Skorch Magazine | June July 2016 by SKORCH MAGAZINE

THE MOST BODY DIVERSE MAG IN THE WORLD VOL.11 | ISSUE 9 | JUN-JUL 2016

Skorch

NEW FACE OF TORRID

LYANNA LYNETTE

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SKORCHMAGAZINE

Skorch

MAST head Courtney Mina

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & OWNER

SPECIALS CONTRIBUTOR

Tiffany Kaelin Knight

Jessica Kane

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER

Bella Styles

Jessica Kane

EXECUTIVE FASHION EDITOR

PUBLISHER

Dana Martinez SCENE EDITOR

Diego Catto

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Jessica Kane

GRAPHIC DESIGNER www.diegocatto.com

Amanda Bourne

Nichole Alex Brittany Berggren

WEST COAST EDITOR

Samantha Morris EDITOR-AT-LARGE AUSTRALIA

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jennifer Barreto-Leyva EDITOR-AT-LARGE LATIN AMERICA

Terr Cacilia

JOIN SKORCH www.skorchmagazine.com/Join-Team-Skorch

SKORCH JR EDITOR

LYANNA LYNETTE

THE MOST BODY DIVERSE MAG IN THE WORLD VOL.11 | ISSUE 9 | JUN-JUL 2016

Skorch

BEHIND THE COVER

Modeling by Lyanna Lynette Photography by Nichole Alex Producer and Stylist Tiffany Kaelin Knight Wardrobe Provided by Torrid.com Hair & Makeup by Stephanie Vigo Shot on location at The Jesus Wall, LA

NEW FACE OF TORRID

LYANNA LYNETTE

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Skorch

MODEL SPOTLIGHT

Chanel

must

lle

tafa

@ Hughes Models

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT

Black Sequinned Dress One One Three

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT

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Faux Fur Coat - Stylists Own Pink Dress - One One Three

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT

Black Crop Top - One One Three Gold Skirt - One One Three

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT

Black Skinny Jeans - Stylists Own Fringe Jacket - So Fabulous

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT

Photographer - Elle Martin Model - Chanelle Mustafa @ Hughes Models H/MUA - Vaneza Londono Stylist - Ebony Elena Assistant - Jellisa Gill

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SUBMISSION

dream Skorch

orld

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m 17

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SUBMISSION

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SUBMISSION

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SUBMISSION

Photographer - Julia Macormick Model - Julie Rabkin

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winnin

attitude Featuring Lyanna Lynette

Presented by

Skorch

COVER STAR

korch is proud to share this exclusive editorial featuring 2016 Torrid model search winner Lyanna Lynette. Hailing from Texas, this 26-year-old with her “don’t give up” attitude is a breath of fresh air and we can not wait to see more! by Jessica Kane, Editor

Skorch

COVER STAR

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Interview by Tiffany Kaelin Knigh

THE NEW FACE OF TORRID LYANNA LYNETTE MODELS FALL 2016 Editor-At-Large Thank you for sitting down with us here at Skorch! You have been on quite a whirlwind! Let’s start from the beginning, how did you hear about the Face of Torrid modeling contest? My sister told me about the model search last year and I couldn’t think of a better opportunity so I decided to apply and see where I went! Have you always wanted to be a model? Were you at all hesitant entering the contest? I knew growing up that God had something special for me and I always had a passion for modeling. I later realized that what I’d gone through in life wasn’t just something I learned from, but also a story I could share with other women around the world. My message to women is hope in every new day and that beauty really does come from within. As for the model search, I really wasn’t hesitant to enter because I never thought in a million years that out of 14,000 women I would be chosen!!!

