By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Notification Show More
Aa
  • News
    News
    Looking the the latest plus size fashion and industry news around designers, influencers, and community happenings? We’ve got you covered with the latest happenings in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves!
    9 years ago
    nordstrom size inclusive
    What’s Missing as Nordstrom (and others) Takes Note of Us, the Plus Size Consumer
    6 years ago
    Latest News
    GLAMOROUS Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe || Interview with Suzanne Vinnik, Founder of byVINNIK
    2 weeks ago
    Thank Us Later! We’ve Found the 100 BEST Plus Size Swimsuits Under $100!
    2 weeks ago
    Hittin’ the Beach? Check Out These Fun and Sexy 23 Plus Size Swim Cover Ups!
    3 weeks ago
    26 Super Sexy Plus Size Two-Piece Swimwear That Your Curves Need Now!
    3 weeks ago
  • Style
    Style
    Yes, plus size style options exist and we are here to share the latest style finds, news, updates, and plus size style tips & tricks…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    10 years ago
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    10 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    How to Wear (and OWN) Plus Size Floral Prints in 2023
    2 days ago
    All About The Plus Bus || An Interview with Fabulous Founders, Marcy & Jen
    2 weeks ago
    Hittin’ the Beach? Check Out These Fun and Sexy 23 Plus Size Swim Cover Ups!
    3 weeks ago
    26 Super Sexy Plus Size Two-Piece Swimwear That Your Curves Need Now!
    3 weeks ago
  • Beauty
    Beauty
    Looking for the latest beauty trends, products, and makeup tips and beauty advice for plus size people?! Check out the latest beauty articles on The…
    Show More
    Top News
    Wearing Make-Up To Work, A Bad Thing?
    10 years ago
    10 Products to Fight Chub Rub
    It’s Chub Rub Season—10 Products To Battle It
    6 years ago
    PrescriptivesCustom Blend Foundation
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Prescriptives!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    I Survived Going to a (fully nude) Korean Spa as a Plus Size Babe!
    1 week ago
    The Best 2023 Planners to Keep You Organized and Help You Reach Your Goals!
    5 months ago
    13 Last Minute Beauty Gifts Everyone is Sure to Love
    5 months ago
    TCF Gift Guide: 15 Beauty Stocking Stuffers to Wow and Amaze Your Loved Ones!
    6 months ago
  • Wellness
    Wellness
    Let’s talk about self-care, self-love, body image, and related topics to wellness and life as a plus size person!
    Show More
    Top News
    Torrid's Feature of Tiffany from On The Fatwalk
    The Enabling of Self Loathers and Shame – A Facebook Observation of Torrid
    11 years ago
    Rescue Stress relief
    Finding My Own Rescue Remedy & Taking Better Care of Myself…
    7 years ago
    Plus Size Lingerie: Hips and Curves
    Confidence, Sex, and the Plus Size Woman pt.1
    11 years ago
    Latest News
    Leave Some For Me! Why Viral Trends are Harming the Plus Size Community
    2 days ago
    Changing Focus to Celebrate Joyful Movement
    1 week ago
    The Plus Strut 5K is Back!
    1 month ago
    6 Tips for Finding a Fat Positive Doctor
    1 month ago
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle
    There is so much more to a plus size fashion lover and we are highlighting the various topics from home, to dating and beyond in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Open Letter Tim Gunn
    An Open Letter: Dear Tim Gunn, Let’s Make It Work
    10 years ago
    2017 MTV Move & TV Awards, chrissy metz, plus size celebrity
    ‘I Wear What I Want, When I Want’: Chrissy Metz Slays In Red at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
    6 years ago
    Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    Plus Size Art: Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    6 years ago
    Latest News
    Changing Focus to Celebrate Joyful Movement
    1 week ago
    I Survived Going to a (fully nude) Korean Spa as a Plus Size Babe!
    1 week ago
    Plus Size and Pregnant? Yay!! Here’s Where to Shop for the BEST Plus Size Maternity Swimsuits
    1 month ago
    6 Tips for Finding a Fat Positive Doctor
    1 month ago
  • Culture
    Culture
    Yes there is a plus size culture and we are here to share and celebrate it from entertainment to movies, we are talking about it!…
    Show More
    Top News
    25 women of color e1615188552216
    25 Women Of Color Who Paved The Way for Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
    2 years ago
    Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….
    11 years ago
    Plus+ Coffee table book
    Because We Love a Great Book, Here are 30+ Plus Size Centered Must-Reads! 
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    Hollywood Needs to Follow Suit: The Harmful Use of Fatsuits in Media
    1 month ago
    Get To Know The Big Grrrls Cast! The Plus Size Dancers Competing For A Spot On Stage.
    1 year ago
    6 Easy Date Ideas For Every Budget
    1 year ago
    The Unfiltered Brilliance of Ryan Ken Acts
    1 year ago
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
Search TCF
More
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
  • Curvy & Plus Size Fashion Resources
  • About The Curvy Fashionista
  • Advertising
  • Contact
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Reading: An interview with the Fearless Designer, Monif C.
Aa
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
  • News
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Culture
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
Search TCF
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • Contact
Sign In Sign In
Follow US
  • Login
  • Community Guidelines
  • Style Star Ambassadors
  • TCFStyle Influencer Network
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
© 2008- 2021 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Interviews

