Curvy Memory Lane: Milestone Events In The Last 10 Years

2000

PLUS Magazine’s Editor-At-Large Mia Amber appeared in a feature role in the comedy movie Road Trip as ‘Rhonda’. Since her film appearance, Davis has been working as a model in New York and appearing on TV to speak on the issues of being plus-sized, and on self-esteem.

2001

The decade started off with a black cloud as MODE magazine closed it’s doors. Despite having a circulation of over 600,000 at the time of it’s demise, the reasons for the magazine folding are unknown.

2002

After the demise of MODE Magazine its then Executive Editor, Ceslie Armstrong, and many of the ex-MODE staff collaborated to create Grace Magazine, which launched on May 14, 2002 as an independent quarterly publication and website under a similar concept. Grace Magazine ceased operation due to lack of funding in November 2003, after publishing just 10 issues.
In 2002, more than 200 million people worldwidewatched website playback of the Lane Bryant fashion show featuring 70s rock band KISS. In 2003, the fashion show featured MC Rosanne Barr in a cabaret setting complete with Moulin Rouge-style singers and dancers.

2003

Chenese Lewis walked away with the national title of Miss Plus America, becoming the first woman to hold the title in 2003. She made history and set the standard of excellence for the organization by being one of the most recognizable and successful queens in the organization.

2005

Queen Latifah a.k.a. Dana Owens becomes the first Plus Size woman to represent her own line of cosmetics for women of color called the CoverGirl Queen Collection and has starred in several commercials for the line.
Reality TV miniseries, Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance made it’s debut on the Oxygen network. It featured 10 plus-sized women competing in a beauty pageant to become “Miss F.A.T.,” which is explained as “Fabulous and Thick.” It is hosted by actress and comedian Mo’Nique. This curvy comedian went on to host her own radio show and talk show on BET.

2006

Launched July 1, 2006, PLUS Model Magazine becomes the premiere magazine celebrating and inspiring the plus size fashion and plus size modeling industry.

2008

Whitney Thompson became the first and only plus-size model to win the reality-based TV show America’s Next Top Model.

2009

The first ever Full Figured Fashion Week™ is launched forging a partnership between independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, Full Figured Fashion Week™ (FFFWeek) was created to increase economic development in the area of plus size fashion design, clothing merchandising and plus modeling.
Formerly VenusDivaMag.com, the all-new DailyVenusDiva.com has been redesigned from the ground-up to offer plus size readers craving plus size fashion, style, beauty and lifestyle topics, the opportunity to engage and connect with daily content dedicated exclusively to women with curves.
Mark Fast, a designer known for his sculpted mini-dresses used three real size models during London’s Fashion Week. His decision to use size 12 and 14 models created tension among others.
After the overwhelming positive response from so many readers after the now infamous Lizzie Miller photo, Glamour Magazine decided to include a photo spread which included some of today’s top Plus Models.
Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire opens to rave reviews resulting in a number of awards for the movie and lead characters Gabourey Sidibe & Monique for their riveting performances.

With progression comes setbacks and those setbacks are what make milestone moments even greater. This decade has had it’s share of ups and downs and unfortunately we couldn’t cover all of them. Thanks for walking down this Curvy Memory Lane with us and visiting the milestone moments of the last ten years. If you’re looking for a review of 2009, check out an awesome post from The Curvy Fashionista. I look forward to all of the history making events that are yet to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR DIVAS!!