Once you entered, tell us about what happened next? (Give us the step by step) After sending my online application, I went to a live casting in Dallas where I met thousands of beautiful girls from across the US. Torrid made the live casting SO much fun. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Finally, got the phone call that seemed liked forever to receive that I’d made the top 10. Then I got another call 2 weeks later saying I made the top 4!! We flew to LA for the final filming and that’s where they announced the winner. We at Skorch were obsessed with the youtube videos that went along with the contest, what was that experience like? Did you feel like you were on a reality show? The experience I had during the 10 days of filming was insane!! It was a rollercoaster of emotions, ha! I had NEVER done a real, professional photoshoot in my life, so it was very exciting but kind of scary at the same time. They gave us a whole new “look” and in the fashion industry you don’t always have control over what “they” want you to look like. You have to be accepting of the changes. It was a great experience overall and I would do it again in a heartbeat! How did you get along with the other finalists? The other finalists were amazing. I’m so glad to be able to call Brooke and Marguerite my lifelong friends! >>

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Skorch COVER STAR

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COVER STAR IT’S WORTH THE STRUGGLE, WAIT, TIME AND PATIENCE. We get this question at Skorch all the time…”How do I become a plus size model”-you are one in a millionwhat advice would you give aspiring plus models? To aspiring plus size models I would have to say: put yourself out there. Social media is HUGE. Post like crazy, go to any event or show where you can be seen, work on your posing (something I learned in this industry is that there’s ALWAYS something new to learn, so you’re never really done), work with local photographers around you and just try to get your name out there as much as possible, in a good way of course! Be yourself and just remember you have one life that God blessed you with, don’t waste it. What advice would you give girls that are trying out for the Face of Torrid? Be yourself, show them that you’re confident and that you have what it takes to be the Next Face of Torrid. Only 1 girl will be chosen, but give it a shot if it’s your passion. If for whatever reason you are not chosen, do NOT I repeat DO NOT let this stop you! I was told no so many times in life before I was finally given that YES! It’s worth the struggle, wait, time and patience.

Has winning the competition opened any doors for you? God has let so many doors open for me since becoming the Face of Torrid 2016, I’ve traveled across the US and it’s not over yet. Made some amazing friends and hopefully my future looks brighter and brighter with each passing day. What are some of your favorite items from Torrid? My favorite pieces at Torrid are their denim!! TO DIE FOR!!! Their lingerie of course and their diverse tops are also a must! OHHH and who could forget their awesome swimwear!! Go buy a Torrid swimsuit right now and own it ladies!! We don’t know that everyone knows this about you, but WE know that you are a very talented make up artist. Any dream faces that you would like to paint? Hmmmm if I had to choose some celebrities to apply makeup to they would have to be Beyoncé, Rachel McAdams and Carrie Underwood. What is next for the fabulous Lyanna? This year has been incredible for me so far and God has truly blessed me, but as far as what’s to come I can’t even imagine. One of my goals was to be on the cover of the Torrid catalog and I accomplished that pretty quickly. Now I’m going to push myself further, to accomplish even more. I hope to get signed with a great agency and continue enjoying life, since I feel like it’s finally starting for me. I’m finally living my dream and I couldn’t be happier.<<

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Presented by

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Skorch COVER STAR

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Presented by

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Presented by

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COVER STAR

Modeling by Lyanna Lynette Photography by Nichole Alex Producer and Stylist - Tiffany Kaelin Knight Wardrobe Provided by Torrid.com Hair & Makeup by Stephanie Vigo Shot on location at The Jesus Wall, LA

SHOP

THE LOOKS BY

CLICKING

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counquer

YOUR WITH THESE

fears

Blogs By Amanda Montgomery

Skorch

ast year our Founder and Creative Director, Jessica Kane, showed us that baring your bod doesn’t require bravery. “A family battling tragic illness, a mother trying to beat addiction, a person trying to break free of domestic violence, reaching out for help when you have already planned your suicide and feel like you can’t breath one more day. THAT is brave.”