An interview with the Fearless Designer, Monif C.

Marie Denee
Last updated: 04/20/2009
By Marie Denee 14 Min Read
Share
An interview with Monif C
An interview with Monif C

We have been so fortunate to bring you close and personal insights and interviews with some of the Plus Size Industry‘ s most fashionable designers, with many to come, but today, we are introducing to you, Monif C!

This designer is one whose passions and innate designing abilities have led her to bring to the forefront just how sexy, sophisticated, and fashionable your curves are and can be!

- Advertisement -

Let us introduce to you and share with others, Miss Monif C.

Sea by Monif C Campaign
Sea by Monif C Campaign

Do you know who Monif C. is?

I mean really? This contemporary plus size designer also was one of the BET’s Rip the Runway designers who starred in both years’ “Size Sexy ” segment and spotlighted in TLC’s What Not to Wear!

I had the amazing pleasure of chatting it up with this passionate, vivacious, and confident for an up-close and personal interview with Miss Monif C.

- Advertisement -
Plus Size Designer, Monif C Turns ten
Plus Size Designer, Monif C Turns ten

Please read on to glimpse into the life of an amazingly busy and talented designer bringing it for the plus size fashion lover.

I must say that we chatted for a while, with our conversation going all over the place, laughing and smiling all the way!

How are you today?
I am doing good enjoying the first off day in a very long time! (laughing) Actually, I just got off the phone talking with my production team, so I guess I really haven’t had a day off!

Oh wow! Okay, so hopefully I will make this fun for you, tell me what and who are you wearing right now?
I have on one of my dresses. (Giggling) I converted it to a housecoat right now! It is just so comfortable! You know, I tend to abuse my clothes- not recommend. But, I live in my dresses!

- Advertisement -
Monif C Plus Sizes Bridgette Cape Back Maxi Dress in Nude
Monif C Plus Sizes Bridgette Cape Back Maxi Dress in Nude

Funny you say that, I must let you know that I am a huge, huge dress fan of yours. Most of my wardrobe consists of maxi dresses! I am in LOVE with the Dazzling Dress!

(Laughing) You know what? The design of the dresses happen organically I remember saying, I wish I could do a whole line of dresses by the end of my first two seasons, my dresses sold out and only tops and bottoms were left.


Really? That’s interesting!
You know, I like to be free I feel so confined in bottoms and I think that the customers read our minds. The best thing is to design what my aesthetic is and be comfortable with it.
I rarely wear jeans- rarely. It’s just not my thing… No jeans, but I will wear leggings in hot second’ rarely jeans I feel that dresses elongate me, I am 5’9″with nothing but chest and legs, no behind, just chest and legs! I feel everything else cuts me in a funny way. That is why I wear dresses!

I know this may be a bit cliche, but, I have noticed that many women in the Plus Size business were models first, Have you ever been a model?
I have never modeled. Never had a desire even before then but I have been asked that before!

Monif C Campaign
Monif C Campaign

Really? So then, how did you get started?
You know what, you think you have a plan, and then a monkey wrench comes. Something most do not know is that I have a degree in math and computer science. I was Corporate. I ran a nonprofit in Harlem and I left that and had all intentions to go back after the summer of 2003.

So, I took the summer off, and September and October came with no job. My mother encouragingly suggested that maybe there is a bigger purpose for you, and after a while, I realized that there was something greater.

This realization came through a visit to family in London. I went to visit a cousin, who, used to run a boutique. She had such a passion for clothes! As she took me around to visit her connects in the industry, my wheels started turning, thinking that these designs would be great in Plus Sizes! (I love European fashion!)

