When I see pictures of Gabourey Sidebe , I see a voluptuous woman who is not only confident with who she is on the inside, but comfortable with the skin she wears on the outside as well. When I hear Gabourey Sidebe speak, I know this is a woman who has claimed the divine or ‘diva’ for short, in her and has no plans of changing her mind for anyone, despite her weight.
As a fashion designer and seamstress who specializes in wholistic garments for women that harmonize with both our temples and spirits, I am always intrigued by not only the clothing that women wear, but how they wear them and more importantly, how they appear to feel in their covering of choice. There is nothing more saddening than seeing a woman walking down the street in the latest designer fashions in pain and discomfort. Her 5″ high Jimmy Choo’s have her walking like her insoles are full of nails, her mannequin-perfect-but-three-sizes-too-small-for-her designer pinstriped suit has her taking ‘baby breaths’ so as not to pop any buttons, and her beautiful red laced Victoria’s Secret push up bra enhances her perky 36’s perfectly, yet suffocate her lymph nodes into possible cancer causing lumps eight hours a day; all a worthwhile price to pay for the casual desirous glances received from testosterone filled men in expensive suits and attractive vessels. A testament that some women seek validation of their status and beauty from others, while some like Sidebe, have learned to look no further than herself. Now don’t get me wrong, I certainly have fallen victim of our socialized pressures a time or two, but there is a consiousness at work that will not allow that response to persist. And while Gabourey may very well be tempted to feed into the protocal that defines a true ‘fashionista’, I have a feeling that feeling good is the foundation to looking good more often than not.
Utter denial or extreme self-confidence? I would say it’s the latter of the two, and if I had to adorn her with one of my pieces for a special occasion, I would put her in either purple, red or black to bring out the fearless ‘Diva’ and charming lady for the world to see. All three are strong colors that enhance certain energies within her spirit. Purple is a royal color that often times can only be pulled off by someone who thinks highly of themselves. Black is a power color for most , and in Gabby’s case, serves not only to slim and subdue her full figure, but pull on her ebony hair and eyes in a way that creates a nice allure. Finally, red reflects that ‘fire’ energy within us. Ms Sidebe seems to not only carry a passion that allows her to embrace the woman she is inside and out, but a passion in women embracing their vessels no matter what their size, period. I have seen her in beautiful blues that by fashion critic standards is an appealing color palate for her. But much like the greens I have also seen her in, I don’t think it compliments her deep pigment and undertones much. I have seen her in gowns that reveal her full upper arms and waistline girth, but have felt that those areas are better subdued is she is going for a more polished and socially appealing look overall. Sleeves that fall right above her elbows, waistlines that either start right below her bust line or have a layered, gathered, or draped style over her mid-drift region, hem lengths that lay at the knee or just above, and fabrics with a little give and even little print, are all designs that would seem to work for her in my book. Wonderful African prints with beautiful designs and eastern inspired cuts are also ideal.
There is no doubt that Ms. Gabourey Sidebe is a lot of woman in many ways. She is not only an inspiration for full-figured women, but designers as well. Her bubbly personality make us want to dress her in more than just curtains and polyester, but instead in styles and colors that say ‘Look at me! I am full-figured and FAB-U-LOUS!”