Skorch T

JESSICA KANE OF LIFE AND STYLE OF JESSICA THIS WAS NOT BRAVE. I’ve been told how brave I am

for not having a coverup, but going with out a wrap would only take bravery if I cared what others thouxght of me, but I don’t. I spend my time worrying about things I CAN control and this day, I was only thinking about how fab I felt and how much sun I was catching ☀️ Things that DO take bravery? A family battling tragic illness, a mother trying to beat addiction, a person trying to break free of domestic violence, reaching out for help when you have already planned your suicide and feel like you can’t breath one more day. THAT is brave. Not wearing a swimsuit at the beach. LIVE life and only worry about what really matters // Photo by fellow curvy pioneer Marcy Guevara . And keep up with my body diversity mission as I take over as Creative Director of Cool Gal Blue...full deets on my blog. Xo

facebook.com/jessicakanestyle

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CAILEY DARLING OF DARLING

I Know “Slowly letting go of my fears of wearing low back or backless things. My back is covered in scars from cystic acne from my teens, and i’m not used to people seeing my back rolls but then I remember people can look away if they’re bothered by my body and that other people’s snap judgements about me based on my appearance and body size shows their poor character, not mine.” See more at

https://www.instagram.com/darlingiknow/

LIZ BLACK OF P.S. IT’S FASHION

From her blog post so perfectly titled: “I WAS See more at ON NATIONAL TV IN A BIKINI & THE WORLD http://psitsfashion.com/ DIDN’T END.” She adds, “Yup, that’s me, filling up your screens with my fleshy figure – and looking absolutely fabulous while doing so!”

EMILY HO OF AUTHENTICALLY EMMIE “Lots of laughter, body rolls, faded stretch marks, and a round belly. None of which made me feel bad. Quite the opposite – I saw confidence and beauty that even at a much

See more at smaller size, I’ve never http://authenticallyemmie.com/ been able to recognize. My outside matches how I feel on the inside. Imperfect and flawed, but also strong, accomplished, resilient, and beautiful.”

MARCY CRUZ OF FEARLESSLY JUST ME

“I wore a fitted dress that was mid-thigh. I always hide my thighs and never wear dresses above the knee so this was HUGE for me.” See more at

http://www.fearlesslyjustme.net/

Skorch

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MAUI BIGELOW OF PHAT GIRL FRESH

“It is so important to recognize fear, call it out and overcome it, because you are greater.”

See more at

http://www.fearlesslyjustme.net/

MARGIE ASHCROFT OF MARGIE PLUS

“It is so important to recognize fear, call it out and overcome it, because you are greater.” See more at

http://www.margieplus.com/

AARTI OLIVIA DUBEY OF CURVES BECOME HER

“A plus sized woman ‘should not’ show her cellulite or love handles, she should not display her flabby flappy arms, she should not show her double chin and if she is to be shown appreciation, the least she could be is pretty. Sorry not Sorry for the disappointment people.” See more at

https://curvesbecomeher.wordpress.com/

JENIESE OF THE JENESAISQUOI

“It’s sad that so many plus-size women relegate themselves to only wearing one shape or one type of clothing. This summer I challenge everyone to try something slightly oversized, shapeless or drapey.”

See more at

http://thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.ca/

CECE OLISA OF PLUS SIZE PRINCESS

“It’s usually said as one word: “gethealthyandloseweight.” Statements like this make the assumption that fat and fit are mutually exclusive. They are not. Statements like this make the assumption that skinny and healthy are synonymous. They are not.” See more at

https://curvesbecomeher.wordpress.com/

LEAH V. DAILY OF BEAUTY AND THE MUSE

“I have the right to be confident in my skin and in my clothes. I can strut whenever I want. I can speak with authority if I want. No, I don’t think I’m better than you or anyone else, but I make decisions for me that are going to make me happy” See more at

http://www.beautyandthemuse.net/

Skorch

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need T O FOLLOW

Entertaining

babes you need

TO FOLLOW ON SNAPCHAT

By Amanda Montgomery

napchat has become my new favorite app. I first downloaded it in 2013 but at the time all I found myself receiving were selfies of my friends and photos of food. Thankfully it has progressed and the material is much more interesting! With the incorporation of the “story” and fun animations that adjust to your movement, snap has given users the ability to diary and give behind the scenes looks at their lives without the lifetime commitment of other social media outlets. It gives the feeling that we’re really getting to know its users because it can’t be edited to death and only lasts 24 hours. Below are some of my favorite snap chat heroes (along with photos from their Instagram so you can follow them on there too), ranging from body positive babes, amazing artists and beautiful yet hilarious cooks, Enjoy!

