American plus-size retail chain Lane Bryant rocked the runway at New York’s Roseland Ballroom on Tuesday, with a fashion collection that proved big is a lot more than beautiful – it’s sexy, too.
The show included a range of famous names from the world of showbiz and modelling, such as blonde bombshell Anna Nicole Smith, R&B diva Kelly Price, and actress Liv Tyler’s sister Mia. Male supermodels Tyson Beckford and Marcus Schenkenberg filled the role of arm candy for the larger-than-life ladies, and rock band Kiss provided the music.
Actress Carrie Otis, in her first plus-size fashion show, said: “What’s shown in most magazines is the minority. The majority of us are larger-sized.”
Lane Bryant is the largest retailer of plus-size fashion in the world and the show – a traditional appetizer for New York Fashion Week – was a mix of Spring-Summer 2002 intimate apparel and sportswear. The styles were diverse, ranging from traditional rock chic corsets and suspenders, to gypsy ruffles and the safari look.
The models took to the catwalk in chiffon blouses in aqua and flesh tones, low-slung jeans with lacy one-strap tops, be-ribboned bras, and knickers with feather and fringe decoration.
The dramatic all-black finale stole the show with a line-up which included sequins, ruffles, ribbons, lace, fringing, studs and floral prints.
Lane Bryant designs are only available in the US at the moment, although the company is considering expanding into the UK.
New York Fashion Week begins on February 8.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
