What makes your style stand out?

My style is eclectic and maximalist while remaining chic (scroll to end of page to see!). Think: The Ritz with a rocker edge. Bowie meets Bardot. If done correctly, I think leopard is a neutral. Being short and plus size, it takes a lot more effort to curate that style, yet that’s the fun of it! Society doesn’t equate a size 2x with haute couture flair, so my style automatically stands out. I want to break down barriers in fashion and blaze a trail for more diversity in the industry and media.

What’s your dream fashion moment?

It would be a dream to be featured in a high fashion editorial because you can’t be what you can’t see. 68% of women are plus size and yet we are still woefully underrepresented in runways and magazines. All people of all bodies deserve to participate in “aspirational fashion”- those fantastic sartorial artworks afforded to sample size models and celebrities. We are glamorous and worthy, yet are mostly left out by the fashion industry.

What would you do with $20,000?

I currently have a small atelier comprised of a diverse group of local artisans. I am committed to fair wage fashion, bolstering the embattled NYC garment district, and donating partial profits to charities that help women in small businesses, and marginalized communities like LGBT, BIPOC, as well as folks with invisible disabilities like myself. $20k could greatly help expand my mission-based business and help reach more underserved people of all genders who are in bigger bodies.