RESHA

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I’ve been following Resha on twitter for years now (if you love entertainment you will do the same @KanyeBreast) and every time she adds another form of social media I’m rushing to follow her. She’s hilarious, insightful, beautiful and probably the greatest cook on the planet. So one of the perks to following her snap is that it will also step up your cooking game, and in her words, help get you laid. Thanks Resha! Snap: iamkanyebreast

SHAWNA

Shawna is the beauty and brains behind the clothing line, Chubby Cartweels (www. chubbycartwheels.com) and a peak inside her life will help to brighten your day. Between the madness that goes on with an indie clothing line and being a momma and wife, she has lots of relatable material all while being hilarious. Snap: chubbycartwee9

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BRITTNEY KEATING

Brittney is a body positive youtuber and plus size babe who also appeared in Skorchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimsuit collab with Torrid! Her snaps are adorable and always inspirational, so if you want a positive attitude on your timeline give her a follow.

Snap: itsbrittneyjk

PRISCILLA ONO

Priscilla is the makeup wizard behind Amber Rose, Tess Holliday and her makeup course, Ono Beauty (which is now available online!). Her snaps are a sneak peak at her personal opinion on makeup products, her kit, future business endeavors and BTS of her photo shoots. If you love beauty and Snap: priscillaono beautiful people, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a lot of it.

TONY

Tony has been blessing the hair of pinup dolls for years and has gained a lot of popularity in the body positive world lately as he has been consistently working with Priscilla Ono and Tess Holliday. His snaps also give a BTS look inside his shoots as well as some hilarious commentary on his life. He gives a great combination of beauty and honest comedy. Snap: Hisvintagetouch

Skorch

CRYSTAL COONS

What I like the most about Crystal’s snaps is that she gives details on her life even when it doesn’t involve style blogging (though there’s plenty of that too). She has lots of opinions and isn’t afraid to share them, so you always know you’re getting honest feedback from her. She’s beautiful Snap: Sometimesglam and funny and definitely adorbs.

JESSICA KANE

Want to know what it’s like running a clothing line and magazine? Our CEO Jessica’s snap is a crazy mix of work, play and personal onsight. Good days or bad days Jess is always sharing her insight and offering words of wisdom.

Snap: thejessicakane

TESS HOLLIDAY

Tess’s snap is probably exactly how you would imagine it. Behind the scenes peeks at her glam squad going to work, home life, nights out and confessions of burrito love. A little something for everyone! Snap: TessHolliday

need T O FOLLOW

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Skorch

need T O FOLLOW

MARGOT MEANIE When we polled you folks on who we need to follow on snap, Margot seemed to get the most votes! Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an alternative plus style blogger and also scored

her own collection on Society +. Follow her for a peak inside her #alternativecurves lifestyle straight from Vancouver, Canada. Snap: MargotMeanie

If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s someone amazing that I missed, please leave a comment so we can follow them! And if you want to know about the life of a web editor/ makeup artist/ somewhat insightful human being, you can follow me on snap also at mandyyy_apple !

Snap: mandyyy_apple

Skorch

h a c k s

THAT boobs WILL APPRECIATE

WHAT YOU NEED BRA EXTENDER SCISSORS HOT GLUE GLUE GUN MOLESKIN ELASTIC PAPERCLIP

HOW TO HACK INVISIBLE RACERBACK: Clip the paperclip onto the two straps in the back to hide them. LOWER BACK BRA EXTENSION: Cut a Bra Extender in half. Measure elastic long enough to go around your waist. Sew the Bra Extenders onto the elastic, making sure both are facing the same side.

