I am going to write in my online journal.  Someone in PR once told me that I should not share too many of my doubts.  She reasoned that potential collaborators/investors would be turned off by my transparency and seeming lack of confidence.  She said, "Investors are confident in people who are confident in themselves."  She's probably right.  But the truth is that self-doubt is just par for the course when you are in a creative field.  I've spoken to writers, filmmakers, painters, singers, and, of course, other designers and we all suffer with bouts of self-doubt.  There are actually many similarities in our approaches to attaining success.  But what strikes me most is that we are all bold and confident enough to put our creativity out there for the world to judge.  I think transparency can be very liberating.  It demonstrates that my struggles and imperfections are no different than yours and that is unifying.  It also lends me a certain approachability.

Oscar Dela Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather

I mean, I'd  like to be able to consistently create a minimum of two collections a year without worrying about how I am going to afford fabrics and the costs of construction.  And I wish I could mass produce without fretting over finances and wondering how I am going to turn a dime into a dollar and a dollar into twenty-five thousand dollars.  But in the end, I don't let the odds against me prevent me from dreaming and pushing forward.

Last week, I finally accepted that I would not be able to actively participate in New York Fashion Week which officially begins on September 6th.  And I learned that I was not one of the twelve recipients of the Mission: Small Business Grant from Chase Bank.  Back in June, many of you voted so that I would be considered.  It's a bummer to have to sit out this fashion week, but there is still a Spring collection that must be completed and you better believe that I have already started preparing for Fashion Week February 2013.  And I just know the finances to fuel my vision will come from somewhere.

Do not judge me based on my bouts with self-doubt.  Save the judgements for how I am able to weather those moments and keep it moving.  With fifteen years under my belt, it is clear that I am a survivor.  And I am a winner.

Peace & Fashion!

I LOVE EYE CANDY!

So it's time for the big reveal.  It's really just a preview of what's to come.  But I am so excited, I cannot keep it to myself any longer.  This is EYE CANDY by SK WiLBUR.

Since no man is an island, I must ackowledge my team for the wonderful job they did to bring my vision to fruition.  The models are Nicole Z., my mother Barbara, and my niece Samarra and my nephew Nile.  I cast myself as Wilbur "Wonka".  My make up artist, Lisa Warner, created the make up looks based on "The Hunger Games" and Old Hollywood photos.  My fashion stylist, Denardo Jenkins, gave suggestions that were inspired.  He also helped accessorize the models and the set as well.  My hairstylist, Michelle Swiney, went above and beyond the call of duty when she visited my mother to do the initial work on her hair two days prior and then was on set bright and early to touch her style up and create beautiful hair for Nicole and Samarra.  My cake stylist, Louisa Harris, unleashed her creativity to come up with two beautiful mock-up cakes for the shoot.  My cousin, Alicia, was my candy stylist who brought an assortment of sweets for display.  My sister, Ashanti, who is my right hand (sometimes my left) baked the cupcakes and was responsible for the Eye Candy posters.  She assisted everybody on set as well.  And lastly, my sister-in-law, Rebecca Rodriguez, who is the official photographer for SK WiLBUR - Sorta Kinda Enterprises, LLC always brings the heat with her trained eye and her incredible photoshop skills.

We almost never hear about the behind-the-scenes crew, but it's such an integral part of creating an image.  I love my team and I depend on them.  Let's continue to ROCK ON!

Peace & Fashion!

Sneak Peek

I feel like I am going to bust waiting for my Full-Figured Fashion Week debut.  I will be showing my collection for Fall 2012 on June 15 on the runway.  Here are a couple of photos I took during the fitting process that are sure to whet your appetite.  Have you bought your tickets, yet?  Click here to purchase them now!

Peace & Fashion!

Cinch It!