After talking with my cousin, she suggested that I do it! Well, one thing led to another, and I said to my mom- I want to be a fashion designer. This was in 2004 and a year later 9/12/05, Monif C was launched. I liken it to a miracle, one day I was doing one thing another day I was doing another!

With that, I immersed myself in the industry. Anything related in fashion, I was there! I met great people who helped me along the way, and it has grown from there! I truly feel every experience you have gets you to the next point.

I know that a trip to Europe in 2004 and frustration with the plus size market prompted you to start designing her own line.

Swim On a Budget? Shop These Plus Size Swim Deals & Steals

Monif C. Cape Verde Cape Verde High Cut Suit

You are an inspiration, pursuing your dreams and passions! You convey that and such confidence through your designs, what do you have in mind as you design?
It’s because I am not trying to cover the curves, not hide them but enhance them. If you dress your body correctly, I think that plus size women are the hottest women out there.

I like to design while keeping the sense of sophistication. Exuding sophisticated sexy. When one of my girls puts on a Monif C. Dress, I want them to feel like It’s Showtime or say that’s a bad dress!

I love to make statement pieces. I design them to show plus size women, yes, You can look this fantastic!

Monif C Spring Plus Size Rompers
Monif C Spring Plus Size Rompers

Oh! I love it! Your passion has me excited! So, okay, where do you see Monif C. in five years?
Well, multiple stores in the US and internationally. I think it is important that my girls can get a piece of Monif C. in their city. I want them to know that if they want a fantastic dress, they can go out and have that experience. I have been successful producing items that make women look and feel good.  I want to give that to everyone.

Let me know the moment you open one on the West Coast, and I am there!

One place I want to be is Curvy Girls at Sea! Can you share more about this?
Curvy Girls at Sea was born before I started doing trunk shows. We have a lot of women who are coming, and if they are still interested, they can still sign up! We are going to have a fashion show on Bermuda! It is going to be an awesome trip!

You see, Monif C. is a brand, a lifestyle of the vivacious, fun, sophisticated, plus size woman who travels. When I read in the media who aren’t happy about their curves, I am even more inspired to show that Plus Size women live a Hot and happening lifestyle.

I feel it is important to show women who love themselves! We are always looking for ways for women to come out and celebrate, and we plan to expand!

Knowing you are a busy lady, I must know, what are you working on now?
I am working on bringing out a few more styles for the summer, and finalizing those. In addition to that, I am preparing for fall, but in the meantime, I am doing a few trunk shows!
My first one in D.C. for a private event, and May 16th I will be at Strut boutique at the Houston Galleria Mall with my industry BFF, Gayla Bentley . I will be in Atlanta and I will be doing an event in New Orleans over July 4th weekend, for the Essence Music Festival.

contemporary plus size fashion- Monif C
Monif C Spring 2014 Collection

I am dying to know, always trying to plug the West Coast, do you have any plans on doing anything on the West Coast soon? Any Cali love?
Well, there has been great response to my line, but the question is where to do it? SF? LA? We would love to! I have some things in the making, so keep posted!

Even if it is LA, I am nothing but an hour flight away! (Laughing)

Okay, Okay, switching subjects, you know, I have felt an undercurrent, a shift, or movement, if I may in the Plus Size Industry, do you feel it and what are your thoughts?
I definitely do and you know what? It is interesting because I see a shift, although I don’t know what it is. There was a period of time, when I came out, that there were a couple of designers, Svoboda and Abby Z, and now things are picking up again. I do hope it is a sustained one.

However, what I feel the biggest hurdles are, are the buyers of the department stores. While there can be many designers who come out, it are these buyers of the department stores who make it difficult.

The energy can be there, but we have to find a way in the community to sustain, not just a feel good moment, but a sustained movement. I hope that, at some point, we can find a way to get and pull together even if mainstream does not support us.
Interesting point about the buyers, I have heard that call out before.

Monif C Lingerie- Plus Size Lingerie Sexy Bodysuit
Monif C Lingerie- Plus Size Lingerie Sexy Bodysuit

So, Miss Monif, If you could say anything:
First thing that comes to my head, there are tons of options out there, although it may not seem like it. Even if all you have are the stores such as Lane Bryant, Dots, and Ashley Stewart, that is all you see, so you think that is all that are out there, but there are designers out there.

All you have to do is a little bit of digging. Do not be afraid of contacting the designer! There are options!