UNDERWIRE QUICK FIX: Push the underwire back in. Cut out a small strip of moleskin. Tape it over the hole. This will hold up until the next wash. STRAPLESS BRA EXTRA SECURITY: Take a convertible and detach one of the straps, with the remaining strap, wrap around the bottom of your bra and hook into the back. This will give you extra security and help prevent slipping down.

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bra hacks

Skorch

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plus &

PROUD

WHAT IF WE

DROP THE

plus ? By Terr Cecilia

HOWEVER Let’s pretend for a second that TERR we did decided to “Drop the Plus” CACILIA now while I believe everybody is HERE great-everybody is also different. Plus size individuals like myself ofWriting this post about the “Drop ten have to search, and dig though The Plus” controversy has turned stores to find our size (That is if it’s out to be one of the hardest tasks I even offered!) Removing this label have worked on in a while. Thinking would add even more work to shopback to when I first heard people ping an activity that is supposed to like Ashley Graham, Melissa McCabe fun! Separate categories are a rthy, and Robyn Lawley speak so necessity especially when things are strongly out against the term “Plus not equal in clothing stores. (ergo Size” I was shocked-it was similar to Plus is not equal.) Let’s say we are the feeling that you get in elemennow calling “Plus Size” “Woman’s” as tary school when you find out your suggested by retailers who want to crush never really liked you, but only stop using the Plus Size term. This the cookies you had packed in your new way to referring to someone of lunch every day. larger size somehow seems insultPersonally I’m done considering ing to persons who are below this that “Dropping the Plus” is even an size in terms of them being less of option because it’s not. I am proud a woman. I know, love, and admire to be Plus, and I have chosen to sur- woman thinner than me-NEVER round myself with an entire army of would I base their womanhood off individuals who are as well. of the size of the clothes they wear, ey Skorchies,

IF NUMBERS ARE MORE YOUR STYLE HERE ARE A FEW The Plus Size Industry is growing at a 2.8% yearly, and the average is 2.2%. Last year the Plus Size Industry was estimated to be worth $17.5

Surrounding ourselves with individuals who are #proudtobeplussize is going to be key in reclaiming this term. I was inspired to compile a small list to help get everyone started! Many of these people are key figures in the community, so this is also an opportunity to give them a quick shout out!

SKORCH Proud to be Plus Starter Kit:

Alysee Dalessandro Writer & Designer for Ready to Stare

Skorch

Honestly I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but wonder why someone would want to eliminate a term that has brought so much success, and cut away from a community that when treated well is loyal, and exceptionally supportive. (Why bite the hand that feeds you?)

billion (THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BILLION WITH A B!) expected to grow tremendously over the next 5 years. We are a fast growing industry with incredible potential.

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and using Woman as a way to refer as extended sizes.

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PROUD

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plus &

Christina Mendez Model

Cailey blogger/youtuber at Darling I Know

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Shawna-Blogger at When in Doubt Wear Purple & Designer at Chubby Cartwheels

Aarti Dubey Blogger at curvesbecomeher & effyourbeautystandards Activist

Ali R blogger at plussizeneverlookedsogood

Sabrina Servance Model & Public Figure

Skorch

S O C I E T Y PLUS

fashio

freedom by

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Sabrina Servance having a tutu moment ;) Society+ Signature Tulle Skirt Sizes 14-32 $79.99

Skorch

S O C I E T Y PLUS

Buttercup Winter Coming Through Styles in Sizes 14-32â&#x20AC;?

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Skorch

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Skorch

S O C I E T Y PLUS

Have your tutu moment Modeled by Chanteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of EverythingCurvyandChic.com

Skorch

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S O C I E T Y PLUS

You have the right to bare your arms! Caged Crop Top Sizes 14-32 Pleated Maxi Skirt with Pockets and Full Lining - Coming Soon

Skorch

S O C I E T Y PLUS

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Corissa of FatGirlFlow.com showcased her Fashion Freedom!

