SUZANNE VINNIK'S OPERA-INSPIRED STYLE TAKES CENTER STAGE IN HIGH FASHION

From grand opera stages to the pages of Vogue and the screens of Hollywood, byVINNIK founder Suzanne Vinnik stitches a new narrative where every body is celebrated, and every sweeping coat tells a story of empowering elegance.

Suzanne Vinnik knows how to make an entrance. As a celebrated opera singer, her luminous soprano and commanding stage presence have graced the world’s most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall to a performance before Queen Sonja of Norway. But today, it’s not just her voice captivating audiences; it’s her visionary designs – particularly her show-stopping, dramatically elegant opera coats – that are transforming the landscape of high fashion, proving that true style is an aria sung for every size.

For Queen Size Magazine, Vinnik’s journey from international opera star to trailblazing fashion entrepreneur is more than just an inspiring story; it’s a revelation of how artistry, inclusivity, and a touch of theatrical grandeur can redefine what luxury means.

Before byVINNIK became a name synonymous with size-inclusive, sustainable luxury, Suzanne captivated audiences with her powerful renditions of leading roles like Violetta in La Traviata. It was during these years, steeped in the dramatic world of opera, that the seeds of her fashion empire were sown. "I spent so much time on stage, enveloped in incredible costumes," Vinnik shares, her eyes sparkling with the same passion she brings to a high C. "I started upcycling my own concert gowns, reimagining their inherent drama and beauty. That feeling of transformation, of becoming a character through clothing, was something I wanted to share with everyone, not just performers."

This hands-on experience, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to co-found Shoperatic, a platform for women in classical music to share and sell performance attire. But it was the launch of byVINNIK in 2019 that truly unleashed her revolutionary vision. Rooted in her love of theatricality, inclusivity, and sustainability, byVINNIK quickly became a beacon for those seeking fashion that felt as luxurious as it was empowering.

At the heart of byVINNIK’s distinctive aesthetic, and perhaps its most iconic contribution to high fashion, are Suzanne’s magnificent “opera coats.” These aren't just outer layers; they are wearable art pieces that echo the grandeur and emotional depth of an operatic performance. Crafted from locally sourced, often deadstock or vintage materials in Los Angeles, each coat embodies a dramatic flair, with sweeping silhouettes, rich textures, and a bold use of color that instantly elevates any ensemble.

"The opera coat, for me, is the ultimate statement of self-expression," Vinnik explains. "It’s designed to make you feel like the protagonist of your own story. Like an opera costume, it allows you to step into a character – a more confident, powerful, and undeniably stylish version of yourself."

For Queen Size readers, these coats are a revelation. Often featuring innovative flexible sizing and generous, flowing cuts, they celebrate curves, drape beautifully over diverse figures, and offer a luxurious structure that feels both regal and comfortable. They carry the inherent drama of a stage presence, transforming a simple outfit into a red-carpet moment, without ever compromising on ease or elegance. It’s no wonder they’ve been seen on everyone from Jennifer Coolidge in The White Lotus to the stages of RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Today Show.

Vinnik’s commitment to making space for every body and every voice has earned her accolades like "Outstanding Designer of the Year" by the Full Figured Industry Awards and a nomination for Glossy’s "Inclusive Brand of the Year." Her work is a testament to the idea that beauty knows no size, and that high-end fashion can, and should, be accessible to all.

Beyond the runway and the red carpet, Suzanne remains an active force in the arts, bringing the same passion and integrity to her design studio as she does to her vocal performances. Whether it’s curating fashion-forward hotel experiences or advocating for ethical production, she is a multi-dimensional creative force.

In a world often dictated by fleeting trends and restrictive sizing, Suzanne Vinnik stands as a true queen – not just of the stage, but of a fashion movement that empowers, includes, and inspires. Her opera coats are more than just garments; they are a symphony of style, a testament to the power of self-expression, and a bold declaration that every woman, regardless of her size, deserves to step into the spotlight and shine. And in a byVINNIK opera coat, you don’t just make an entrance; you command the entire show.