I met Deirdre so many years ago - the early 1990s, I think.  She got a job at the plantation where I work and we became fast friends after she corrected the way I pronounced her name.  "It's DEAR-DRA, DEAR-DRA," she proclaimed loudly in her slight southern drawl.  "Get it Right!"  For a white girl, I thought, she sure had a lot of black girl attitude.  Only thing missing was the neck roll.  I liked that she wasn't afraid to take me to task and she hasn't been able to shake me loose ever since.

Deirdre comes from one of those Irish Catholic families bigger than The Brady Bunch.  She shared with me one day early in our friendship that she had a brother, Kenny, who had a line of leather couture.  It was all studded motorcycle jackets and bustiers in fabulous colors like caramel, hunter green, mauve, etc.  The salmon with turquoise nail heads was one of my favorites.  When Kenny found out he had contracted AIDS, he got out of the business and moved to Woodstock.  Deirdre would become his caregiver until he passed.  Although I never met Kenny, I always felt a special connection.  Deirdre regaled me with stories of his brash, bold personality.  He sounded like the kind of person that lived life fearlessly.  The kind of person I'd want to be.

A few years later, when Deirdre was getting rid of some leather skins from the business, she gave them to me.  I had already begun my own journey in fashion trying to be as fearless as Kenny was.  This week, I finally used some of the leather from Kenny's collection to make a belt.  His spirit seemed to guide me.  It was like he was smiling down on me as I was guiding the leather under the sewing machine needle.  I am really proud of myself and the result.  Sometimes, I cannot believe that I've made this decision to follow my dreams and do something that I really love.  And I'd like to think that it is angels, like Kenny, who have made it possible for me to realize this dream.

Peace & Fashion!

Behind The Curtain on SK WiLBUR

I've been up until 1:00 in the morning several nights the last couple of weeks creating some of the accessories that we will be offering on www.skwilbur.com this coming fall.  Needless to say, I am exhausted.  But I'm not complaining.  In fact, I'm dying to share the images of the handbags and belts with you, but I'm going to hold out just a little longer.  In the meantime, however, I've provided the video interview that I did with The Stylish Maven during NY Fashion Week last month.  It is such a different perspective to see myself the way others see me.  So please take a quick look, learn about my inspiration, and get a sneak peek at some of the pieces that will coming to skwilbur.com this fall.

Peace & Fashion!

If I Told You That

 

SK WiLBUR, The Stylish Maven, & Nicole Z.
She is wearing the studded baseball jersey
sweatshirt with the "Licorice" tweed skirt
and heather grey gloves.



The SK WiLBUR "Lollipop" sleeveless top and skirt with the "Gumball" hat byOtis Damo'n Millinery. 



I was interviewed on this Friday past by Troy Artis, aka The Stylish Maven.  It really was a pleasure meeting him.  I was readying my model Nicole Z. for her on-camera appearance at the sample workroom, when he and his crew stepped out of the elevator.  I apologized for running a little behind, but Troy would have none of that.  "No apology necessary.  We're just going to check out the place so we can set up our shots."  His laidback manner made it a very pleasant, and easy experience.  Both his videographer and photographer were on hand to document each word and movement.  He asked questions about the collection, my experience on 24 Hour Catwalk, as well as the impetus for me to design for the curvy woman.  I think it all went swimmingly well.  As soon as the video is posted, I will supply you with the link.  In the meantime, I have posted a couple of stills from the interview.

I would be terribly remiss if I didn't address the untimely passing of one of my favorite R-n-B divas, Ms. Whitney Houston.  More than any other singer, she provided the soundtrack for my young adult life.  I felt very connected to her, like she was a friend or family member.   In fact, one of my very dear friends, Wanda Jones, whom I met so many years ago while in college, used to tease me that Whitney and I were "close personal friends".  But Whitney did seem to know me so well because whatever emotion I happened to be feeling, she had a song to express it.  When my baby sister called with the news on Saturday night, I was shocked and saddened.  I've been reminiscing with my best friend. . . talking about some of our favorite performances, posting them on my facebook page.  That has alleviated some of the sorrow.  She was an amazing talent who enriched my life.  Whitney will be sorely missed.  May she rest in peace.

