PLUS-SIZED WOMEN CHANGE THE FASHION GAME: Interview with Fashion Model Mel Grace

For fr too long, America's obsession with frail models in magazines, videos, and - let's be real - Hollyood, has become the status quot. Yet, millions of Americans choose big, or plus size women in real life relationships. Unfortunately, print and broadcast media fail to show this reality. But a new trend is taking place all over the country and the world. Plus size women are getting into fashionable clothing otherwise created specifically for thinner women. The hidden reality about the love for voluptuous women is now evident on the reality TV show, House of Curves, starring the women of Atlanta's Belle Renee clothing store for plus size women. And with the movement, comes the models who represent beauty and class for the plus size women. Three Stripes Media spoke with Connecticut's own plus size model, Melanie Grace:


ThreeStripesMedia
Ms Grace, what led you to want to start modeling?

Mel Grace
When I was fourteen, I would look at the women on the TV and in the magazines, and noticed that all of them were not like ME! I have been full figured ALL of my life,and I know and understand the struggle that us full figured women deal with. At a young age,it was hard for me to find trendy stylish pieces of clothing that didn't look like it came out of my grandmother's closet! That had me in a place were I wasn't aware of the true beauty that God gave me from birth. So my mother placed me in Barbazon modeling school and the rest was history... That's when this passion was birthed.



ThreeStripesMedia Are you familiar with the new trend in plus-sized clothing by some of the world's most famous designers?

Mel Grace
Yes! I do see the a drastic improvement in the availability of full-figured fashion! At one point it was frowned upon for a full-figured woman to wear anything that was bright colored or printed, BUT now it is embraced by the men and women who are designing our clothing, and I love it! Don't matter if its bright-colored spandex, a multicolored floral top, or cheetah print. The right combination, in addition to matching accessiories can be rocked HARD by us plus-sized women! I also really love the trend of the block color and pelpin dresses because if there is any insecuity that a woman may have in regard to her shape, these are great ways to disguise those areas without having extra fabric, and still being sexy at the same time! And Please dont get me started on the shoes! Our fashion has really come a long way!

ThreeStripesMedia What are some tips you would give a young lady wanting to get into the fashion industry?

Mel Grace
DON'T GIVE UP! and STAY HUMBLE! This is a very hard business to tap into to! There are many beautiful plus-sized women in this world with the same determination and drive that you have. If you want it bad enough, you can get it. Your dream will come to pass. Maybe not in your timing but in GOD's timing! Keep pushing, pressing, girnding as well as praying! Because your dream was put in you for a reason. And once you achieve it, your reward will be priceless..

ThreeStripesMedia Do you feel any of the catalogues ever catered to the full-figured women with the kind of clothing they actually desired?

Mel Grace
In the past - definitely, no. I think in this day and age, the Internet is the main source of locating trendy fashion, including lingerie without going into the stores. Catalogues like Midnight Velvet definatly does cater to the full-figure woman, but they are mainly gears towards formal attire.

ThreeStripesMedia What do you feel about the fashion and styles on the new reality TV show “House of Curves” starring Bella Renee and her team at Atlanta’s “Belle Renee”?

Mel Grace
I think that ALL of the Ladies on the show House of Curves are absolutly Beautiful! The fashion from head to toe is always on point. I think that the most beautiful part of the show is the confindence that is exuded by the whole crew at Bella Renee!

ThreeStripesMedia Ever thought of becoming a model for them?

Mel Grace
What? Absolutely! I would Be HONORED to work with them!

ThreeStripesMedia You're also very active in your community. You mentioned once that you were a volunteer at a hospital. Are you still doing volunteer work? And how does it make you feel to give back

Mel Grace
YES! I Volunteer every week in the emergency room at the hospital in my city. because I have a medical background, and I have a heart to help people. Just being there, helping the staff do the things they don't have time to do. In addition, making the patients and their visitors smile, makes me realize how blessed I am to be in an able position to help others without wanting or needing any compesation. The smile on their faces - staff and patients alike - is enough for me.

ThreeStripesMedia That's impressive. Where do you see Mel Grace in the next 5 years?

Mel Grace
I definitely know that I 'm going to be in a more prominent space then I'm in currently But I am hesitant in saying exactly where and what I will be doing, because only God knows His plan for my life, and I don't want to speak out anything that may limit what is in store for me.

ThreeStripesMedia Thanks so much for sharing your time with us. We wish you the best and we look forward to seeing more of Mel Grace in the very near future. Thank you so much

Mel Grace
Anytime! It was my pleasure!

Mel Grace can be reached at:
http://www.facebook.com/mel.grace.1