QSM: Your journey from the international opera stage to fashion designer is truly unique. How did your experiences performing leading roles, surrounded by incredible costumes, first spark your interest in designing, and specifically in creating a fashion label rooted in theatricality?

Suzanne: If I’m being totally honest, my inspiration didn’t come from opera costumes at all, especially considering I often performed in what felt like a burlap sack. The way people envision opera is so different from the reality of being a performer. I sang a lot of verismo roles, which focus on the stories of ordinary people facing day-to-day struggles, rather than nobility and grandeur. Sure, I had a few opportunities to wear beautiful costumes—like playing Violetta in La Traviata or Leila in Zandra Rhodes’ Pearl Fishers production—but my true love for fashion began long before I even stepped onto an opera stage.

As a kid, I performed on the Las Vegas Strip for high rollers at hotel openings and in my show at The Westward Ho. If you know, I grew up as a child performer in Vegas during the 90s and 00s, my aesthetic probably makes a lot more sense. Everyone who knows me knows I’ve been a lifelong fan of Betsey Johnson. Her stores at The Fashion Show Mall and Desert Passage were my happy place. I’d walk into those stores and be transported to a world of wild fashion illustrations, checkerboard floors, hot pink vinyl curtains, and TV screens showing her iconic cartwheels and splits. It was a riot of personality, and every piece was more spectacular than the last. When I was moving to NYC after college, I was devastated when someone beat me to an apartment with a view of Betsey's store on the UWS. Every time I’d go inside, there was always that piece that spoke to my soul.

I’ve tried to channel that same sense of wonder and individuality into my own designs and the spaces I create—whether it’s my showroom in Los Angeles or the pop-up events and trunk shows I hold around the world. For me, it’s all about creating a space where the clothes have personality, where people can feel something more than just fabric.

QSM: The "opera coat" has become a signature byVINNIK piece, instantly recognizable for its dramatic flair and elegant silhouette. What was the original inspiration behind these magnificent garments, and what emotional experience do you hope they evoke for the woman wearing one?

Suzanne: The “Heroine Opera Coat” (also known as the “Reversible Opera Coat”), introduced in 2019, is one of our flagship pieces. The inspiration came from a vintage coat I found at The Manhattan Vintage Show—it was tattered but unlike anything I’d ever seen. I bought it years before starting byVINNIK, and when I launched my line, I revisited that piece. I oversized the design, initially creating four versions depending on the fabric, and eventually settled on a version with four pockets (the original was pocketless, as most classic opera coats are). The coat’s versatility is key—it can transform into nine different silhouettes, depending on how you tie the belt or wear the lapels, making it one of our most dynamic designs.

In 2021, we introduced the “Parisian Coat,” which quickly became our most popular design. One collector has over 20 of them in various fabrics and prints. This coat has become a signature piece of the collection, especially with its ruched sleeves, which have become a defining feature of byVINNIK. It's been worn on countless red carpets, world-class concert stages, and even in the Pacific Ocean by Danielle Pinnock. It has also been restyled by Mickey Freeman for Stephen Colbert and spotted at baseball games—its versatility crosses all boundaries. We have both men and women who love this design.

In 2023, we debuted the “Manhattan Opera Coat,” featuring a sweeping ruffle, and it quickly became a fan favorite for red carpet events. Before it even officially launched, Jolene Purdy and Ashlee Marie Preston wore it to high-profile events in the same week, signaling that it would be a hit. At an event with plus-size designers from both coasts, we sold out of every print on the first night, thanks to Renee Lawless, who was determined to get everyone to try them on after she purchased two. Last fall, my friend Chelsea Lehnea, who was performing the title role in Turandot at Walt Disney Concert Hall, reached out. I had designed several pieces for her, but I kept coming back to the Manhattan Opera Coat. I just thought it needed to be longer but, I didn’t have enough fabric to make another one in the desired print. In a late-night burst of inspiration, I decided to cut two coats and turn them into one long piece. Chelsea is 6’ and I knew I wanted her to wear sky-high gold boots so, it needed to be long and dramatic!

