• About
  • Advertise
  • FAQs
  • Contact
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Subscribe
The Curvy Fashionista
  • Style
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Curvy CEO
  • Shop TCF
  • Events Calendar
    • Add Your Event
  • The Plus Directory
No Result
View All Result
  • Style
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Curvy CEO
  • Shop TCF
  • Events Calendar
    • Add Your Event
  • The Plus Directory
No Result
View All Result
The Curvy Fashionista
No Result
View All Result

From Frustration to Red Carpet: How Plus Size Designer Melissa Mercedes is Creating Her Own Lane

What started as a frustrating search for the perfect gown has turned into a groundbreaking fashion journey for Melissa Mercedes. Determined to break the mold in an industry that often overlooks plus size women, Melissa has risen from a fitting room disappointment to the red carpet, where her designs are empowering women of all sizes to feel seen, stylish, and celebrated.

Marie Denee by Marie Denee
7 months ago
- Last edited by: Marie Denee -
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
Interview with indie plus size designer- Melissa Mercedes
374
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Melissa Mercedes’ rise as an indie plus size designer began not with fanfare, but with frustration. Like many plus size women, she found herself stuck in the endless loop of ill-fitting, uninspired formalwear while preparing for a high-profile event—the Latin Grammys. “Nothing seemed to fit right, and the gowns I found lacked the style and elegance I craved,” Melissa recalls. This moment of disappointment, however, became the catalyst for her journey.

Rather than resign herself to the limited choices available, Melissa Mercedes was sparked by the realization that countless women shared her frustration. “I refused to let that be the norm anymore,” she says. With determination in her heart, she set out to design a collection of gowns that would empower plus size women to feel confident, seen, and stylish.

Interview with indie plus size designer- Melissa Mercedes
Image via Jillian P Fenning Photography

Building a business in an industry notorious for sidelining extended sizing was no easy feat. Melissa faced immediate challenges, not only in terms of representation but also resources. “Many manufacturers and suppliers weren’t equipped to handle extended sizing,” she explains. But instead of giving up, she leaned into building strong relationships with the few manufacturers who understood her vision. “What kept me motivated was my passion for empowering women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin,” she shares, noting that seeing the impact of her designs on her clients helped fuel her commitment.

RelatedPosts

Luxury in Your Size? Yes, Please. BAACAL’s Plus Size Sample Sale Is the Sip & Shop of the Season

BAACAL x BECCA: A Love Letter to Plus Size Women

Unlock Your Poolside Glam: 15 Plus Size Swim Cover Ups for the Ultimate Summer Style!

Melissa’s approach to breaking through visibility barriers was equally thoughtful and strategic. In an industry where plus size collections often struggle for acknowledgment, she focused on creating standout, high-quality pieces that resonated with her audience.

Interview with indie plus size designer- Melissa Mercedes
Image via Jillian P Fenning Photography

Word of mouth, influencer collaborations, and sheer authenticity behind her work propelled her brand to new heights, leading to the type of success many designers only dream about: the red carpet.

Designing for celebrities brought new opportunities and a spotlight on her work, but she never lost sight of her initial goal: to break boundaries in plus size fashion. “I wanted to ensure that every woman wearing my pieces felt as glamorous and confident as any other celebrity on the red carpet,” Melissa says, recalling the meticulous attention she gave each gown.

Interview with indie plus size designer- Melissa Mercedes
Image via Jillian P Fenning Photography

“Every setback has made me stronger, more determined, and more connected to my purpose.”

Melissa Mercedes

From fabric choices to structure and movement, she ensured that her designs celebrated the woman wearing them, no matter her size. These high-profile moments, like her Melissa Mercedes x ELOQUII collection, solidified her brand as one that not only embraces plus size options but also sets a high bar for fashion-forward, elegant designs for all.

Interview with indie plus size designer- Melissa Mercedes
Image via Jillian P Fenning Photography

However, her journey hasn’t been without its hardships. One particularly tough moment came when a critical manufacturer pulled out right before a custom gown was due for a celebrity client. “I remember feeling overwhelmed and defeated, like everything I had worked so hard for was slipping away,” Melissa admits. But rather than succumb to the pressure, she pushed through, finding a solution, and in the process, discovering her own resilience. “Every setback has made me stronger, more determined, and more connected to my purpose.”

