Designer Darren Trentacosta Creates Beautiful Clothing Lines and Celebrates Plus Size Women!

Darren Trentacosta

Walk into the plus-size clothing department in any of the big-box department stores across the country and you will find racks of clothing that plays it safe. Trentacosta New York is about contemporary looks that break the rules when it comes to shopping for sizes 10w to 24w. To do this, Darren Trentacosta derives most of his influences from his early years in his beloved hometown of New Orleans, his time spent abroad in Europe, and from his now everyday life experiences in New York City. His garments are steeped in the old-school charm of the South and mixed with the brash modernity of Manhattan.

A graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Darren received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in fashion and photography. It was while attending school in the Windy City that Darren was introduced to the plus-size fashion industry. Like most photographers, he started out testing models at local agencies to build his book, and although he enjoyed working with all divisions within those agencies, the plus size division really intrigued him. “The girls were gorgeous, but they were being shot as though they were sex-less old maids!” He could not understand why so many people, particularly those in the fashion field, felt the need to dumb down or make unattractive the concept of fashion for this segment of the shopping public. He made it his raison d’être to do the complete opposite: to celebrate the plus size woman and market to her in a way that is befitting a more fashion forward woman. 

How, why, and when did you decide you wanted to be a plus-size designer?

I think it was a culmination of events in my photography career that lead me to seriously considering designing for this market. One specific event that really comes to mind was shooting a catalog here in NYC for a clothing company; It was all the models and I could do to keep from laughing at how awful the clothes actually were! I remember thinking how beautiful the models were when they arrived…young, fresh, and actually prettier without hair & make up and within the span of two hours they were converted in to someone’s grandmother! It was awful! But, the models reminded me that this was de rigueur for them and par for the course of being a plus size model.

Tell us about your Trentacosta New York plus-size clothing line.

I found that what was missing in the market was an outreach to the “uptown/downtown” working girl — finding pieces that would fulfill her workday schedule that could be broken down and rearranged for evening. My three favorite stores are J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Club Monaco. Walk into any and you will see an array of classic styles rearranged in a new fresh way. That was my goal…natural fabrications, sharply tailored cuts, and the ability to dress up/dress down…never too trendy, so that they would be able to reappear next season.

Where is Trentacosta clothing available to purchase?

We sell both online at www.trentacosta.com as well as boutiques in the US, Canada, Germany, and Australia. You can find the stores listed on our website at http://www.trentacosta.com/storelocation.html 

Where do you find your inspiration while designing?

Street life! Just sit at one of those new outdoor seating areas in NYC’s garment district, the places they carved out on Broadway between 34^th & 42^nd …and watch how cool NYC hipsters dress; it’s like a mini focus group.

What designers inspire you?

Jeanna Lyons of J. Crew for how she mixes things up, Narciso Rodriguez for his clean lines, Rodarte for technique, Proenza Schouler for how they think outside the box, Prada for referencing Art, and Catherine Malandrino for fabrication…

How did your involvement with the first ever runway show for plus-size models, CurveStyle, affect your career?

Wow, in every possible way. I mean, I was given an opportunity to create something with a goal to get as close to a real fashion show as possible. Real as in what you see at the tents during fashion week in NYC. It showed me that in fact curvy women do indeed have a craving for both fashion and for being represented as consumers of fashion.

Tell us about your newly launched Spring/Summer collections. How would you describe the collections?

Clean, crisp, and tailored. Each of the items offers a fresh step into Spring/Summer. Cotton Sateens, Poplins, Voiles, and Piques are some of the fabrics I used this season. What I have to mention, and this is another topic entirely, is that the one color that many thought would never be bought: white, turned out to be the number one seller in my suit collection! The collection is as always made up of your staples, Blazer, Skirts, Pants, etc…and can be worn as a group or broken apart and worn in a street/trend friendly way.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

Professionally?…Staying in business despite the economy the last two years! And showing women that wearing tailored clothing actually makes you look more shaped, put together, and youthful.

What is your favorite piece that you have designed?

My Winter London inspired coat.

How does it feel to be receiving such great feedback regarding your designs?

It’s always wonderful to receive positive feedback from my customers and even not so good feedback keeps me on my toes!

What are you excited about right now?

Shipping out my Spring Summer 2010 line and showing my new Fall Winter line to the press and buyers! Oh, and a week away on the beach!

What goals do you have for the future?

I hope that we will be expanding the line with new silhouettes and designs and a possible storefront!

How do you define beauty? 

Something that brings me happiness! Food, wine, music…

*Thank you, Darren!

**Who is your favorite designer? Where do you buy your clothes? Do clothes affect how you feel about yourself? If you could talk directly to a designer, what would you request? What is your personal style? Do you follow trends? Do you compare yourself to how other woman are dressed? How do you maintain your unique style?

Did Lizzie Miller Start a Body Image Revolution?

Photographed by Seth Sabal

Lizzie Miller caused quite a stir while posing nude for the 2009 September issue of Glamour magazine. She has been referred to as “the woman on page 194.” When we first saw her image in Glamour magazine, our initial thoughts were “Finally! What a breath of fresh air.”

