The Fashion Influencer Behind The Plus Size Lingerie Line That Sold Out In 48 Hours
One of the best things about social media is that it has effectively given a voice to the voiceless, the underrepresented, and the underserved. This rings especially true for the plus-size community. Now, more than ever before, the inclusion of plus sizes bodies is finally being given the platform they deserve—and that has a lot to do with fashion influencers, such as the uber-popular GabiFresh (real name Gabi Gregg.)
In a relatively short time, GabiFresh has become one of the leading faces and influential voices of the plus-size and body-positive communities…and with good reason. She's released multiple swimwear collections for plus size women through a partnership with Swimsuits For All, is the co-founder of her own plus size line PREMME and she just launched her latest lingerie collection with Playful Promises, which is available in sizes US 12-24 and bra sizes US 36-38B-I 40-44C-I.
To say she's a busy woman is an understatement.
In celebration of her new lingerie collection, she recently revealed the inspiration behind the line, some of her favorite pieces, why listening to what her fans want is important, how she overcame her own struggles with confidence, and more.
Detailing how this lingerie collection differs from her first, Gabi explained:
"It's similar in that I tried to create statement pieces that are hard to find in my size range, but I tried to push things even further by including really unique details and fabrics, like velvet and embellishment. I was going for sultry yet fun, and I think we achieved that. I added new styles like bralettes and basques, and also made sure to inject more color into the collection."
Photo Credit: Michael Kelly
She continued by describing how and where she receives inspiration for her designs, stressing the importance of listening to the wants, needs, and concerns of her customers. She states:
"I try to find ways to translate those street style and celebrity fashion trends into lingerie. I previously didn't own many bralettes because I love structured support, but the comments from my followers about wanting bralettes were overwhelming."
This approach is essential for plus size figures because body types differ so greatly across the spectrum of women.
Photo Credit: Michael Kelly
Most importantly, Gabi opened up about her reason for being committed to supplying plus size women with lingerie that not only celebrate their curves, but also gives them the confidence to love themselves despite the often-harsh criticisms the world bestows upon them. She also discussed how she uses her platform to do the exact same thing:
"Things have definitely improved overall when it comes to representation, but it still feels like being my size and both designing and modeling lingerie is pioneering. I never imagined my career would bring me here, but I'm so grateful it has. Feeling liberated and empowered through clothing, swimwear, and lingerie has been such a huge part of my story and being on the other side and giving that opportunity to other women is really exciting and humbling.'
Despite her encouraging success and influence, Gabi didn't hesitate to open up regarding her own struggles with self-confidence throughout her life and how she was finally able to overcome them courtesy of the body positive movement that has also helped many other women:
"I think every woman has struggled with feeling body confident. I definitely went through a period through high school and college of wishing I was thinner and assuming if I lost weight my life would magically improve because that's the idea we're sold. I was never directly bullied, but it's the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) messaging we get as girls growing up in a society with no positive representation… it's feeling left out of cliques or ignored by your crushes because of your size. I gained confidence by finding the body positive movement online in college and seeing other women who looked like me who rejected diet culture. That totally changed my life."
Her new lingerie collection sold out in a mere 48 hours and is currently being restocked, so if you missed your first chance to snag some new, sexy lingerie to highlight your curves, you're getting a second chance.
- Gabi Gregg Plus-Size Lingerie Collection - Fashionista ›
- Gabi Fresh Strappy Bra | Simply Be USA ›
- Gabi (@gabifresh) • Instagram photos and videos ›
- V-Day Ready | Gabifresh ›
- Gabi Gregg Designed a Line of Affordable Plus-Size Lingerie ... ›
- Gabi Fresh lingerie - Essence ›
- Influencer GabiFresh on Her Lingerie Collection, Sexy Tips ›
- Gabi Fresh x Playful Promises | Plus Sizes | Forever 21 ›
- Gabi Fresh's Playful Promises Lingerie Collab Is So Good - Racked ›
- Gabi Fresh x Playful Promises ›
Danielle Jennings is an Atlanta-based Style Writer/Editor, Tastemaker, Girl About Town, Fashion & Music Obsessed Long-Lost Huxtable Kid who is coming for everything they told her she couldn't have...one article at a time. Twitter: @daniellej416 IG: @prettyaries16
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage