June 21st, 2014 was the official first day of summer. Immediately the masses responded by taking to Social Media and posting this summers “must haves”, including popular beach wear. A growing trend, that truly sky-rocketed in 2013, and now is in first place on the fashion scene are “FATKINIS”. The creator of the high-waist two-piece created so much buzz that it landed her a spot on multiple media outlets, including the Insider, and world renowned Good Morning America!
Credit: TotallyRandie.com
The swimwear collaboration between Swimsuit for All and 25yr old Plus-Size Fashion Blogger Gabi Gregg (Better known as Gabi Fresh) took summer by storm in May 2013 when they launched the 5 piece swimsuit capsule collection including the “Fatkini”; a two-piece bikini for plus-size women. The galaxy suit sold out in minutes, with the other Fatkinis selling out within two days. Swimsuit for All wasn’t ready for such a huge hit, even telling some customers that they were not going to receive their order due to the website being unable to adjust efficiently to the removals of sales in the warehouse. Watching the scene unfold was as if someone poured out a bucket of water on desert land. Women who had received their suit took to social media immediately posting pictures on Instagram, Facebook, Tumbler, and Twitter. Women who had never worn a bathing suit without a cover up posed with confidence and happiness as they hash-tagged “Fatkini”. Gregg (whose social media presence reaches over 500,000) stated in an interview “”I love my body. I think we should reject these fashion rules about what we are and what we are not allowed to wear … We have to be happy with the bodies that we have right now.” One Plus-size model (Crystal Eve) who wore the Galaxy Suit in a photo shoot revealed: “Plus size fashion have a long way to go…they feel that being a size 12/14 is the beginning of plus size and size 18/20 is the end of plus size..That’s IF they include us at all.” Gabi didn’t only sell a swimsuit she sold confidence, and she sold strength to women who are now able to say BEAUTY & HEALTH IS NOT SYNONYMOUS! She gave a voice to plus size women world wide!
Credit: TotallyRandie.com
“EveryBODY is Flawless” – Gabi Gregg
Credit: TotallyRandie.com
Although Gabi Gregg did not invent the Fatkini, it seems as if she opened the door for more major retail stores to follow suit. Weeks later Ralph Lauren revealed their first plus size model, Robyn Lawley, and her swim suit. A couple of months later H&M revealed they will include a plus size section as well. And they did just so! 2014 Produced the most fashionable swimsuits for plus-size women. Even Gregg came back and collaborated again with S4A for this years summer color trends.
Credit: GabiFresh.com
Additionally, there have been pictures of flow charts floating around asking “How to tell if you are ready for summer” with the answer being if you have a body you are ready. Now this article is not saying that health isn’t important. It is simply stating for all those who think they are not “Summertime Fine”, or lack the “Beach Body”, to embrace your present beauty and remember that EveryBODY is Flawless!
Fatkinis are just a start, Plus-Size have a long way to go, however; it appears as if the fashion world is FINALLY coming around. When asked if she is going to release a clothing line, Gabi responded with “You never know”. Well if she ever decides to, she has a huge (no pun intended) amount of consumers waiting to look “Fat and Fabulous”!
Gallery:
Credits for the Photo Shoot:
Gabi Gregg’s “Fatkini” by Swimsuit 4 All
Executive Producer/Creative Director: Bell Of TotallyRandie
Models: Timberly Chanel Busby, Christal Eve, Doris Bates
MUA: My Colour Addiction (www.facebook.com/MyColourAddiciton)
Hairstylist: @I_weavezzindatrap
Photographer: King David (Iamkingd.com)
For More information on the Gabi Gregg please visit: Gabifresh.com