Peace & Fashion!

Keep Moving Up. . .

Tonight I am being interviewed by The Stylish Maven, aka Troy Artis, for his web series on YouTube.  My model, Nicole Z., will be joining me on camera to preen and pose in a few looks from my Eye Candy Fall 2012 collection.  I see Mr. Artis as an artist, like myself, carving out at niche in the rough & tumble glamorous world of fashion.  As I have said many times in the past, "It's hard out here for a pimp!"  It's a declaration that I adopted from the movie Hustle & Flow.  And I say it only half-jokingly.  While I am not referring specifically to prostitution, I am very honest about the dedication that is required to make a name for yourself.  My journey really is an impassioned hustle.

I am very pleased and honored that Mr. Artis requested an interview with me.  He's already told me that he will be asking some pointed questions about my reality TV debut on 24 Hour Catwalk.  OH, THE PRESSURE.  But seriously, it's awesome to know that someone else beyond my family, friends, and followers is interested in what I do.

A lot more work needs to be done on the collection, but I figured this will give a sneak peek into my crazy creative process.  So stay tuned for the big reveal!

Peace & Fashion!

Sitting This One Out



Latest Handbag Creation from SK WiLBUR



This February, for NY Fashion Week, I won't be producing a runway show or presentation of my Fall 2012 collection.  In the past, I've had bouts with feelings of inadequacy because I believed that I was just falling short of the prize.  Not being able to be a part of the twice yearly fashion fray for financial reasons (it costs a lot to mount even the smallest of spectacles), I would live vicariously through the daily coverage in newspapers or try my best to ignore it altogether.  I was like the kid in school who missed the class field trip and was left out of the conversation with my peers because it was all they were talking about.  Call it peer pressure for the fashion set.  Even now, I wish I could be a part of the NY Fashion Week game instead of being a bench warmer.  But I am no longer grappling with those feelings of inadequacy that used to plague me.  I don't feel the same kind of pressure any more because now I am playing the fashion game on my own terms.  It is far more important to begin laying the foundation for a revamped and dazzling website for September where our goal is to increase website traffic and grow our customer base.  Besides, after all that work of staging and casting and inviting and styling, the payoff is sometimes not worth the headache.

Creatively, I am in a great place.  I am just waiting for the Curvies of the world to fully support what I do.  And then it's on and poppin'!  And God willing, I won't have to sit out another NY Fashion Week again.

Peace & Fashion! 

Check Yourself B4 You Wreck Yourself!

All the attention that I've been receiving as a result of my appearance on 24 Hour Catwalk has been validating.  Mind-blowing, in fact.  First, when the commercials began to air before my episode did and people were reaching out to me on Twitter and Facebook, it was very flattering.  I grinned excitedly.  Once the previews began to pop up on movie screens in multiplexes everywhere and everybody from my LinkedIN connections to people I know through the plantation started to hit me up, it became so surreal.

Since I taped the show almost 6 months ago, I hoped that my "fans" would not be disappointed with my showing.  But what was done was done.  There just was no use tripping on it now. So I watched, just like everybody else, to see how the editors would make me look and what the episode's final outcome was.  There has still been an outpouring of compliments and congrats.  And I am so appreciative.  But I have also received an email that made the devil rise up inside of me.  It might have been easier to ignore it, but I felt the sender deserved a tailor-made response. Below is the original email followed by my response.  What do you think?

You can't be serious. I saw you on Lifetime and came to your site to see your line. It looks like the stuff you see at Torrid and Lane Bryant. I am so disappointed. I am a tall, athletic (yes I work out) plus size woman.  Size 18. And, I can't find a grown up, sexy dress for a 42 year old. I want to wear dresses like the real housewives of Atlanta. Is there a real "plus" size designer anywhere? Plus size doesn't mean bigger ugly. The clothes still need to be fashion forward and pretty.