Finally, the time had come to see an image of someone that we could relate to. It took someone like Lizzie to start a wave, to start a crusade for women everywhere. There is more to Lizzie than being “the woman on page 194.” We hope this interview will help you see the true beauty that radiates from within her.

Glamour Magazine – Photographed by Patrick Shaw

Please tell us where you are from, and how you got started in the modeling business.

I’m from San Jose, CA. I got started with my modeling career by going to a Model Search that I had heard about on the on the radio. My mom was convinced it was a scam, so I paid for part of it. The model search was held at a huge hotel in San Francisco and had all sorts of agencies there. I was called back by a few of the agencies. Since I was only thirteen, my dad kept in contact with the few agencies who called me back (including Wilhelmina) and we made a trip out to NY the following summer. I signed with Wilhelmina then.

Please tell us about your experience regarding the September issue of Glamour magazine, which featured you nude along with an article about feeling comfortable in your own skin.

It was my first nude shoot, so before it, I was a little nervous. But it was weird, as soon as I was on set; I was comfortable and felt confident. I pleasantly surprised myself that day! I thought I would be nervous! But, I actually felt really good. Everyone was really professional and made me feel even more comfortable.

Photographed by Rafa Galler

What misconceptions do you think society has of plus-size women?

I think the biggest misconception is that all plus-size women are unhealthy and overweight — which is not true. I guess that brings up the question: What qualifies as “Plus Size.” I’m a size 12-14 and 5’11, and for my body, it’s a comfortable size. I’ve always been athletic and have never been a skinny girl. But, I enjoy working out, playing sports, and eating right. Now, if I’m craving some sweets, I do let myself indulge but, it’s all about checks and balances. Let yourself have a cookie–not five.

Most of the fellow plus-size models I work with are proportionate and in shape. Their bodies just happen to rest comfortably at a size 12 or above.

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues in the past? If so, how did you reach the point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

I think every girl, at some point, has struggled with body image (including me)! It’s a huge problem and it’s not talked about enough. I use to be so self-conscious that I wouldn’t even change in from of my friends and family; I would run to the bathroom. But, being in this industry has made me feel comfortable with myself because you HAVE to be. It started with me changing in front of one stylist, then another, and another. They’re not even looking at me; they’re more focused on getting the clothes ready, etc. So once I realized that they’re not staring at me, I became more comfortable. After 8 years of changing in front of many different people, you get used to it.

Another trick I would try when I was younger was that I would wear my bikini around my house before going to the beach so I could get use to the feeling of showing that much skin. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become.

Photographed by Rafa Galler

What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or body image?

Do not be so hard on yourself. If you slip up and eat a lot of cookies one day, just workout the next day. Stop comparing yourselves to other people. Everyone has a different body shape and some people are just naturally skinny. It’s exhausting trying to be really skinny when your body is athletic and curvy. It was so liberating for me when I finally accepted myself the way I am and stopped comparing myself to other girls.

Plus-Size Models Unite embraces women of every shape, size, ethnicity, and age, which includes women who are short, tall, plus, thin, and every woman in between. We applaud diversity and support women to find the inner strength to accept, respect, and embrace their uniquely beautiful self. We know you feel the same way. Please tell us your thoughts about promoting the fact that beauty comes in every size.

I’ve always said beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. I think skinny girls have just as many self-confidence issues as curvy girls. It comes down to the mind. If you think you are beautiful then you will be because your confidence will exude through you. Everyone has a different body type and the most important thing is recognizing which shape YOU are. Not what the girls looks like in magazines and not like what the girls look like on TV. We all need to stop comparing ourselves to unrealistic expectations of Beauty.

Photographed by Rafa Galler

What does being healthy mean to you?

Being healthy means getting enough sleep, staying active, and eating healthy food. I go by the color rule. Always try to have some color on your plate (greens, colorful fruits, etc); most unhealthy things are a brown color (or fried). Find exercise that’s fun! If it’s fun, it won’t feel like working out. I love to dance, so I take any dance classes that sound interesting to me–as long as it has great music! Music is definitely important for working out. If you’re not a runner and want to become one, make an
awesome upbeat playlist and it will be more fun as well. (I don’t jog on the treadmill that much–I prefer dance classes, but when I do run, a really good playlist helps me!)

Out of all the places your modeling has taken you – where is the most memorable?

The most memorable place I’ve been is Barcelona, Spain. I’ve always wanted to go there and the shoot happened to fall on Valentine’s Day weekend. Since I travel so much for work, I had acquired A LOT of frequent flyer miles. So I used those miles to get my boyfriend a ticket to go with me. It was such a great weekend!

Photographed by Rafa Galler

Where do you like to shop for clothes and who are your favorite designers?

I shop all over. I really like Mystique Boutique; it’s a small store that has several locations in New York. I also like Zara, Arden B., H&M, and Urban Outfitters. Some of my favorite designers are Max Azria, Roberto Cavalli, and others.

What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

MoroccanOil deep conditioner. (http://www.moroccanoil.com/)

Please tell us about your singing career.

