The plus community, as well as mainstream supporters, came out in full force to celebrate The Curvy Fashionisha’s three year blogiversary! The event took place Jan. 7th at the prestigious Philippe Chow in West Hollywood. I had the pleasure of being the red carpet host for the event and had a blast interviewing everyone in attendance!

Queen Grace Collection was an official sponsor of the event and also dressed me for the occasion! Here I’m pictured with Marina Zelner, founder and CEO of the Queen Grace Collection and Adolfo Sanchez. I’m wearing The Gwen Holiday Skirt -Silver worn as a tube dress with The Liz Holiday Scarf

Check out the red carpet interviews, and yes it was as much fun as it looked! Congrats Marie!!!

XOXO

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Comedy Central Stage at the Hudson
6539 Santa Monica Boulevard
cross street Hudson Avenue between Highland and Vine
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Show begins at 8:00pm
Absolutely Free

Reservations Required
To RSVP, please call 323.960.5519
Street and Lot Parking Available

***Updated: Also join us for the Post Show Party at Cafe Entourage! Click here for more info!

For more info about the show visit http://www.fatbitchtour.com

Hope to see you there!
XOXO

2011 began with Chenese securing an interview for PLUS Model Radio with Crystal Renn, who had been named the new face of the Jimmy Choo Spring/Summer 2011 campaign. Her interview served as the most anticipated and controversial show of the year on the podcast, in which she talked about her weight loss and referred to herself as a “plus size straight size model” which raised the eyebrows of many. The interview resulted in an on-line media buzz and was quoted in NY Daily News, Jezebel, StyleBistro, and numerous blogs. During the interview Crystal also promoted her upcoming appearance at the IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) Southern California Evening of Jazz and Arts Under the Stars in Malibu, which Chenese served as the host.

Eating disorder events became more plentiful on Chenese’s calendar this year as a result of becoming the official ambassador for the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) in 2010.  This year Chenese participated in BEDA’s National Conference in Scottsdale by opening the festivities with the conference welcome and introductions, and participated in two panel discussions, one as a panelist and the other as a moderator. She gave the closing remarks for the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Conference’s inaugural Teen Summit in Hollywood. Chenese was also asked to participate in NOW Foundation’s video project for NEDAWareness Week alongside Ford models Kate Dillon, Amy Lemon, and Crystal Renn, as well as leading eating disorder activists.

In addition to Chenese’s brand growing in 2011 in the area of eating disorders, other opportunities arose to reach broader audiences, such as the opportunity to moderate and facilitate panel discussions for Positive Results Stop The Pain, Teen Summit on Dating Violence and Bully Prevention and The West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference. Chenese also participated in Social Media Week by being on a panel discussion at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, which included women leading in social media.

However 2011 was not short of plus size power as Chenese traveled to Las Vegas to represent Lane Bryant as a blogger and curvy media for their first fashion show in almost a decade and Ashley Stewart announced Chenese as the Coast to Coast Curves Spokesperson and launched a bi-coastal model search hosted by Chenese Lewis and PLUS Model Magazine.  In addition Chenese hosted plus size fashion shows in various cities including Hollywood, Atlanta, and San Antonio.

PLUS Model Radio continued to reign supreme throughout out the year as the #1 podcast for plus size women. This year the show reached two milestones, its third year anniversary and 100th episode. Leading plus size retailers broke news on PLUS Model Radio this year including Lane Bryant announcing the winner of their Las Vegas model search, Ashley Stewart announcing the winners of Coast To Coast Curves Model Search, and Bare Necessities announcing their new campaign with Ashley Graham. Other notable guests in 2011 included Meghan McCain, Poprah, Kai Morae, and Chelsea Settles.

Chenese returned to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans for a second year, where she landed interviews with one of Washington D.C.’s most powerful women Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, CNN anchors Soledad O’Brian and Don Lemon, Boy II Men, Pebbles, Tina Knowles, plus many more!  While at the Essence Music Festival Chenese partnered with Simply Fashion, a national chain with more than 300 stores across the country, who not only dressed her for the entire weekend, but gave away a shopping spree to one of Chenese’s lucky fans.

Project Curve Appeal honored Chenese with the Curvy Icon Award at the 2011 Sisterhood Conference in Atlanta for serving the curvy community for over a decade, inspiring and uplifting many women along the way. Project Curve Appeal also chose Ms. Lewis to grace the cover of the premiere issue of Curve Appeal Culture, the organization’s on-line publication, crowning her “Plus Size “It” Girl.

This year marked the 6^th annual Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day, which Meghan McCain served as the celebrity host. The “Body Image in the Media” panel discussion, which Chenese moderated, aired on CityChannel 10 in the city of West Hollywood and the event also received national exposure on The Insider. This year’s fashion show was dedicated in memory of Mia Amber Davis, who modeled in the fashion show in 2009.

The end of the year also marked the end of Chenese’s two year term as president of the Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Woman and she has decided not to continue producing Love Your Body Day and move on to new projects for 2012.