Greetings ------,

My business partners and I are in receipt of your email and have carefully reviewed it. While I can certainly understand your frustration with finding "grown up, sexy dresses" for your "athletic" PLUS size frame, I take issue with your approach. Perhaps you were having a bad day when you sent the email, as I've had a few of my own a time or two. But there really is no excuse for your bad manners and poor email etiquette. If there is nothing to your liking on the company site, the more polite, dare I say, adult, thing to do would have been to dismiss us as another plus size design company who just cannot get it right. But your slam against my designs was really unnecessary. Since I am 44, it is clear we are from the same generation, but my parents taught me not to comment at all if I didn't have anything constructive or nice to say. In light of my mother's advice, I am going to end this response now. I hope you are able to find a designer who does PLUS size clothing suited for you that looks like something from "The Housewives of Atlanta".

Peace & Fashion!

Wilbur E Pack, Jr.

Designer/Principal

SK WiLBUR/Sorta Kinda Enterprises, LLC

We need to think about what we say and what we write to people because we just don't know the kind of effect it's going to have on them.  As my friend Deborah G. told me many years ago, "Words have power."   If I was teetering on the brink of a psychotic break, this email might have pushed me over the edge.  I might have even gone postal on the sender.  Please try to remember, nasty and rude behavior is uncalled for and never in style.

 

Peace & Fashion!

What You Didn't See Last Night. . .

Being chosen to be a competitor on 24 Hour Catwalk was a great experience and a fantastic opportunity.  Of course, it would have been better if I had won the $10,000 prize, but I am stoked about the exposure expecting that the appearance will move me to the next level in the fashion game.  After years of auditioning for the most popular (Project Runway - season 1) to the most obscure (anybody remember The Cut which lasted only 1 season?), I am pleased that I finally got my 18 minutes of fashion reality fame.

It was everything that I expected and a whole lot more.  Some of the minor details were edited out and so I am going to share them now.

• Although I am only in the first 18 minutes of the show, the call time was 5 a.m. and I didn't finish until 5 p.m.  Many of the crying fits that we witness on reality TV are probably due to a lack of sleep.  I was SO exhausted after it was all said and done.
• In one of my outtakes, I mention that I was so surprised to see Cynthia Rowley as one of the judges.  What they cut was that I interned with her almost 13 years ago.  She probably didn't recognize me since she just stared at me blankly on camera - AND off.
• But probably the most important thing that was edited was the fact that Indashio (a crowd favorite, I know) broke the needles on the only 2 home sewing machines that were provided in the workroom.  I am so not a whiz when it comes to garment construction, but I can do it somewhat adequately.  However, I am definitely no good on industrial machines - AT ALL!  That's why I ended up draping the entire challenge.  When I auditioned,I was led to believe that I would not have to sew.  To my chagrin, the very first challenge was a sewing challenge.  In my mind, I said, "UGGHH!"

All in all, it was a great experience.  I wouldn't change a thing (except maybe winning).  But don't feel bad and don't apologize for my not winning.  I sure feel like I did!

Peace & Fashion!

Yuletide Blahs

Okay, so I was going to upload photos of some of New York City's most fabulous Christmas windows.  Festive, right?  Then I spotted The NY Times coverage of holiday windows.  I had been scooped!  So that idea bit the dust.  Then I wondered what I would put in this space.  I grappled with different ideas, but the truth of the matter is that for the past couple of days I've been plagued with the Yuletide Blahs.  With my pockets quite empty and my phone number on heavy rotation among bill collectors, the spirit of Christmas was passing me over and the Grinch's spirit was hovering like a dark cloud.  When I groaned to my zipper guy, Rory, the owner of  Archer Zippers, he revealed that he is going through a financially challenging moment, too.  "Wilbur, we're all going through it," he bellowed from behind his desk surrounded by heaps and mounds of #5 metal teeth zippers.  This revelation was only mildly comforting.  But then as I began to go through my daily grind, I started to adjust my perspective.  And it helped, too, that when I tweeted my beleaguered gift-buying status, I received an outpouring of empathy from followers and friends who have found themselves in similar situations.

