Award-winning Fashion Designer, Maggie Sottero, Announces Winners of 2013 Love How YOU Fit Campaign

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Aug 19, 2013, 09:00 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning fashion designer, Maggie Sottero, known internationally for its meticulous attention to the 'fit' of its off-the-runway designs, has announced the winners of its 2013 Love How YOU Fit contest. From nearly 1,200 brides who submitted essays detailing how they've learned to love how they fit, not only in their clothes, but in their lives, Ashley Larecey from New York City, NY has been selected grand prize winner, and Danielle Villaret from Colleyville, TX and Bonnie Stewart from Canton, GA have been chosen runner-up winners.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130819/LA65531)

As grand prize winner, Ashley will receive a Maggie Sottero wedding dress of her choice, a 5 night/6 day stay at The Royal Hawaiian - A Luxury Collection Resort on Oahu, his-and-her wedding bands from Simon G. Jewelry, and a luxurious gift basket of hand and nail products from OPI, Inc. Ashley will also be invited to walk the Maggie Sottero runway during New York Bridal Fashion Week in October. Danielle and Bonnie will each receive a Maggie Sottero wedding dress, Simon G. wedding bands, and an OPI gift basket.

"We're thrilled with our winners, the stories they've shared and the examples they are to women of all ages everywhere," announced Diana Pace, Maggie Sottero Manager Media Relations. "Their messages speak to the life changing importance of embracing personal authenticity, loving and accepting ourselves for who we are, and realizing our unique contributions because of who we are. They encourage women to base their self worth on matters of substance, character and contribution, not stereotypes and peer pressure. Sincere congratulations to each of them and to every woman learning to love how she fits!"

Focus groups conducted by Maggie Sottero with women between the ages of 20-50 confirm this is a struggle for most women who, as a gender, tend to feel inadequate and pressured to do more and be more, and are held to an unrealistic standard of physical perfection achieved through air-brushing, eating disorders, and media distortion.