Meet Jasmine Elder, the Designer Behind the Plus Size Contemporary Line, Jibri

Today, we are sharing a new interview with Curvy Boss, Jasmine Elder! As we have added new collections for each season, one we are always looking forward to is Jibri.  Have you heard of this plus size line? Jibri, this contemporary plus size line, is fashioned by the OG designer, Jasmine Elder.

Designed for the fashion conscious curvy woman, Jibri brings an amazing combination of high fashion chic and urban street sleek to the daring Curvy.Confident.Chic. Fashionista!

I had the pleasure to catch up with the lovely Jasmine and ask some questions about her line and what we can expect for Fall! Please read on as I introduce to some and share with others, Miss Jasmine Elder:

An Interview with the Woman behind Jibri, Jasmine Elder

So, as I ask with all my interviews, who are you wearing today?

I’m actually wearing a JIBRI fall dress sample. I’m my own dress form for some of my first round samples. I actually took a break from working on it to talk with you! (Smiling)

I am loving your style! What is the concept behind Jibri?

JIBRI is all about glamour. Glamour is incredible because it comes in such a wide array of themes. Power Glamour can say Grace Jones or Joan Crawford. Feminine Glamour can say Holly Golightly or Betty Boop. Sexy Glamour can say Betty Page or Barbie.

Jibri is a combination of stylish and timeless pieces that a woman just loves to wear. JIBRI is a line that always has something that’s just alluring and sophisticated something that can be integrated into the wardrobe for no particular reason-something that helps create the look from our dreams-That’s Jibri.

Was your line always for the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Fashionistas?

JIBRI has always been for the curvy fashionista; however, my original work as a designer was not catered towards the plus size market. I made the decision to focus on JIBRI as a plus line exclusively in 2006.

How did you enter into designing?

I’ve been creating my own garments since I was a kid so I think that is something that has always been a part of me. When I was in high school, I’d stay up every night making some crazy overly costumed get up (Dresses made from pennies-skirts covered in rhinestones etc). I was basically a club kid in Georgia (which was hilarious on so many levels).

I met a friend who had her clothes custom made by this designer named JIBRI MANN. I was immediately drawn to him.

He taught me to really construct a garment. He taught me to make patterns–He taught me so many things including the fact that it was necessary that I never ever stop dreaming big dreams. (Corny I know but that’s exactly what he’d say).

A whirlwind of events (including fashion study in NY and Europe) lead me back to my sewing machine after an almost 10 year break and I started the line aptly named, JIBRI.

I am the hugest fan of the mustard high waist skirt with the ruffle blouse! What is your favorite item from your collection?

I love the cocktail dresses. The flirty femininity always makes the woman wearing it bat her eyelashes.

Where do you pull your inspiration from?

I love to travel so I definitely pick up a lot of inspiration that way. I’m also inspired by vintage cinema, music, art, powerful female figures and underground culture.

If you could design for any one celebrity, who would it be?

JILL SCOTT!! I think she is so beautiful inside and out and I would love to put my spin on her look.

What events can we find you and Jibri?

I recently showed at The Vogue in Atlanta and Celebration of Curves in Charlotte, NC. JIBRI will be shown at Project Curve Appeal in Atlanta on May 9th, the 2nd Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style Event in Atlanta May 16th, a fashion benefit hosted by H.S.B., Taindo & LISTA in Brooklyn NY in July, & the insanely Fabulous- Fashion with a Cause event in NJ in August.

What are your thoughts on the Plus Size Fashion Industry?

I’m actually really impressed that designers are starting to expand to plus sizes. Plus sized clothing is definitely a lot “sexier” than it used to be, but it’s still a void in fashionable pieces that say “chic”.

I’m eager to see the industry embrace and appreciate fabulous fit and quality construction. Overall, the industry is growing at an astonishing rate and that makes me happy.

What design inspirations do you have planned for Fall?

As I said earlier, I draw a lot of inspiration from the past and mix it with a modern twist. The inspiration for my Fall collection is no different.

I took a look at today’s insistence on practicality and worked with a blend of Urban Rationality and Modern Gloss. I’m working with mineral and diffused metallic colors along with graphic prints. My fabrics are functional, but luxurious.

The silhouettes are sensuous but structured. Think Grace Jones meets Grace Kelly.

What words of encouragement can you leave for the plus size woman?

Don’t be afraid to be glamorous. The rest of the world is wearing boring jeans and T-shirts. Blah!

Life is too short to blend in.

Cannot wait to get your hands on it? Check out Jibri here!

What do you think? What is your favorite piece? I am in LOVE!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic!