REVOLUTION IN OUR COMMUNITIES
MISS NO: Congratulations on being our Luxe Beauty of the month. Can you please tell our readers a little bit about Nikitia?
NIKITIA: I am a really big fan of House of Chapple by the designer Rico Chapple. I love his creativity and his boldness because he is not afraid of Avant-Garde clothing. Another favorite of mine is Van Miller International by Vannessa Henderson. Her designs are elegant and timeless. She uses beautiful fabrics that look good on any age. Model Haven Design Group by D’An Harrold is also a favorite. She creates modern and classy pieces with a trendy silhouette that I adore. Another favorite is Diva Bigg by LaQuinta D. Her fashions are edgy, sexy, and out of the box. She takes plus size to the runway with no shame. I love all of these designers because they create fashion-forward apparel for all body types.
NIKITIA: Over the years the industry has grown, however, there is more work to be done. The industry can advocate for women by creating more global campaigns with popular hashtags encouraging self-love and promoting more realistic models that look like the average woman. Major fashion designers can partner with one another and create a body image fashion show featuring all body types. This would create a sense of community and show women that the industry is not afraid to tackle body image issues while embracing all women from different backgrounds and ethnicities.
NIKITIA: I can say that I am happier now than I have been in the past because retailers are driving growth by investing more in plus-size collections. I can remember growing up going into department stores seeing really cute clothes, not in my size and I would always say, “I wish they made this in my size.” Retailers are using plus-size mannequins creating a more welcoming display and I am also seeing more plus-size women becoming entrepreneurs and launching online-plus-size boutiques.
NIKITIA: I want to be remembered as someone who took action and made my dreams come true. I want to leave a legacy of giving back, inspiration, loyalty, and love for those I come in contact with. People may not remember what you said but will remember what you did for them.
BEHIND THE SHOOT
Model: Nikitia She’Cole @nikitiashecole
Photographer – Cat Harper, @catharperphotography
Stylist – Angela Mullen, @theclosetassociates
Makeup Artist – Alexis Williams, @lexmixx
Hair Stylist – Marqueetta Heard, @styledby_lasha
