2025 FULL FIGURED INDUSTRY AWARDS

A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH, TRANSFORMATION, AND UNAPOLOGETIC CELEBRATION

The Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, NY, was electric on November 1, 2025, as the plus, size community gathered for one of the most anticipated nights of the year, the 2025 Full Figured Industry Awards (The FFIAs). Presented by Queen Size Magazine and hosted by the charismatic duo Reggie May and Maddy Jones, the sold, out affair delivered an unforgettable evening of glamour, gratitude, and groundbreaking recognition.

From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the energy was undeniable. Photographers flashed, gowns swept across the floor, and attendees embraced one another with the warmth and excitement of a long, awaited reunion. This year’s FFIAs didn’t just meet expectations, they soared above them, offering a dazzling showcase of talent, advocacy, and innovation within the plus, size industry.

Honoring Excellence: Special Awards That Moved the Room

The heartbeat of the evening came from the deeply emotional tributes to this year’s special honorees. Each award spoke to years, sometimes decades, of dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership.

Marie Denee, founder of The Curvy Fashionista, accepted the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, with a message that echoed the power of community, driven entrepreneurship.

Supermodel and actress Liris Crosse—a force whose impact transcends the runway—was honored with the prestigious ICON of the Year Award, presented by Big Fig Mattress, recognizing her unparalleled influence across fashion and entertainment.

Celebrity stylist and author Susan Moses, whose work has shaped the visibility of plus, size women for generations, received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Sydney’s Closet. Her acceptance drew a standing ovation from the packed theater.

Advocate and SUStyleTV founder Suzanne Ujáque-Guzmán was celebrated with the Advocacy Award, honoring her fearless fight for visibility, equity, and inclusion.

And in one of the most emotional recognitions of the night, philanthropist Simone Gordon, known to the world as The Black Fairy Godmother, accepted the Keesha Monique Codling Humanitarian Award for her transformational community work and tireless service.

Competitive Category Winners: The Best of the Best

The excitement didn’t stop there. The FFIAs continued its tradition of showcasing excellence through its competitive award categories. This year’s winners exemplified creativity, talent, and industry leadership:

Each winner stepped into the spotlight with gratitude and pride, showcasing not only their achievements but the extraordinary range of brilliance within the plus, size industry.

A Celebration Fueled by Community and Support

Executive Producer Tawana Blassingame shared heartfelt reflections on the night’s overwhelming success:
“Seeing so many dedicated individuals and brands celebrated under one roof truly embodies the movement we aim to champion. This event proves, once again, the power and influence of the plus, size industry and its unwavering commitment to authentic representation.”

Hosts Reggie May and Maddy Jones kept the audience engaged, inspired, and uplifted throughout the night—with equal parts humor, charm, and reverence for the honorees and nominees who continue to move the industry forward.

The evening’s success was supported by generous sponsors, including Big Fig Mattress and Sydney’s Closet, whose partnership helped shape the night’s elegance and impact. The exclusive Red Carpet VIP Hour, catered and Presented by Chef Gary Pyrus of B&F Caterers & Consulting LLC, set the tone beautifully with gourmet offerings that guests are still raving about.

Looking Ahead: The Movement Continues

For those who couldn't attend, photo galleries and video highlights will be available soon on The FFIAs website and social platforms, ensuring that the magic of the night reaches every corner of the community.

With each passing year, The Full Figured Industry Awards grows in visibility, power, and purpose, cementing its place as the premier celebration of plus, size excellence in fashion, entertainment, activism, and beyond. And as Tawana Blassingame and her team have already confirmed, planning is underway for an even more impactful 2026 experience.

The FFIAs aren’t just an award show, they're a movement. A declaration. A celebration of beauty, diversity, and brilliance in every form.

And after the unforgettable triumph of 2025, one thing is certain:
The future of the plus, size industry is bright, bold, and absolutely unstoppable.

Save the date for next year: November 7, 2026

 

all images by Mel G

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