Being a curvaceous lady myself, I got extremely giddy when I got the chance to interview Chicago's Fashion Incubator alumni Shavonne Dorsey. I proclaimed Shavonne as the Queen of the Curve due to her devotion to designing for the everyday lady; one with curves. So enjoy the interview and become a member of her growing group of fans!!!
Me: Can I have a little information on your background? Growing up, what were your dreams?
Shavonne: Originially I'm from Indiana and obtained my Bachelors from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. My background was in corporate healthcare and laboratory sales, but Fashion design was always a dream of mine. Grouping up my dreams were to become a successful, productive and prosperous person regardless of my career choice.
Me: What inspired you to go into fashion design? Especially designing for curvy women?
S: As a size 14 woman myself, I always had challenges in finding garments that were flattering, womanly but yet still youthful enough without looking matronly. The frustration of NEVER finding what I wanted or needed in fashion from national retailers was the stimulus that started my career in fashion design. As a curvy woman, I experienced the struggle to dress myself without always wearing black or looking older than my age. Instead of continuing to accept what retailers offered and going to boutiques who didn't carry garments past a size 10/12, I decided to design garments that were complimentary to my curves and celebrated the beautiful shape that I have.
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| My Fave Shavonne Dorsey Dress!! Love it!! |
Me: Thank you for that (designing to celebrate our curves). Why did you decide to start designing and showcased your collections here in Chicago?
S: Chicago has always been known as the "2nd City." It's definitely a great city to start your career in fashion. Chicago's fashion scene is usually known to be somewhat conservative and was often labeled as safe. I wanted to introduce something new, exciting and bold to curvaceous women in a conservative city. In spite of the difference of what was considered the "norm" in Chicago, my designs were quickly embraced, adored and purchased by plus-size women everywhere in the city and surrounding suburbs!
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| Elegant and sophisticated!!! Not to mention slimming |
Me: What are your thoughts on the current fashion industry not concentrating on the majority of the population (curvy women)?
S: Interesting, you say the majority which is absolutely true. Over 70% of American women are a size 14, but less than 20% of retailers cater to this woman, which is me and thousands of women everywhere in the USA. The human female body expands very differently after a size 8, so most designers and retailers would rather not learn how to dress it. I think the fashion industry is truly starting to open their eyes and see the mas number of women who are in need of beautiful, fashion-forward, plus-sized clothing that don't make them look larger or older AND are willing to patronize businesses who offer it! It's a new day and designers (like myself) gladly accept the challenge to dress curvaceous, plus-size women to make them look more beautiful than ever before.
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| Cute and fun, for a night out with the girls!!! |
Me: Any upcoming events, shows that you will be participating in?
S: Yes there are!!!
On March 24, I will be at the Red Pump Project at the Society Art Gallery -2140 W. Fulton Street here in Chicago. It is from 6-9 pm. Can buy tickets at link: http://www.theredpumpproject.org/2012/02/get-tickets-for-the-rock-the-red-fashion-show-hosted-by-kim-coles/
April 21, The Shavonne Dorsey Trunk show will be taking place at Boutique Larrieux at 315 N. Milwaukee in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
May 19, at the Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show at the Zhou B Art Center at 1029 W. 35th Street in Chicago.Can buy tickets at link: http://www.dangerouscurvesahead.org/
June 13-16, I will be at the New York Full Figured Fashion Week!!!!! http://www.fffweek.com/2012/home
Me: Wow you are busy!!! What are your plans for the future?
S: My plans for the future are to continue to design beautiful garments for curvaceous women in the USA and across the globe. There are plans in the works now for further business expansion in the south as well as in other national and international areas.
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| The Queen of the Curve knowing how to showcase our curves with this dress! |
Me: Where can curvy women such as myself purchase your fab designs?
To view or purchase any looks on the new spring collection (or any past designs) please call 312-636-6137 or send us an email at shavonne@shavonnedorsey.com. The designs retail from $235-$350. Each client receives free shipping and a gift with their order. For curvaceous women that are searching for a bit of exclusivity, Shavonne Dorsey Inc. also provides custom, one-of-a-kind dresses. Clients can get their own unique dresses designed exclusively for their shape. My clients are able to select from several fabric selections to create a look just for them. It is definitely one of my favorite ways to dress clients.
Me: Wow, making us feel royal too!!!! Thank you Shavonne and women everywhere are thanking you for helping put curvy on the fashion map!!!!
Stella*
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