Whatever you do, support all plus size designers, even if its clearance! Try it on and do your best to support, even by sending a nice email. We love positive feedback and nice suggestions, as this helps a lot. I would also stress, again, please find any way to support those who are trying to support the community

Also, don’t limit yourself to what you can wear step out of your comfort zone! Fashion is supposed to be fun, not about what you can and cannot wear!

Thank Miss Monif C. it has been a pleasure! Next time I am in NYC, I am coming to see you!
Just give me a call or email and let me know so I can be there for your first experience!

You can Shop Monif C at Etsy.com/shop/monifclingerie

Okay, so at this time, I am giddy and elated with meeting such an inspirational and vivacious (love that word and perfectly befitting of Monif C.) designer who shares such a passion for plus size fashion as we do!

So, what did you think? What are your thoughts?

Please share and leave a comment!

What item are you running out to get from Monif C. Plus Sizes?

TAGGED: Monif C., plus size designers, plus size fashion
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
By Marie Denee Founder & Editor in Chief
Follow:
Marie Denee is the founder and Editor in Chief of the digital plus size media platform, The Curvy Fashionista. With over 11 years of prior retail and management experience and her MBA in Marketing, Marie often is sought after for her industry knowledge, marketing expertise, and the ins and outs of plus size fashion.
6 Comments 6 Comments
  • Heart's Desire Jewelry says:
    April 20, 2009 at 11:41 pm

    I have to agree – I love her dresses! I have been a dress gal since birth and I am always looking for stylish flattering pieces to wear. Thanks for sharing the real Monif C with us 🙂

    Reply
  • Priscilla says:
    April 21, 2009 at 12:10 am

    Girl I loved it. I was able to get my first Monif C piece on clearance (a sistah loves a sale) and have been on her every since.

    I love the fact that she is interested in supporting the movement of all plus size designers. I think if the plus community can sustain itself we wouldn’t have to worry with what the buyers are or aren’t doing.

    Love your articles girl, one of the few blogs I actually read.
    Prissi

    Reply
  • thefatandskinnyonfashion says:
    April 21, 2009 at 12:26 am

    I love her. Her clothes are so fab. GREAT post!

    Reply
  • Eyeliah @ stylesymmetry.com says:
    April 24, 2009 at 7:03 am

    very flattering clothes, and still stylish – so hard to find and important!

    Reply
  • Erika says:
    April 26, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    Fabulous interview! These clothes are breathtaking – love the bright colors!

    Reply
  • Jeanette says:
    May 7, 2009 at 4:45 am

    I met Monif C this past Saturday. She is really nice and her staff that was with her at the trunk show in DC are really nice too. I love my dress and I haven’t even worn it yet…lol. I like her demeanor and presence so i will def go back to her because of that. I am goin to get the Marilyn convertible dress again but the longer one this time. Def invest in something like this…If you gain or lose weight you can still wear the dress. PRICELESS

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

leave some for me plus size thrifting - @theplusbus
Body Politics

Leave Some For Me! Why Viral Trends are Harming the Plus Size Community

- Advertisement -

You May Also Enjoy

Chouette Designs Photographed by Wildflower Photography
Accessories

Ethical Plus Size Engagement Rings: Custom Rings with Chouette Designs | LGBT-Owned Jewelry Brand

Brianne By Brianne
“I Lombardi” Parisian Coat & Red Flower Belt - byVINNI
Fashion and Industry

GLAMOROUS Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe || Interview with Suzanne Vinnik, Founder of byVINNIK

Brianne By Brianne
Photo c/o The Plus Bus
Fashion+Style

All About The Plus Bus || An Interview with Fabulous Founders, Marcy & Jen

Brianne By Brianne
Plus Size Swim Cover Ups - ELOQUII
#TCFStyle

Hittin’ the Beach? Check Out These Fun and Sexy 23 Plus Size Swim Cover Ups!

By
Harlow and Fox- plus size luxury lingerie
Above 3X

5 Brands for Luxury Plus Size Lingerie- Yes, they DO Exist!

Source Du Mal By Source Du Mal
Crushed Velvet Peach Robe- mustard- plus size robes
Fashion+Style

“I Love Being Hot and Fat!” You Oughta Know: Peridot Robes

Brianne By Brianne
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Reading: An interview with the Fearless Designer, Monif C.
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Follow US
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
The Curvy Fashionista Logo
Welcome Back!

Please Sign in to Your Account

Lost your password?