So that gold bracelet I was eyeing for my honey and those diamond earrings I'd love to purchase for my mother are going to have to wait until my salad days are over.  As my pastor says, "This is only a temporary situation."  So I have bid adieu to my Yuletide Blahs and I am embracing the JOY of the season.  It's just not worth the stress.  Besides, 2012 is going to be a monetarily rewarding year.  I can just feel it!

Peace & Fashion!

Reality Show Update!

Yesterday, one of my favorite bloggers, Alissa Wilson of Stylish Curves, tagged me in a post on Twitter.  Of course I had to check out what my curvy friend was saying because it's not every day that I receive Twitter love.  To my surprise, she had spotted the new teaser for the reality show I taped this past summer.

The Judges & Host
of
24 HOUR CATWALK

24 Hour Catwalk is set to start airing next month on Lifetime on January 10, 2012 at 10 p.m.  Get ready to park yourselves in front of the television or set your DVRs because I don't want you to miss any of the fashion drama unfold.  And I want to get lots of feedback.  It's going to be INSANE!

Just in case you are not on Facebook or don't follow me on Twitter, click on the link below to get a sneak peek at my reality show debut.  Enjoy!

24 HOUR CATWALK

Peace & Fashion!

The 4-1-1 On Lysistrata Jones

This Friday past I had the pleasure of seeing the new Broadway musical Lysistrata Jones.  Based on the Aristophanes-penned comedy "Lysistrata" first performed in 411 B.C., it is a modern and very contemporary retelling of how a group of young women, led by Lysistrata, decide to withhold sexual favors from their men in an effort to end the Peloponnesian war.  But in this version, there are cheerleaders, a losing basketball team, and a very funny joke about Herman Cain - the beleauguered GOP presidential hopeful.  Of course, in musical comedy land, nothing ever goes according to plan.  And that is where the fun and the fabulosity begin.

LaQuet Sharnell is SANGIN'!

Comprised mostly of Broadway newbies, the talented cast brings their A-game as they sing and dance with such fervor and freshness the audience has no chance but to root for happy endings for all the show's characters.  I was especially blown away by LaQuet Sharnell who plays Myrrhine and sings the showstopping "Don't Judge A Book" in the second act.  Also of note is the handsome Josh Segarra who brings the heat as Mick.  Initially, he is just the typical dumb jock, but the audience learns that there is a lot more there.  And when he sings the heartbreakingly sweet "When She Smiles" with such affection, you can feel the audience swoon.  And then there is the infectious energy of Jason Tam who portrays Xander.  He is such a cutie & serious eye candy.



Jason Tam - the talented HOTTIE



The show is cleverly written  by Douglas Carter Beane who is also responsible for one of my most favorite Broadway shows "The Little Dog Laughed".  He is accompanied by his real life partner Lewis Flinn who did the music and lyrics.  Together they have delivered a show that makes you laugh.  And you're still singing hours after leaving the theatre.

If you're like me and need a worthwhile diversion from work and the holiday season crush, you should race to get tickets.  It was a packed house the night I went.  I'm just saying. . .

Now it's time for me to get back to fashion.  But I can still see Jason Tam dancing in my head. . .

Peace & Fashion!

Which Way Do I Turn?

Anna D. wears SK WiLBUR
available at skwilbur.com

Everybody is feeling the funk as a result of this challenging economy, including yours truly!  My business partners, Ashanti and Serosh, and I thought that if we built it, the curvy women would come, with credit cards in hand, in droves.  I mean, that is what they told us after the JET magazine article ran.  But it has only been a mediocre response, at best, with only a sprinkling of full-figured women expressing interest.

