Plus Size Retailer Sonsi® Celebrates First Anniversary With Fashionista Fans at NYC's Full Figured Fashion Week™

BENSALEM, Pa., May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of its first anniversary, Sonsi® is taking its celebration to the hub of the U.S. fashion industry - New York City - where it will once again play a leading role in Full Figured Fashion Week™, this June 16-18, produced by DeVoe Signature Events. Sonsi leads a growing list of event sponsors, including Lane Bryant®, Kmart and LYS, Just My Size®, PLUS Model Magazine and Daily Venus Diva, that have emerged front and center to support the fashion industry's renewed emphasis on serving full figured women – nearly 60 percent of American women.

As Presenting Sponsor, Sonsi and its team of plus size fashion and lifestyle experts will kick off Full Figured Fashion Week's™ third annual NYC fashion showcase and industry conference with a series of events and perks designed to engage full figured women who view fashion as an essential ingredient to feeling comfortable in their own skin. In addition to bringing back its popular photo booth attraction and the Sonsi-tini, which has become the signature cocktail of Full Figured Fashion Week™ events coast to coast, the online retailer will provide its expertise in an insightful state of the industry panel discussion, team up with PLUS Model Magazine for a consumer VIP ticket giveaway, and stage its very first NYC runway show as part of Full Figured Fashion Week's™ grand finale runway showcase.

Since its inception in 2009, Full Figured Fashion Week™ has attracted a "who's who" of curvy fashion, from leading plus size brands and retailers, like Sonsi, to independent designers, top and aspiring models, and industry professionals, all catering to the fashionable, yet underserved, plus size woman.  As the online social and shopping apparel destination for women sizes 12 and up, Sonsi has wholeheartedly embraced its role of helping plus size women celebrate their curves and indulge their love affair with fashion.  "We're celebrating our first anniversary at Full Figured Fashion Week with our amazingly loyal customers who have been with us since the beginning," says Jill Hutchison, Sonsi publisher and general manager. "As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the plus size woman is finally getting the attention she deserves. Sonsi is proud to be with her every step of the way!"  

To reward its loyal fans, Sonsi is teaming up with PLUS Model Magazine to give one lucky fashionista and her guest complimentary VIP tickets to Full Figured Fashion Week™. To enter, fans should visit www.plus-model-mag.com to tell PLUS Model Magazine which fashion trend they are most looking forward to this summer: floral, prints, neutral tones or the return of wide leg pants. The winner and her guest will also each receive a fabulous Sonsi ensemble, chosen with the assistance of Sonsi stylists, to wear to Full Figured Fashion Week's™ June 18th  Finale Runway Showcase and Awards Ceremony. They will be interviewed at the finale's red carpet event about their experience, which will be featured on SonsiLiving.com, as well as in the July issue of PLUS Model Magazine.

Full Figured Fashion Week™ Founder and Event Producer Gwen DeVoe says she created Full Figured Fashion Week™ to give plus market designers, retailers, boutique owners and businesses an opportunity to showcase their resources and talents together under one roof, providing plus-size fashionistas with a welcomed and much deserved forum that addresses their unique fit concerns in the world of fashion.  "Together, we are distinctively qualified to make this event a success because we work directly with plus size consumers and understand their needs when it comes to great fitting, fashionable clothing that is readily available in stores and online. We are grateful that Sonsi has invested so much in their lead sponsorship role. Sonsi's innovative fashion and lifestyle approach has given the full figured woman the social shopping opportunity she craves."

Full Figured Fashion Week's™ schedule is jam-packed with events designed to inspire, inform and empower the plus size community.  "This year's event is already attracting a broad audience," added Hutchison. "We're really looking forward to reconnecting with our returning customers and to establishing new relationships with the real women who will continue to make Full Figured Fashion Week and Sonsi a success."

About Sonsi®

Sonsi® offers one of the largest online assortments of plus size women's apparel, accessories and products, specifically for women sizes 12 and up.  With over 380 brands in one convenient shopping destination, Sonsi® features trendy tops and bottoms, classy cocktail, evening and casual dresses, career wear, active wear, outerwear, swimwear, intimates, bridal wear, accessories and more, in a variety of price points from great brands such as Sydney's Closet®, Kiyonna™, Lane Bryant®, alight, Catherines®, Fashion Bug®, Cacique® and more.  SonsiLiving®, the social side of Sonsi®, is an online social community where women can stay informed with expert blogs, content and advice covering topics such as fashion, beauty, health, relationships and more.  Sonsi, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS).

About DeVoe Signature Events

DeVoe Signature Events is a full service event production and management company that specializes in fashion events and events for the plus size community. They pride theirselves in the ability to provide superior pre- and post-production services for any special event or fundraising project. In June 2009, DeVoe Signature Events launched Full Figured Fashion Week™ in New York, NY. After its successful launch, DeVoe Signature Events has created a mainstay and platform for the plus size fashion industry.

SOURCE Sonsi