I’m happy to say I kicked off my fashion week celebrating a brand that I’m proud to support- Simply Be. We at LoveBrownSugar have been very vocal about the need for strong options and positive imagery within the plus size community. Christina is constantly using her platform to champion this issue vocalizing her frustrations about being on the smaller side of plus size and the need for more diversity in all aspects of the fashion industry.
Simply Be clearly feels the same as we do. They hosted a screening of an episode of America’s Next Top Model at the famed Soho House New York inviting bloggers and reporters to learn about their latest ad campaign and the beautifully uplifting messages behind it.
Read on to learn more about Simply Be and how they are looking to encourage women below.
Related: Am I Plus-Sized or Nah? My Experience #OnTheCusp
The campaign is inviting women to #SimplyBe whoever and whatever they want. Attendees posed with signs encouraging women to #SimplyBeUnique, #SimplyBeHeard and #SimplyBeSassy among others.
I tried my hand on the step and repeat posing with the sign that said to #SimplyBeFearless, I wasn’t quite glamorous as Christina in front of the camera but hey I tried to #SimplyBeMyself!
While it was great to see the brand’s offerings (including some incredibly cocktail dresses and adorable accessories) it was also wonderful to hear from those behind the direction the brand is taking and know that they really are committed to providing quality and amazing messages.
Related: 3 Ways to Rock It Fringe
Members of the Simply Be UK team were present and they passionate relayed their interest in not only tapping into the wallets of the American plus size consumer but really joining the conversation about reframing the way the plus size market is presented and reinforcing the need for positive messages relating to plus-size bodies.
In fact the entire episode of America’s Next Top Model that was screened reinforced that plus-size beauty is just beauty! The subtlety of having the contestants compete to keep up with last season’s winner who just happened to be a plus-size woman was something I never thought I would see on television.The progression of the episode was natural and didn’t seem forced at all! The focus was on her talent and her beauty NOT her waist size! In fact the two winners of the challenge and their sickening abs were competing for her affection in their frame.
I ended the night picking up some gems from the always gracious Kelly Cutrone. I had her picture on my wall in my aunt’s basement in high school and I keep her book on my nightstand so every time I get to talk to and learn from her I still pinch myself. Yes, I was one of those annoying girls obsessed with “The Hills”. Deal with it.
After the screening Simply Be gave us a sneak peek of their new commercial featuring the gorgeous Ty Alexander and amazing Kelly Augustine!
All in all it was a wonderful night that reminded me that clothing is about self expression… for the big and small.
What do you think about Simpy Be’s new campaign? Let us know by joining the conversation on social media!
-Keyaira N. Boone