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Skorch S O C I E T Y PLUS

Skorch

S O C I E T Y PLUS

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SHARE YOUR MOMENT OF FREEDOM with #fashionfreedom

Skorch

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PLUS INSPIRE

PROUD TO

be plus

Starter KIT

By Terr Cacilia Senior Editor

FOLLOW THESE PLUS AND PROUD BABES FOR DAILY INSPIRATION!

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Skorch

PLUS INSPIRE

dia and co interview Interview by: Kaitlin McGrill In collaboration with: Terr Cacilialia ia & Co is an online styling service that is dedicated to women who wear a size 14 up! There stylist are dedicated to “Your Curves, Your Style!” and helping you build your perfect wardrobe. SKORCH was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with the founders of Dia & Co Nadia Boujarwah, and Lydia Gilbert to discuss all things Dia & Co! For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about Dia&Co and how it works? Nadia: Dia&Co is the first bodypositive online styling service for women who wear sizes 14 and up. Customers tell us about their style, their fit preferences and more and our stylists send them hand picked selections of clothing and accessories to try on at home. They can keep what they want, return what they don’t and share their feedback with us so their stylist can make better and better selections going forward.

Why did you start Dia&Co? What are the biggest needs you’re trying to meet? Nadia: We want to make shopping fun, easy, and expressive, regardless of size. There have been so many times in my own life when I have felt frustratingly constrained in style simply because of the size of my clothing. Dia is on a mission to change that, once and for all!

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Lydia: Every woman deserves to look and feel amazing – and we’ve seen that style can make that happen for her.

What has the response to the service been likes so far? Lydia: It’s been incredible! Nadia: Completely overwhelming, in the best way possible. What has been most meaningful to me is the trust we have been given by our customers

WE WANT TO ELIMINATE THE NOTION OF FASHION RULES AND THE CONSTRAINTS WE HAVE IMAGINED FOR OUR BODIES.

Skorch

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PLUS INSPIRE

to explore fashion with them in new ways, and the magical experiences that it has resulted in. It seems like personal interactions with customers are at the heart of what Dia&Co does. What do you think is so important about the personal touch? Nadia: I think it’s also important that the journey is hers, we are just here to help. So where ever she is and where ever she wants to go, we’ll be her partner.

Lydia: Every body is different and so every interaction with our customers needs to be personalized to fit her unique needs. And the more our stylists get to know our customers -- from understanding what she does in her spare time to how she feels in stripes and where she is going to wear that fit-and-flare dress -- the better she is able to style her. It’s a relationship. We want to be that friend who’s got your back!

What sort of impact do you hope to make on the the way that women shop for clothes? Nadia: We are working towards a world where the size of your clothing does not impact the fashion you have access to or your ability to express yourself through style. That is radically different from the world we live in today. We want to eliminate the notion of fashion rules and the constraints we have imagined for our bodies. What does it take to be a Dia Stylist? Lydia: You need to be a good listener and understand what your client is looking for. You need to know what types of garments, fabrics, silhouettes and styles will work for different body types. But most importantly, you have to connect to our mission and care deeply about our customer.

Do you consider Dia&Co to be part of the body-positive movement? How so? Lydia: Absolutely. Personal style is about loving and celebrating your body. Everyday, we see our customers looking and feeling beautiful in clothes they were told they couldn’t or shouldn’t wear. We see women embracing the body they have today – and dressing for it – and we see how powerful that can be. It’s why we do what we do.

What does the future hold for Dia&Co? Nadia: We are just getting started. As incredible as the journey had been so far, there is so much work left to do. Our next phase is about not just creating a better shopping experience, but also providing even more access to brands. That means creative partnerships with designers and discovering – or creating – new labels. We’re going to do everything we can to help create a world where women have equal access to fashion, regardless of size.

Skorch

81 Vol.11 Issue 9 jun/jul 2016 | SKORCHMAG.COM |

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Vol.11 Issue 9 jun/jul 2016 | SKORCHMAG.COM |

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