Designer Spotlight: “Singer Nicci Gilbert’s New “Curvato” Collection”
There are times when being a blogger has it’s perks and now is my time. The week before New York’s “Full Figured Fashion Week” I had a rep from the clothing line, Curvato, to send me the press release for the upcoming runway show. Curvato is a new plus-size collection from Grammy nominated singer, Nicci Gilbert, formally of the group ‘Brownstone”. Brownstone was a trio girl group from the mid-90’s that were signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ records. They rose to fame with the hit singles, “If you Love Me” and “Grapevine”. Well Nicci went on to FFFWeek and took attendees by storm. Now I myself didn’t get to FFFWeek until that Saturday, so I missed Nicci’s show, but I was following all the tweets and twitpics of other bloggers and was pleasantly pleased at what I saw. During a press event Nicci had a model to wear one of her blue tie neck dresses on the red carpet and I instantly knew from that picture that I was in for a treat with the remainder of the line. Well I wasn’t disappointed, look at the brilliancy and creativity in the new Curvato collection below:
Read below Nicci’s testimonial on how she came about with the idea of creating Curvato:
During the height of my career with one of most successful girl groups in R&B, I often experienced low self esteem because of my size. Stylist often had to special order or custom make my clothing because buying fashionable clothing off the rack was not an option for me like it was for many of my peers. In my youth it was embarrassing and resulted in me making unhealthy lifestyle decisions in an effort to be more physically “attractive” and fit into skin that was not mine …
As I matured I began to realize that being healthy is more important than being pretty and that being pretty doesnt mean I had to be thin. It felt like with every new piece I had designed I also received a new peace of mind. I began to embrace my Curves along with the idea that I could inspire other full figured women to embrace theirs…
Curvato plus size clothing was inspired by my personal 18 year struggle as a full figured woman in the entertainment industry. Curvato is the result of many years of hits and misses in my quest to design clothing that would compliment not cover. My goal is to appeal to women who have discovered that being beautiful, sexy and empowered is only enhanced by clothing and style not created by it.
Simply Put Curvato Clothing is made to Compliment A REAL Woman’s Curves and to Inspire Real Women’s Empowerment
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Be on the lookout for Nicci in TV One’s new reality show, “R & B Divas”, debuting August 20th
Nicci’s cast members, Faith Evan, Monifah, KeKe Wyatt and Syleena Johnson all came out to FFFWeek to support her new endeavor
LOVELY STUFF
I really love all the clothes that I have seen so far..Nicci has done an amazing job for the curvy woman..I applaud her so much..can’t wait to be able to buy in stores or order online!
Luv u Nicci thanks for the styles….. Thanks for the exposure and eye opener!!!! Becuz the world need it….
I am so excited about the Curvato clothin line for sexy and curvy plus sized females… It is good that we have strong black women in the industry supporting and putting us big sexy curvy powerful bodies on display!! Its about time and im a true supporter and fan!!! Thanks ladies and I am interested in tryouts in chicago!!!! Let me know please!!!
I love ur clothing line I’m size 16 and it’s hard to find sexy sensual clothing and u hit it on the dot thank you !!!!!!
Are you having anymore auditions for Curvato, when and where can I send a cover shot, facial and full body
I just watched R&B Divas for the first time, Tuesday, August 28. I can only fantasize how AMAZING it would have been to have been present at your debut Curvato fashion show and even more fabulous to have been able to participate. I am a plus-size curvatious 46 year old that would be honored to have graced the stage with your whole collection. I live in Dayton Ohio. Your line and everyone present was absolutely gorgeous. You are Blessed and Highly Favored that is a “given.” On any given day I self-destruct and put my self down and feel not accepted because of my weight. I love the way you encouraged the ladies with positive affirmations because I work on my self-esteem and self-worth with positive affirmations daily. I work on accepting compliments with just a simple Thank You instead trying to find and/or point out my flaws. As I mature I am learning the God made me just the He wanted me to be; therefore , I AM UNIQUE!