Flaunting the curve

The popular plus-size label, Torrid, made headlines this week as the first plus-size women's fashion brand to present at NYFW: The Shows.

Designed for women sizes 10-30, Torrid's presentation flaunted curve-accentuating corsets and light-wash, ripped denim. The 40-look collection juxtaposed femininity with grit through pairings of delicate floral patterns and grungy, black leather.

“The collection is about art and expression — and the fusion of those two things,” designers Liz Munoz and Kim Sippi wrote in an accompanying pamphlet to the show. “Apparel should reflect the many sides of a woman — she's never just one thing.”

More than just a collection debut, the catwalk also served as the final round in Torrid's Third Annual Model Search Competition. The winner will hold the title of “Face of Torrid 2018” and receive a Torrid modeling contract and wardrobe.

Last year, just 27 plus-size models walked the NYFW runways. This season, Torrid's spring 2018 collection alone showcased 40 plus-size models.

Priscilla Ono, a celebrity makeup artist and judge for the competition, applauded the brand's celebration of all women. “Being inclusive is beautiful,” she said. “All of the models oozed feminity and sexiness, and I just want to see more of it because it's empowering!”

Plus-size model Hayley Herms, 21, flew from Los Angeles to attend the fast-growing retailer's show. “The plus size community is so big but yet so small,” she said. “It's all about breaking those barriers and putting yourself out there, and not being afraid of what criticism you're going to get.”

Video: Carson Kessler