GRACE IACABONI -REDEFINING BEAUTY THROUGH INCLUSIVE FASHION AND EMPOWERMENT

In the realm of fashion, Grace Iacaboni stands out as a designer who beautifully encapsulates the essence of self-acceptance and empowerment. Emerging as a prominent plus-size designer, her narrative extends beyond the creation of stunning apparel; it delves into the profound journey of embracing one's authentic self.

Grace's personal odyssey serves as a testament to the transformative impact of self-discovery and healing. Wrestling with body image challenges during her formative years, she grappled with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy in the face of societal beauty standards. Yet, her passion for fashion and artistic expression became instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. Grace recognized that fashion could serve as a medium for self-expression, challenging prevailing notions of beauty.

As she refined her craft, Grace identified a significant void in the representation of plus-size women within the fashion industry. Motivated to instigate change, she embarked on a mission to establish a brand that celebrated diversity in body types. Grace's designs not only exude style but also embody inclusivity, catering to women of all shapes and sizes.

Through her creative endeavors, Grace aspires to kindle inspiration in others, urging them to embrace their bodies and revel in their uniqueness. She firmly believes that fashion can be a catalyst for empowerment, a means of expressing the inherent beauty within oneself. Grace's narrative emerges as a triumph of self-discovery and empowerment, leaving behind a legacy characterized by inclusivity, diversity, and a profound love for oneself.

QSM: What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion, and how did your personal journey with body image influence your decision to become a plus-size designer?

Grace: I have always loved clothes and shopping and being a plus size most of my life shopping was not an easy task. So since I can remember I have wanted to fix the issues with shopping as a plus women. When I was younger, I struggled to love my body but through finding fashion I gained confidence and started dressing how I wanted and didn’t let others influence how they think I should dress change what I wanted to wear.

QSM: Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that marked the beginning of your journey towards self-discovery through fashion, and how did it shape your perspective on beauty and body positivity?

Grace: A moment that shaped me into being a designer would be seeing my first fashion show and wondering why none of the models ever looked like me. That shaped how I viewed the fashion industry but now is the time for women to celebrate their bodies no matter shape or size.

QSM: Your designs are celebrated for their inclusivity, catering to women of all shapes and sizes. How do you approach the creative process to ensure that your garments resonate with diverse body types while promoting self-acceptance?

Grace: I want my garments to make you feel sexy and that anyone can wear each item and be totally inclusive. Women from a size 0 to a 28 should have the option to have the same clothes and deserve to feel sexy in whatever they are wearing.

QSM: In a society often dominated by conventional beauty norms, how do you navigate the challenges of breaking stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty through your work?

Grace:  Being different is an amazing thing and beauty norms are a way to keep women suppressed to look how society thinks they should look I think everybody is beautiful and how you dress individual body types is not just one way. My designs give plus women the option to feel sexy in a world that does let plus women feel that way.

QSM: As a trailblazer in the plus-size fashion industry, what impact do you hope your brand and designs will have on the broader fashion landscape, and how do you envision contributing to a more diverse and accepting industry?

Grace: I want my brand to impact the fashion industry in a major way. I want plus women walking in fashion weeks all over the world and let the fashion industry know plus women are here and are staying.

QSM: Looking ahead, what aspirations do you have for the future of your brand, and what messages do you hope to convey through your upcoming collections to continue promoting self-discovery and empowerment in the world of fashion?

Grace: Looking ahead I aspire to have a lingerie line and a line of gowns and eventually everyday wear. I want to hit all markets for plus and mid-size bodies. I want my message to be that plus size women can be sexy and fabulous and wearing my designs will make you feel empowered and that you can take on anything.

QSM: As a designer advocating for inclusivity and self-acceptance, how do you balance the artistic aspects of your designs with the responsibility of being a positive influence on the perception of body image in society?

Grace: Of course, balancing what I want to design and what is needed in the plus size community can be challenging. Remember that not everyone likes to dress like me and having options that cater to all shapes and body types. Society will always have its views on how plus women should dress but my brand is here to push the envelope and get women to realize they don’t have to be in a big, oversized dress with loud prints. Plus designs can be sleek and sexy and fitted if you please.



Photo credits:

Model: Grace Iacaboni

Photographer: @lionelwhytephotography

Pose Coach: @blu3modelcoachingllc