• About
  • Advertise
  • FAQs
  • Contact
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Subscribe
The Curvy Fashionista
  • Style
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Curvy CEO
  • Shop TCF
  • Events Calendar
  • The Plus Directory
No Result
View All Result
  • Style
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Curvy CEO
  • Shop TCF
  • Events Calendar
  • The Plus Directory
No Result
View All Result
The Curvy Fashionista
No Result
View All Result

TCF Style Lounge x Ashley Stewart Fireside Chat Opens the Floor for Real Conversations in a Real Plus Size World

bricarrington by bricarrington
4 years ago
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
1
Screenshot 2021 09 14 8.05.18 PM
337
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

TCF Style Lounge did their thing hosting Ashley Stewart’s Fireside Chat, holding a thought provoking, empowering conversation about “the plus space” and the future of plus size fashion. Lloyd Boston, Chief Creative Officer for the Ashley Stewart brand, along with Actress and Social Media Influencer, Nikki Garza, Plus Size Fashion Designer, Monif Clarke, Actress and Stylist, Meaghan O’Connor, and Blogger, Influencer & Chat Moderator, Shainna Tucker were pristine in their presentations, having great synergy that validated their positions in the industry. These fashion insiders brought their open minds and personal / professional experience in predicting the future of an industry that has undergone stellar breakthroughs –  with more room for growth, elevation, and celebration. 

The posed questions were heavy, moderated by the professionally poised Shainna Tucker, who guided the panel in dissecting the fashion industry’s inclusivity and exclusivity. Lloyd Boston confidently represented Ashley Stewart, a brand that has been in existence for 30 years (this year), catering to the image and self appreciation of the plus size woman.  “Every woman in every skin identifies differently, feels differently in her clothes and accessories (and) out of her clothes and accessories…the term “plus” isn’t going anywhere.” This conversation opener about the term “plus” spoke volumes. For so many years, the plus size industry was mocked and ostracized by brands, labels and retailers. Now in 2021, crossing leaps and bounds, big names such as Ashley Stewart and plus size media outlets like TCF, have not only paved the way but have also commanded a strong stance in the fashion industry. He continues with speaking about the celebration of women in this space and the introduction of descriptions such as Curvy and Real.  

RelatedPosts

Rooftop Ready, Plus Size Perfection: Your Guide to Head-Turning Party Looks!

A Love Letter to Pari Passu: Saying Goodbye to a Luxury Trailblazer in Plus Size Fashion

Hardships to Hollywood: How Actress Leslie Black Rolled Out Her Own Red Carpet to Success

The plus size section that used to be such a segregated space in so many stores has now become “the section” of celebration of women who have learned to love the skin they are in – no matter what. Nikki Garza tackles the plus size section saying, “It has become so ingrained in my head for so many years that saying plus is not anything negative. I know who I am and where my section is.” Agreeing with her, Meaghan O’Connor concurs that she too has been “trained” to think “plus”, with the ingrained description in her head since the days of her youth. “I am proudly plus size, I love who I am through and through!” 

In a conversation such as this, it was very important to talk from both sides of the coin, celebrating the plus size community’s wins and not being oblivious to the disconnect that still exists with some brands and retailers. Nikki Garza stated that she did not understand the disconnect. “At the end of the day, there is money to be made!” was such a true, bold statement coming from this plus size actress who cannot explain the disconnect in her field as well.  O’Connor points out that the “disconnect” comes from those at the “top”, who dictate what retailers put on their racks and shelves. “The top tier brands and the larger fashion houses control the conversation…(However) We all have to wear clothing! (Fashion) is truly for everyone because we all physically have to put on clothes!” She continues to speak truthfully on how being in this plus space, it is very easy to forget how small the space truly is due to the amazing treatment from brands who love us. “It’s beyond who loves us. Not everybody is talking to each other and having the same conversation.” 

Lloyd Boston confirms this statement based on his over 30 years in the industry. He speaks about how he has seen so much and yes, it is true. “High fashion is absolutely built on an old school, outdated ideal look and feel that is attached to beauty and style. This plus size fashion world is feeling and hearing the noise around us saying “you are here”. It takes a brand to no longer subscribe to exclusivity.” 

The panel further discusses shopping discrimination and the wonderful experience of online shopping and the hopes for wonderful brick and mortar experiences. The chat was full of life and outspoken representatives who clearly, undeniably stand up for the beautiful plus size community. The questions and answers rolled in such a natural, organic way, where all who participated had an opportunity to shine and speak with positive authority. 

These conversations are just the beginning for TCF Style Lounge and Ashley Stewart who are no strangers to creating whirlwinds in the industry. The two brands go hand in hand in making strides towards showing the entire world that this community is here to stay and deserves the right to be recognized in the dynamic world of “fashion”.

Share127Tweet79
bricarrington

bricarrington

Related Posts

Out of the Storm, Into Style: Your May Wardrobe is About to Blossom
Plus Size Trends

Out of the Storm, Into Style: Your May Wardrobe is About to Blossom

by Bliss
April 17, 2025 - Updated on May 20, 2025
Accessorize to Maximize: April Showers Means Get Your Life with an Umbrella
Style News

Accessorize to Maximize: April Showers Means Get Your Life Ready with a Chic Umbrella!

by Audrey
April 17, 2025 - Updated on May 20, 2025
international plus size fashion influencer
Style News

Global Chic: 11 International Plus Size Fashion Influencers To Follow On Instagram!

by Audrey
April 16, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
spring azazie collection
Shopping

Spring Has Sprung—and So Has Azazie’s Curve-Friendly Fashion Game

by Karajuicyjohnson
April 15, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
Hanifa Spring 2025
Plus Size Designers

Hanifa’s SS25: Warning, May Cause Extreme Outfit Envy

by Marie Denee
April 4, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
Plus size maxi dresses
Shopping

Sunshine & Style: Why Plus Size Maxi Dresses Are Your Spring-to-Summer MVP

by Editorial Staff
May 19, 2025
Next Post
IMG 3234 684x1024 1

10 Standout NYFW 2021 Runway Stars and Looks

Comments 1

  1. Linda says:
    4 years ago

    I love the conversation. I am hopeful that more mature women are better represented overall in the plus-size industry through imagery.

    Reply

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

    1552 shares
    Share 617 Tweet 386
  • The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies

    2795 shares
    Share 1096 Tweet 685
  • Who Is Sara Milliken? Learn All About the 2024 National American Miss Alabama!

    458 shares
    Share 179 Tweet 112
  • On Styling a Stomach: To Tuck Or Not To Tuck

    2605 shares
    Share 358 Tweet 224
  • Get Ready to Slay the Aisle: PLUS Size Bridal Week is HERE!

    392 shares
    Share 145 Tweet 91

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
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Curvy CEO
  • Editor’s Desk
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop TCF
  • Contact
  • About The Curvy Fashionista

© 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.