Another unforgettable moment in the same garment came earlier this year when opera singer Karen Slack, a longtime byVINNIK collector, reached out before the Grammy Awards. She initially wanted a set of opulent earrings to pair with her simple green gown, but when I saw the gown, I knew it wasn’t bold enough for such a high-profile event. Before I could suggest a change, she asked, “What’s that face?” I convinced her to go big..she was nominated for a Grammy, after all. I rushed to our mezzanine and found a gala skirt (which we had sold out of just the day before). I pulled one from another client’s order and styled it under her coat to make it look different from how Chelsea wore it. She ended up winning a Grammy, and we were featured in Vogue, US Weekly, and several other best-dressed lists. It was a breakthrough moment for both of us, especially since classical music awards don’t typically get much press coverage. 

Last year, I created “The London Opera Coat”, inspired by a dark romance and gothic aesthetic. We were preparing for our first Oddities Flea Market curated by Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina Marie Rossi. The coat’s long-pile shag texture with interwoven tinsel looks like maribou feathers. It’s so romantic and like the “Reversible Opera Coat” it is just so versatile and able to fit sizes XS-4X. It was the first piece to sell, with multiple people trying it on, all expressing that they wanted it. It was the first piece to sell that day. 

While many see my line as “occasion wear,” these coats are incredibly versatile. Whether paired with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual look or worn on the red carpet or the stage at Carnegie Hall, they are designed to accompany you through life’s most extraordinary moments. My opera coats are all one size, fitting S-3X+ within the same size. When we were with a previous showroom for wholesale, they were very adamant that we needed to make smaller sizes of all of these coats because they had “TOO MUCH FABRIC,” so, as a test (they failed miserably), we just reshot the entire campaign with size 2 models. When we sent the lookbook over, they went on and on about how much better it was and how they’d now be able to sell these garments to a wider market. We just laughed and said, “No, they are literally the same EXACT samples that we delivered to your showroom that were shot on mid and plus-size models.” Needless to say, it was not an enduring business relationship. 

QSM: For Queen Size Magazine readers, your commitment to size inclusivity is paramount. Can we talk more about your influence and your approach to designing for diverse body types, ensuring every woman feels celebrated and seen?

Suzanne: Before launching byVINNIK in 2019, I ran a Facebook group for opera singers that grew to over 10K members. It started as a place for colleagues to swap concert gowns, but over time, it evolved into a peer-to-peer marketplace where we could buy, rent, and sell all kinds of clothing, as well as promote our side hustles. This community became something really special, allowing us to have meaningful conversations and spark much-needed change for women in the industry.

Alongside my own gowns, I began sourcing vintage, luxury, and contemporary brands in a variety of sizes. I kept hearing the same thing: “I wish this were in my size.” I completely understood that frustration. As a vintage lover, I saw that most of the surviving pieces were tiny. During that same period, I saw friends and colleagues were often stuck wearing clothing that didn’t fit their personalities. While I may not face the same challenges as many in the plus-size community, I’ve often felt that my body type is overlooked, especially since I don't fit perfectly into either straight sizes or plus sizes, depending on how a brand grades the sizes of their clothing. I’m like… how am I L, XL and XXL??? I’ve really focused on fit-testing and being totally uncompromising, even when it drives people crazy when they tell me something can’t be done. 

In addition to designing for the plus-size community, we’ve also focused on the tall community. We figure we can always shorten or take in a garment; it's much harder to add inches where needed.

Back in 2013, I began altering my gowns to fit multiple sizes, giving me the chance to rent them out a few times before selling them to offset the original cost—and maybe even make a small profit. As a classical singer, I know how much our bodies fluctuate, and how those insecurities can affect us, whether we voice them or not. When I launched byVINNIK, I carried that understanding into my designs. I wanted to create beautiful clothing that not only fits well but also adapts to changing bodies without compromising on style. Over the years, I've had clients who’ve fluctuated in size—both smaller and larger—and they’ve been able to keep most of their byVINNIK pieces.

