There are certain people that just have it. They are intriguing for just being themselves. They are grateful and it shows. They display a level of humility that makes you wonder if they’re really who they say they are and they receive blessings abundantly. Tennille White has IT!!
On Monday, March 21st Tennille’s brand of femininity will grace the curves of some of your favorite plus size models as she returns to BET’s Rip The Runway. As a woman in the spotlight, I was excited when she confessed that she was a HUGE fan of DailyVenusDiva.com which she affectionately calls DVD. This charismatic, goal driven and thankful designer even gave us the inside scoop on some great news.
I hope you enjoy this interview just as much as I enjoyed speaking with Tennille.
What is the theme of your current collection that you’re showing on Rip The Runway (RTR)?
We started designing for spring last February and what was so amazing is that the theme of the actual show is Carnival. So when you think of Carnival you think of a lot of bright colors and it totally worked. When I’m designing I don’t have a theme in mind, I usually go on vacation and let the fabric inspire me. So I don’t usually have a theme but the theme of the show is Carnival.
Which elements of the Carnival theme did you incorporate into your collection?
It was so funny because I just got the theme a few months ago. I got it right before we started shooting and everything worked. I had no idea, it was just God because it just worked perfectly. What I tried to do was really drive home the it factor and punch up the colors. There’s a lot of color in this collection.
Are the pieces that we see on RTR ready to wear or custom pieces for the show?
Everything is ready to wear. Everything is available online. Our new site is going to actually launch at the same time that the show airs which is 8pm CST. All of the looks will be available. We’re kind of revamping the website to make it much more user friendly because in my opinion it isn’t now. I want someone that has never used the computer before can go right on and find everything that they’re looking for and be able to shopping really easily.
So you’re going to be on BET, unveiling a brand new collection and re-releasing a new website all at the same time?
Yes, will you take that deep breath for me. LOL
You have a lot going on.
Yeah, but you know what, this is business. This is the experience of a lifetime. You don’t get this opportunity so I have to maximize it.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
I LOVE Plus size women!! Oftentimes it’s an underserved market. When you can take someone who may not feel good about their body and you know these are the things that they might feel insecure about so let’s grace over some of those things and accentuate it. When they wear this dress and walk into a room they will feel just as fabulous as a size 2. When you can pull that out of someone with something as simple as design there is no better feeling.
I had a customer who called me from the bathroom of a wedding in tears because she had never received so many compliments before in her life. This is a 50 year old woman.
What is your favorite part about being on RTR?
OMG! I really love working with everybody. It is such an AMAZING environment. To be around all of the Executive Producers….I mean they’re brilliant, they’re artists. So to be around other artists like that, bouncing ideas off each other is just an amazing thing. Everything works like a fine oiled machine. Everybody is so professional and so loving. It is a family environment. Even if you’re new to the family, you walk right in and you feel like you’re at home. It is absolutely fantastic. From start to finish everybody is so kind and helpful but so brilliant about what they do. It’s like a love fest.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
Great review and what a talented woman. Wishing her all the very best and looking forward to seeing more of her.
Steph, you have been busy darling, just love this and all you bring to this magazine.
Curvaciously Yours,
Olga Gonzalez-Ramos
Lifestyle Editor
Daily Venus Diva Magazine
Hello,Stephanie. Yes,her fashion collections are great. I was able to meet her in pperson and see her collections live at the BET’s Taping of RIP The Runway. Lovely person along with her lovely fashion pieces for the plus size woman who loves looking sexy and fabulous at the same time. Be sure to tune in on Monday 3/21/11 @ 1Opm to watch her if you can showcasing her hot collections!
Love it congrats Steph and Olga.
I watched Rip the Runway for the first time. I just wanted to see Ms. Tennille White’s designs and I was looking for some familiar faces. Ms.Mia Amber and Ms. Jeannine looked great. They were fabulous!!!
i couldnt wait to see ur designs ms.Tennille ;you did it again fabulous!!! Icant wait until i can afford ur line.
She was such a joy to speak with. Her energy is amazing and she is so thankful of the blessings she’s received.