Each season I do my best to really capture the trends while creating looks that will  compliment a fuller woman's body.  I visit high end stores to research what is being sold, not just in plus size departments, but in contemporary and designer departments, too.  But for my Spring 2012 collection Out of the Dark, I made an extra effort to use design elements that would appeal to a curvy woman's aesthetic while camouflaging the "problem" areas.  The buyers at the major department stores told me that marketing to the curvy customer is challenging.  They weren't kidding!  Now, as an e-tailer, I am seeing it firsthand for myself.

But something's got to give.  Moving forward, my team and I are looking for ways to refine our image and carve out a niche for ourselves in the marketplace.  I don't think the idea is to slash prices as much as it is to continue to offer BOLD, MODERN, and CLASSIC fashion with value.  Stay tuned as we begin to implement subtle changes.  And if you know of any curvy woman in need of a fabulous dress, please direct her to www.skwilbur.com.

Peace & Fashion!

What's Hapenning?!

So it's been awhile.  I've been busy.  And now I am trying to play catch up.

Gabourey Sidibe at the
premiere of
TOWER HEIST

I've been trying to dress Oscar nominee, Gabourey Sidibe, since she first stepped in the limelight for her portrayal of the title character in the film Precious. Two Thursdays ago, in the afternoon, I got a voice message from her Los Angeles based stylist.  She requested a dress for Gabourey's red carpet appearance for the premiere of her latest movie Tower Heist.  The only problem was that she needed the dress for the following Monday.  That only gave me 3 full days!  Unfortunately, I had nothing in my arsenal of fabulous dresses that was suitable for the curvy star.  DARN!  I was disappointed about missing out on this big break, but only very briefly.  Because now I know I am, at least, on her glam squad's radar.  Another opportunity will most certainly present itself - I'm sure of it!  I think she could use a little SK WiLBUR in her life, don't you?



This Monday past, on my birthday, my business partners and I launched the online POP-Up Shop at http://www.skwilbur.com/.  You are now able to purchase some of your favorite looks from the runway and they will be delivered to you in time for your spring fling.  As an added bonus, we are extending a 10% courtesy off each shopper's entire order.  AND you can buy some of your favorite handbags from the runway, too!  Sounds like a curvy girl's dream to me.  I'm just sayin'!

In the meantime, I've been clawing and scratching to build retail distribution online through established retailers like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.  That's never a picnic, but I am up for the challenge.  In addition, I am busy working on the next collection for Fall 2012.  I've already completed the sketches and now it's time to turn the sketches into actual garments.  Whewww!  My journey continues. . .  And that's what's happening with me.

Peace & Fashion!

Whirlwind

I have been so busy, I can barely keep up with myself.  Last week, I shot a new reality show that will be airing soon on Lifetime.  Afterwards, I hit the ground running as I coordinated three fittings in as many days.  On Sunday, as the rain was pouring down monsoon-style, I was making my way to Jersey City, NJ to have one of my tailors, Mr. B, work his magic on two of my models.  What is normally a one hour and twenty-five minute trip from my home in Queens took me nearly four hours.  I was begging for Noah and his ark!  That trek wasn't much fun.  But in the name of fashion, I will cross rivers and climb mountains.  Now that is dedication!

I am still receiving notes from women all over the country who have seen the JET article who want to thank me, encourage me, and praise me.  I grin each time I read one of those comments.  My strength is renewed and I feel energized to work harder as I make moves to get my aesthetic out there for curvy women to purchase.  I choose to focus on that instead of worrying about where the money to finish paying for all my samples for the collection is going to come from.  I am connected to the universe which is providing for me.  Besides, all evidence points to this moment that I've been working towards for the last 13 years.

In the meantime, Ashanti and I have been contacting media to see if they will attend my runway show on September 13.  I am going to continue to do everything in my power to extend my whirlwind moment.  In the eye of this storm is where I feel I belong and I am lovin' it!


Peace & Fashion!