Interview with indie plus size designer- Melissa Mercedes
Image via Jillian P Fenning Photography

Melissa Mercedes’ resilience shone through when she broke her arm during a crucial time in her business. Unable to handle the hands-on work she was used to, she had to rely on others and delegate responsibilities, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “It forced me to develop new systems for communication and project management,” she reflects. This experience not only taught her the value of teamwork but also solidified her belief in perseverance.

Winning The Cultivate Awards was a crowning moment for Melissa, not only providing her with a platform but also validating her tireless work in the plus size fashion space. “It wasn’t just about the recognition—it was about the validation of all the hard work, dedication, and belief in the power of inclusive fashion,” she says. The visibility and platform that followed allowed her designs to reach even more women, solidifying her status as a power player in the industry.

You can learn more and shop the Melissa Mercedes collection at Melissa-Mercedes.com

As she looks back, Melissa’s advice to emerging designers is clear: “Cultivate an unwavering resilience.” The fashion world, especially for plus size designers, presents unique challenges, but Melissa’s journey proves that perseverance and passion can overcome the toughest barriers.

Tags: contemporary plus size fashionindie plus size designerLA Plus Size Fashionmelissa mercedes
Share142Tweet89
Marie Denee

Marie Denee

Marie Denee is a digital marketing strategist, media aficionado, and plus size fashion pioneer. Known as the “walking wiki of plus-size fashion,” Marie has spent over two decades empowering women to celebrate their curves while reshaping the paradigm of fashion norms. In 2008, she launched The Curvy Fashionista, a leading plus-size digital media platform, in response to systemic issues within plus-size fashion, including poor merchandising, back-of-store placement, and a lack of size-inclusive design expertise. As Editor-in-Chief, Marie and her team curate plus size wardrobe and style options from top fashion brands, deliver inclusive news content, and host community-centered events virtually and in person.

Related Posts

BAACAL SHAPES + MAXEY GREENE
Plus Size Events

Luxury in Your Size? Yes, Please. BAACAL’s Plus Size Sample Sale Is the Sip & Shop of the Season

by Editorial Staff
May 2, 2025 - Updated on May 5, 2025
City Chic Bridal
Features

Get Ready to Slay the Aisle: PLUS Size Bridal Week is HERE!

by Editorial Staff
May 5, 2025
Shot by plus size photographer, Suma Jane Dark
Business of Plus

Strike a Pose! Here are 10 Plus Size Fashion Photographers to Know & Watch!

by Brianne
March 25, 2025 - Updated on April 25, 2025
PHAT Girl Fresh Presents Lifestyled 2017
Plus Size Events

Around Town: PHAT Girl Fresh Presents: Lifestyled

by Marie Denee
May 8, 2017 - Updated on April 24, 2025
IMG 6455
Plus Size Events

#TCFTurns4 Cause We Like To Partayyy!

by Marie Denee
January 8, 2013 - Updated on April 24, 2025
My Makeup from PROliphic Beauty
Beauty

Face: My Face Was Beat- Thanks to PROliphic Beauty

by Marie Denee
January 8, 2013 - Updated on April 24, 2025
Next Post
Panel discussions at FWCurve

FWCurve Runway: Max Dixon's Vision Elevates Columbus as a Plus Size Fashion Powerhouse

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

What are you looking for?

No Result
View All Result

What's Popular Now

  • What plus-size people actually wore to NYFW

    What Plus Size People Actually Wore To New York Fashion Week

    1467 shares
    Share 583 Tweet 364
  • The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies

    2614 shares
    Share 1024 Tweet 640
  • Plus Size Little White Dress: Your Spring Style? We Just Upgraded It

    408 shares
    Share 158 Tweet 99
  • Black Plus Size Influencers over 40 Who Are Bringing ALL the Style

    493 shares
    Share 195 Tweet 122
  • Ditch the Diet Culture: 5 Fierce Plus Size Fitness Influencers You Need on Your Timeline

    398 shares
    Share 159 Tweet 99

The Curvy Fashionista is THE plus size fashion media platform dedicated to celebrating plus size folks with curves, confidence, style, and smarts; covering the latest in plus size fashion news.

Company

  • About
  • Team TCF
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Contact

Info

  • Plus Size FAQs
  • Plus Size Resources
  • Privacy 
  • Sitemap
No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • FAQs
  • Contact

© 2008- 2025 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.