QSM: Congratulations on being honored as "Outstanding Designer of the Year" by the Full Figured Industry Awards in 2024. What does this recognition mean to you personally and for byVINNIK as a brand, especially in validating your mission of inclusive design?

Suzanne: Honestly, the moment was like my own "Adele Nazeem" moment when my name wasn’t called, and then my photo popped up on the screen. The woman sitting next to me was like, “Go get your award!” I truly felt all the emotions of the sting of losing and then the joy of winning in mere seconds!

As the designer and everything behind and in front of byVINNIK, being recognized as "Outstanding Designer of the Year" by the Full Figured Industry Awards in 2024 means so much, especially considering how often our brand gets overlooked in industry roundups. Los Angeles, in particular, has a fractured plus-size community that can sometimes feel incredibly exclusionary. Frankly, byVINNIK has never really fit in, just like I haven’t fit in most of my life. I’m “too this” or “too that.” But this award felt like a validation not just for me, but for all the people who have supported us from the very beginning who have felt like they weren’t seen by the fashion industry.

When I shared the nominations for The FFIAs with my community, I knew our fashion cult would rally hard for us. They see themselves in everything we design because we make it with them in mind. While we might not have millions or tens of thousands of customers, we have the most incredible brand loyalty. When someone buys a byVINNIK piece, I know they’re coming back for more because they’ll enjoy the experience of wearing them, and that’s what truly matters.

Being in that theater, surrounded by people who believe in the same mission of inclusive design, was one of the best nights of my life. I love that everyone comes CORRECT! 

QSM: byVINNIK is praised for its commitment to slow fashion, ethical production, and using locally sourced, often deadstock materials. Why was sustainability such a crucial pillar for your brand from its inception, and what challenges and rewards come with this approach?

Suzanne: Sustainability has become a buzzword, often exploited by fast fashion brands, but for me, it’s about being mindful, not just “sustainable.” Materials themselves aren’t inherently sustainable, but I design with longevity in mind—creating clothing that lasts beyond its first owner. Fashion production generates so much waste, so I repurpose jacquard remnants into patchwork or use them as accents on larger garments. We also source deadstock and vintage materials, provided they don’t compromise fit or quality. The mill that produces our jacquard doesn’t require huge minimums, and during the pandemic, I think I was the only one buying that fabric. They've continued to treat us well, and we've worked together to develop new colorways. They’ve even made changes to the fibers to make the textiles more durable, softer, and better overall.

But for me, the heart of byVINNIK is ethical manufacturing. It’s vital that everyone who makes our clothes is paid fairly and treated well. Since we manufacture in Los Angeles, I love that I can visit our sewing studio anytime and see the work firsthand. I know everyone, and they know me when I come in with my camera to film content. There’s total transparency—something most brands lack. If clothes are cheap, someone’s not getting paid, and it’s rarely the billionaires behind those brands.

Our sewing studio is run by an amazing woman, a few years younger than me, who had a child as a teenager. Her mother, a master seamstress, works there too, and when her daughter’s home from college, she helps with deliveries. We've grown together in an industry that’s still largely male-dominated, and I’m proud to support her family as she supports mine with high-quality garment manufacturing. We also have a close relationship with our tailor, who modifies our ready-to-wear pieces to better serve our clientele, including several disabled customers who need adjustments to make the garments more adaptive.

QSM: Your designs have graced everything from The White Lotus to RuPaul’s Drag Race and numerous red carpets. Beyond the celebrity exposure, what does it mean to you to see your pieces, particularly your flowing opera coats, embraced by a wide range of women in their everyday lives?

Suzanne: I just want to set the record straight—we do not “pay-to-play.” People wear our designs because stylists, costume designers, and talent genuinely want them! While it's exciting to see my pieces on red carpets and shows like The White Lotus and RuPaul’s Drag Race, what truly moves me is when I see people wearing them in real life. My goal has always been to design clothing that’s not only special and transformative but also accessible and practical for everyday life. When I see someone in a byVINNIK coat, jumpsuit, jape, kaftan, or dress, whether it’s their first piece or one they’ve had for years..it feels like we’ve created something that goes beyond fleeting trends. One of my client’s was driving in Detroit and rolled down the window of her car and screamed, “byVINNIK,” at another one of my clients walking down the street she didn’t know! Whenever I see someone in one of my pieces that I don’t know, I always make sure to go up and thank them for supporting my business and looking so great!

