When I started the #plussizeplease movement over three years ago (!!!), asking straight size designers to offer their clothing in a size range that more accurately represents the nation, Tracy Reese was one of the designers I hoped would hear the call.  Her designs are always eye-catching and bold, with her inspired use of color and print and attention to construction and detail.  I was ecstatic the moment I heard Gwynnie Bee would be doing a collaboration with her Plenty by Tracy Reese line – another one of my #plussizeplease dreams coming true!  I had no idea how dramatically it would happen, though, as I never anticipated I would be asked to walk in the runway show for the #TRxGB debut.

Hair and Makeup Backstage by Blo Dry Bar

As I wrote on Instagram (while still buzzing from excitement), if you told me a few years ago that I would walk in Tracy Reese runway show, I would have laughed wistfully and never believed you.  Tracy is a designer I have admired for over a decade, and she has been designing for twice that.  Her clientele famously includes the most stylish FLOTUS to ever grace the Oval Office, the incomparable Michelle Obama.

Backstage after hair and makeup with fellow models Elle Athina and Liz Black of P.S. It’s Fashion

This was my first runway show, so of course I had a bit of pre-show jitters, but having my friends and blogger babes around certainly helped.  Before we knew it, Gwynnie Bee CEO Christine Hunsicker introduced the collection and it was showtime:

I love that the models chosen were a range of different sizes and body types, and the collection looks great on everyone.  Some of my favorite pieces are the full embroidered skirt, the abstracted plaid off the shoulder dress, and the bold blue print dress that closed the show:

Shay from A Thick Girl’s Closet opening the show

Maddy (EIC of Plus Model Magazine)

Me 🙂

Liz of PS Its Fashion

Jamie of Hey Jay

The shirt I wore was another instant favorite.  The material is light weight and silky without being clingy – perfect for hot summer days.  I am also in love with the denim dress, which I got for myself and will be posting soon!

After the final walk, designer Tracy Reese came out to greet the crowd.  It was a classic fashion show, with no extraneous bells and whistles, just featuring cusp and plus size women.  I appreciate Gwynnie Bee and Tracy Reese all the more for this.

Tracy Reese and Christine Hunsicker with all the models

I was beaming ear to ear, and I have no shame about cheesing.  These moments are exciting milestones on the path to true inclusion of all sizes in fashion, and I am so happy to have been a part of it.

The full Plenty by Tracy Reese for Gwynnie Bee collection is available exclusively through Gwynnie Bee, so if you are not currently a member, sign up now!

Sign up for a 30 day free trial of Gwynnie Bee here!

Links may include affiliate or referral links.  All opinions my own, as always.

All photos by one of my favorite fashion photographers, Anastasia Garcia