Exciting things are already scheduled for 2012, make sure you visit www.cheneselewis.com to stay up to date!

XOXO

Gain Laundry Detergent recently started running an awesome ad featuring supermodel Tomiko Fraser with a voice over by Wanda Sykes! Check out the commercial HERE

The commercial shows Tomiko in a beauty salon with women of different ethnicities all rocking the same styles, straight bouncy hair with a part on the side, but Tomiko’s goes a different route with her short natural hair, with the tag line: Gain like you, is Anything But Ordinary!

Although Tomiko is not a plus size model, she is not a size zero, and still represents a great amount of women that are underrepresented in Hollywood. She is a dark skinned African American women, not ambiguous looking. She is wearing her natural hair, not weaves, wigs, or a relaxer. She’s in her 40′s and was still allowed to look hip and cute. And to put the icing on the cake she didn’t have to break dance or go into a free style rap as the normal buffoonery of many “urban” commercials.

I think we should let Gain know how much we appreciate their highlighting the “anything but ordinary” beauty of women.

Please go to Gain’s Facebook page and let them know that we’d love to see more images like this in their advertising.

Link for Gain’s Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/gain

You can also follow Tomiko on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tomikofraser

P.S. I’m going to go buy some Gain tomorrow!

XOXO

I had such a fabulous time in Atlanta with the ladies of Project Curve Appeal and Pick City Corporation! I was honored with the Curvy Icon Award at the 2011 Sisterhood Conference, which was given during the highly anticipated Rock The Runway Fashion Show and Team Runway Competition, which I also served as host. I was honored for serving the curvy community for over a decade, inspiring and uplifting many women along the way. As you can see below, the award is absolutely beautiful and even a week after the event I’m still excited about it! I’d like to thank Bev Wilson,founder and director of the organization, for all of her hard work and dedication into making all of this happen and for supporting all that I do.

The Sisterhood Conference is designed for women groups, clubs and organizations uniting for the ultimate experience, networking opportunities, shopping, fashion, women empowerment, and allows women to meet those from a variety of other organizations to establish new connections. During the event we were graced with performances by Thixotix Modeling Troupe from Los Angeles and Kurvy Kuties from Little Rock, Arkansas. In attendance were Clark Atlanta University’s Bold Beautiful and Chic Society, Classy Curves from New Orleans, lots of Miss Plus America queens were in attendance, including Ms. Plus America 2004, Debbie Shannon, as well as a host of other groups and organizations.

Prior to the event we held a Rock The Runway Designer and Boutique Challenge to give someone the opportunity to win a premiere spot in the fashion show and dress me for the evening! The winner was Thiq Boutique and the owner Chrystal J was a pleasure to work with, she is planning to open a storefront in Columbus, Georgia next year, so if you are in the area make sure you support! The Thiq Boutique specializes in unique yet affordable clothing, footwear, handbags and accessories for women who embraces their THIQNESS. Visit them online at www.thethiqboutique.com and “like” the boutique’s Facebook HERE

The most significant thing about the conference to me was that it was an inclusive event that didn’t exclude anyone that wanted to be involved, and for that reason they will always have my support! Overall the weekend was upbeat, positive, and truly about sisterhood by uniting and uplifting each other!

The 2012 Sisterhood Conference will be at the Hilton Hotel Downtown Miami September 21st – 23rd 2012. Visit www.sisterhoodconference.com for more details.

XOXO

The number 1 plus-size lifestyle magazine, Daily Venus Diva.com (DVD) is pleased to announce the launch of the Diva in Need Project, which will begin on Thursday, August 18th, 2011.

This new outreach program has been created to encourage women across the plus-size market to find their own empowerment, while providing them with opportunities to better their lives that they may not currently have access to.

Stephanie Penn-Danforth, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Venus Diva Magazine says, “Every Diva deserves to have her dreams come true, her wishes granted. This contest not only allows DVD to become a deserving woman’s fairy god mother, but it gives us the opportunity to introduce readers and contestants to plus-size friendly companies.”

Every month, DVD will select one deserving entrant based upon their need, and work with plus-size business across the nation to contribute the necessary item. The first business to announce their intention of working with this program is Sealed With A Kiss Designs, a Los Angeles-based company offering trendy, affordable plus size fashion.

DVD is looking for women that need new attire, resume services, technology, or anything else that will help them land a new job, get that promotion, or succeed in a task that will better their lives and circumstances.

Program Director and Editor Janie Mackenzie-Cohen states, “I am incredibly excited to speak with these women, learn more about who they are and listen to their stories. It’s seems almost impossible for DVD to select just one deserving woman per month to provide these services to, but we are thrilled that we have the ability to help strong women make the absolute best out of the opportunities they are presented with and thrive in all areas of their life!”

To find out more about the program, please visit: www.DailyVenusDiva.com

To submit your story and need, please e-mail: Janie@DailyVenusDiva.com

XOXO

Bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before, nuvoTV’s most popular modeling competition is back for its fourth season. Watch as 17 sexy, smart and sophisticated Latinas take over a Las Vegas mansion and compete for the Model Latina title.