Seeing these pieces embraced by such a diverse range of people—of all ages, sizes, genders, and backgrounds shows that fashion can be for everyone, not just a select few. It’s that sense of authenticity and connection with my community that continues to inspire me and reminds me why I do this. These pieces are more than just what you wear; they’re about the stories, the power, and the self-expression they embody. If we're talking about opera, I want my pieces to have the same timeless impact as Verdi, Puccini, Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti, Massenet, Bizet, Wagner, and the great composers I’ve sung. 

QSM: Your mission states that "style is a vehicle for self-expression and confidence." How do your designs, especially those bold, statement-making coats, empower women to embrace their unique identity and step into their power?

Suzanne: PUT ONE ON & LOOK IN THE MIRROR… you’ll see! 

QSM: As an artist across multiple disciplines, opera, photography, design, how do you keep your creative wellspring full? Where do you find inspiration for the vibrant colors, luxurious textures, and unique silhouettes that define byVINNIK?

Suzanne: I am a perfectionist. I am constantly in the pursuit of being better than I was yesterday as an artist. I am fiercely driven and uncompromising when it comes to achieving my goals. I learned discipline as a classical musician. While I sometimes feel like there are other people out there with more technical skills, I know they don’t have my imagination and ability to create something out of nothing. My jacquards, if they aren’t deadstock or existing have to be ordered months in advance… I often don’t know what I’ll be using them for exactly, but I LOVE AND NEEEED THEM! 

QSM: Your brand's ethos, "beauty knows no size," resonates deeply. What lasting impact do you hope byVINNIK has on the fashion industry and on how women perceive themselves and their own beauty?

Suzanne: Earlier this year, I didn’t win a major financial award that included mentorship from industry leaders, and I’ll be honest…I was disappointed. I truly thought I had a strong shot at being a finalist, but I wasn’t even in the running. It might sound bold, but when I look at the body of work I’ve built, it’s clear that what I’m doing is different. I’ve taken the time to learn every aspect of the business—from design development to garment manufacturing to running a financially viable brand. 

A lot of designers who receive these kinds of opportunities don’t always have that foundation, and many aren't still in business a few years later. It’s not just about followers—it’s about creating real value and making work that connects and converts for more than a few seasons. I’ve learned almost every lesson the hard way, but like with singing, I’ve stayed ready. When the right opportunity comes along, I know I can deliver a well-executed, thoughtful, ready-to-wear garment that’s built to last.

QSM: For our Queen Size Magazine readers, many of whom are seeking to express themselves boldly through fashion, what advice would you offer on finding their own signature style and embracing clothing as a tool for confidence and joy?

Suzanne: F$%^ RULES! Most of what we hate about ourselves? Genius marketing to sell us things we don’t need. There’s no one "right" way to express yourself. The only thing that matters is how clothes make you feel, not just how they look. I’m all about experimenting. Take my Poiret Jumpsuit with harem-style pants, for example. When we first released it, even my own employee was like, “Uh, not for me.” I literally forced her to take one home, and now she has nearly every version we’ve ever made. It’s proof that stepping out of your comfort zone is how you find the magic.

I create pieces that are meant to take up space—literally. Don’t shy away from size or scale. Women have been conditioned to shrink themselves, to take up less space, to be "quiet" in how we present ourselves. F$%^ that. We don’t need flattery—we deserve to be celebrated. Treat your body and mind with that same respect! I know it’s easier said than done—especially as a disabled mother whose body has been through a lot of changes. My mantra is simple: “WE HAVE TO LOOK AT YOU... may as well get a compliment and applause!”

Photo credits:

Photographer: Suzanne Vinnik

Creative Assistant: Leah Johns

Model: Kristin Schackmann @kristinleighxo1

Designer: byVINNIK @byVINNIK