A Conversation with Yuliya Raquel of IGIGI

I recently spoke with the fabulous Yuliya Raquel, designer behind IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel.  She is not your ordinary designer.  She is a very vocal advocate for the plus size movement as a whole.  From  her “ I Am Beautiful” campaign to her speaking engagements at various events, Yuliya has used her voice and talent to push the movement forward in a uniquely diverse way.

 Why marry size acceptance movement and design?

I understand what it feels like to not love yourself.  My mother went thru different sizes and no matter what size she was, the same conversation went on in her head. It is a personal thing. For me, it is important to stand for something. Designing is not entirely fulfilling in and of itself. Through my designs,  I can communicate the message. Everyone around me is beautiful,  it is all aligned with my love for design. We are deserving of our space in the world, it is inhumane to think otherwise.

How do you feel about the apparent shift in plus size presence in the media? Do you feel that it is just a trend?

It is not a trend, people outside of the movement at least are warming to the concept of inclusion.  It is time to be globally accepted. Criticizing is not empowering. We have to start with the understanding that we can’t judge ourselves. Proclaim that we are ok just as we are.  We all have to change the conversation in our head on a global level.

Why do you feel that designers are reluctant to design for plus sizes??

I feel that as a designer I design for beautiful women that just happen to wear larger sizes. It is so much easier to design for straight sized women. To design for curves, we have to understand the physiology of a woman past a size 2 or 4. The designer has to be a little smarter, more daring.  I remember in my early years in design, the garment was the most important element. IGIGI’s  focus  is about the woman wearing the garment. It is an accessory meant to drape her curves.

You are an activist in the movement as well as a designer, why do you  feel that more activists are not involved in the fight for size  acceptance in fashion?

No one ever wears nothing!  Clothing has the power to help us feel good about ourselves. Clothing is fun! We can use any tool to empower. Clothes are not the most important thing, but why not wear something that makes us feel good. It is a merely a tool. 

As someone who has participated in FFFweek in L.A. and N.Y., is there a difference in the plus climate on each coast?

Every venue is different, there are challenges as always but the most important is the intent behind the event. Gwen DeVoe has done an amazing job. She took on something so big and so grand. It was so much more than the clothes for me. I am a world wide traveler. I travel for inspiration and find it everywhere I go.

Have you thought about going retail?

Of course, everybody would love too. But we are more of a designer boutique with a more personal feel.

What was the inspiration behind your Holiday collection?

Venetian Masks of the 16^th century.  More of the women are told to cover their faces. I used it and as a metaphor on the runway. I really love everything European. I have been very influenced by it.

What can we look forward to for the upcoming Spring/Summer season?

Sex appeal! I don’t want to give away too much! It will be very sexy and smart.

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel  is giving away a $50 gift certificate  so that one lucky reader can experience her latest collection.

Rules  To Enter:

1) Follow DailyVenusDiva.com on Twitter & Facebook

2) Follow IGIGI on Facebook & Twitter.

3) Visit Igigi.com and tell us which dress you would buy if you win. (Feel free to include the link).

Contest Ends on December 26th at 11:59 EST.

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Related Articles:  

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Empower Women With ‘I Am Beautiful!
IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Releases Pre-Fall Collection During FFF Week

Features Editor, Cassandra Jones-McBryde -- Daily Venus Diva.

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Cassandra Jones-McBryde serves as Features Editor for Daily Venus Diva. She is US Director of the Fuller Women Expo, responsible for bringing together a number of outstanding local and international speakers and celebrities, seminars and workshops that attract attendees, sponsors, vendors and exhibitors from throughout North America. She also the Founder of The Fuller Woman Network which is a network of women from across the world who share our mission of self-love. Cassandra is also the co-founder and C.E.O. Pretty Girl Project, a non profit organization that helps girls realize their inner and outer beauty during critical stages of development. This is achieved by various initiatives and programs developed throughout the year. Where Are You From: I was born and raised proudly in Detroit. What were you doing before writing for DailyVenusDiva.com: I had written for a few independent online magazines until being blessed with being on the Daily Venus Diva team. What do you do for DailyVenusDiva.com: As Features Editor, I will bring news and information that resonates with our readers that effects various aspects of our lives. What does it mean to Thrive In Your Curves: It means to live unashamed of how we look, to learn not let our curves limit or dictate our destiny What is your favorite hobby: My favorite hobbies are creating initiatives that are geared to serving my community and volunteering for the same. That takes up most of my time. What is in your future: I don’t try to predict the future. I try to let God order my steps. What’s so special about DailyVenusDiva.com: A better question is what isn’t special about it! You will be hard pressed to find a site that caters to every aspect of women, that just happens to have more to love. I feel privileged to be a part of such an impactful group of women.