I’ve been singing ever since I could. I was always in school choir and musicals. I’ve been taking one-on-one voice lessons for two years now and piano lessons as well. I write lyrics and come up with melody to songs. I’m learning piano, so the writing music part became easier.  I’m currently working on my demo tape and getting my written lyrics out there for people to hear.

What are you excited about right now?

I am really excited about an upcoming shoot in London that I have for Spririto Catalog! I have never been there before, and I always love to visit places that I have never seen!

*Thank you, Lizzie!

Lizzie Miller has been with Wilhelmina on the Plus Size Board since she started modeling at age thirteen. She told us that she has two sisters and a supportive mom and dad.

What do you think about Lizzie’s Glamour magazine shoot? Do you think Lizzie Miller started a body image revolution? How do you feel about your body image? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Plus Model Emily Towner Talks Beauty, Body Image, and Italian Vogue Curvy!

Photographed by Michael Creagh

My name is Emily Towner and I just turned 18 this month! I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but I now reside in New York City! I started modeling right after I turned 16. I am with Allure Model Management in Atlanta, as well as with Wilhelmina Models in New York and Miami. I am finishing my senior year in high school. I attend an online private school, which enables me to be able to pursue other ventures. Some of my clients include Persona by Marina Rinaldi (Italy), Elena Miro (Italy), JC Penney, Schwab (Germany), and Bloomingdales. I have also been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, a Good Morning America segment for Glamour Magazine, Seventeen Magazine, and Lucky Magazine!

How did you get started in the modeling industry?

The summer before my junior year in high school I had some pictures taken with a local photographer and submitted them to my mother agent in Atlanta, Allure Model Management. I started doing some local jobs around Atlanta, and I decided that it would be best to go to New York and look for an agency! I signed with Wilhelmina in February of 2009!

What advice would you give to girls and women, who are struggling with body image and self-esteem issues?

I believe that everyone struggles with self-esteem or body image issues at least once in their lives. For me, coming to accept and love my body and myself as I am always comes down to taking a step back and not being so overly critical of myself! I am often a perfectionist, but that is both my best and worst habit. Although it can be difficult, I try to concentrate on my good qualities instead of dwelling on my bad ones! My advice to girls and women who may be struggling with these issues is to find one great quality that they love about themselves and focus on that!

Photographed by Elle.com photographer

Where do you like to shop for clothes?

There are a lot of great vintage shops in New York City, which is primarily where I shop. I love going to thrift and vintage stores and trying to find a great deal on something that is original! I have gotten some really great jewelry and blazers in thrift stores everywhere. My grandmother used to live in Florida and they had some wonderful shops there as well!

Do you have a favorite workout routine?

I belong to a gym and like doing group classes such as aerobics, Pilates, and yoga. I usually try to go to classes at least three or four times a week.

What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

My favorite foundation is actually a tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier. It gives enough coverage without being too thick and heavy. It is very light, feels as if I am not wearing any makeup at all, and still looks flawless! Right now, I am very into a beauty line called “Fresh.” I have their Soy Face Cleanser, Soy Face Cream, and Sugar Lip Treatment! However, I am also a big fan of original Noxzema as a cleanser and have been using it for years. I have very dry hair and since it is always being worked on, it tends to get damaged easily. I use Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat as a daily conditioner. It is the only thing that detangles and repairs my hair!

Photographed by Laura Rose

Who do you consider a role model or hero?

I consider my mother to be both my role model and hero. Last year my mother was busy taking care of my grandfather full time, but yet she still made time to come to New York, motivate me, and help me keep a positive attitude, outlook, and perspective on life.

What is your favorite photograph of yourself and why?

My favorite photograph of myself is one from a photo shoot I went to where the photographer had this amazing green dress. I like the expression on my face. I feel as if this photo portrays me as I really am! (First photo shown at the top of this post.)

Do you have any funny modeling stories that you would like to share?

As a model, you always have to be prepared for anything on a photo shoot! One time, I was at a shoot that was all about geometrical shapes. My hands were painted completely black for the entire eight-hour shoot. I could not eat, use my phone, or go to the bathroom without getting black paint everywhere!

Photographed by Gary Wood

Out of all of the places your modeling career has taken you –where is the most memorable and why?

Out of all of the places my modeling career has taken me, the most memorable place I have been is Milan, Italy this past February for fashion week! I walked in the Fall/Winter 2010-2011 show for designer Elena Miro. The trip was also very exciting because while I was there I got to shoot two videos for Italian Vogue Curvy on the new Vogue Italia website!
http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy/how-to/2010/03/emily-towner-lingerie
http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy/beauty/2010/03/emily-towner-beauty

Where do you hope your modeling career takes you?

I want to continue to pursue modeling and achieve success in this industry as well as continue to be able to travel all over the world for my job! I also hope that my modeling career will open up doors for other opportunities. I love to sing and write songs and hope to one day establish a career as a singer! I am getting ready to put some of the songs I have written on my own YouTube channel, they should be ready within a few days, be sure to check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/user/EmilyTowner?feature=mhw5

Photographed by Michael Creagh

Thank you, Emily. You are fantastic! We are excited to see what the future has in store for you!