Supermodel Tomiko Fraser Hines joins the cast this season as a judge and brings years of modeling experience. Tomiko is the first African-American model to get a major cosmetics contract with Maybelline New York and has modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, The Gap, Old Navy, Lee Jeans and Target, and has been featured in German Vogue, Glamour, British Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan. Tomiko hopes of inspiring the ladies to not only be great models, but amazing women.

Tomiko will be tweeting LIVE during each episode, follow her @GoddessTomiko

I took a look at the women competing this season and was pleasantly surprised to find a plus size model, check out her promo video:

Tune in for the 2-Hour Premiere Event Monday, August 15th 9/8c

To find NUVO TV in your area, click here: http://www.mynuvotv.com/fi ​nd-nuvotv

To learn more about the show, click here: http://www.mynuvotv.com/mo ​del-latina-las-vegas/

XOXO

May 24th, 2010, at the AquaLounge in Beverly Hills, California, Model Claudia Jordan, Avi Bernard of KJLH Radio Los Angeles, & Vh1 Celebrity Poprah, will host the official Launch Event for the “Celebrity Against Bullies Movement”, a campaign to get 100 celebrities to record brief video messages to help stop bullying, a crisis which is killing & devastating so many of our youth! Each celebrity in attendance will walk the red carpet of course, but also record their own individual video message at the event, sharing their own experiences as victims of bullies and even being bullies themselves!

The videos recorded on this spectacular night will be added to a host of video and audio messages already recorded supporting this movement by Ray J, Brandy, TI, Tatyana Ali, Kym Whitley, Golden Brooks, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and Kevin Hart to name a few. The organization aims to have 100 anti-bully messages to be spread across the globe for the launch of their website, to help stop this crisis in its tracks!

With bullying incidents leading to violence and suicide in record numbers, and on-line bullying still growing at an alarming rate, “Celebrities Against Bullies” aims to use the power of celebrities to combat this ongoing problem plaguing our schools, workplaces, communities, and social forums!

By sharing this collection of heartfelt and inspiring audio and video messages across the globe from celebrities who have been bullied, and celebrities who have been bullies themselves, the goal is to use these viral videos, to help change the mindset of people about the dangers, and long term effects of bullying, and collectively change the mindset of generations!

This event will also serve as a fundraiser for an amazing and respected anti-bully charity started by 10 year old, Jaylen Arnold, who’s been featured on CNN & NBC, for starting his own campaign against bullying, jaylenschallenge.org. Though Jaylen has Tourette’s Syndrome, he travels the country speaking at schools about the effects of bullying and how it can be stopped.

“The problem of bullying will never change until we change, and change starts with us, “Celebrities Against Bullies”. And if a 10 year old can set out to make a difference, we adults have no excuse. Celebrities have so much influence on people of all ages, so we aim to make victims of bullying aware that even some of the most successful athletes, entertainers, actors, and industry insiders they know, have experienced some of the same hardships from bullying that they did, survived it, and went on to be very happy and successful people. So committing suicide or violence, is not an option. And for those who are bullies, celebrities they respect can discourage them from thinking that bullying will get them the love, attention, or power they are seeking”, says the organization’s founder, Poprah of Vh1′s “I Want To Work For Diddy” Season 1 & 2.

Many students, even many young adults, don’t realize that if they are being victimized by bullies, there are places they can go for help, and people who they can turn to. So through the popularity of our celebrity supporters, we will also raise awareness about the national resources & viable options that exist, where people can go for help.

To date, the following celebrities have pledged their support & become what we call a C.A.B.,”A Celebrity Against Bullies”

Ray J., Tatyana Ali, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Lisa Raye, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Hart, T.I., Brandy, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mariano Mendoza, Poprah, Kurtis Blow, Kym Whitley, Keke Sheppard, Rondell Sheridan, Kid, Lance Gross, Bryant McKinney, Golden Brooks, Paula Parker, Detail, Alex Thomas, Somaya Reece, Quinton Aaron, Joe Torry

See this link to some our celebrity videos supporting our campaign. Celebrities Against Bullies

This event is sponsored by Hollywood South, Image Cosmetics & Social Status MPR, The Celebrity Shopping Channel

Every “Celebrities Against Bullies event”, will donate a portion of its proceeds to a reputable anti-bully charity. This time we will donate to jaylenschallenge.org, a respected charity started by 10 year old Jaylen Arnold, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, and has been relentlessly fighting to stop bullying on his own since 2009. His amazing story has been featured on NBC, CNN and other national media outlets for his heroic efforts to stop bullying in its tracks!

We welcome you to join us as a celeb, corporate sponsor and/or media partner and to attend the event.

For talent submissions email:vip@hollywoodsouthproductions.com

For press credentials email:press@hollywoodsouthproductions.com

For sponsors & all other inquiries email: info@celebritiesagainstbullies.com

Hope To See You There!
XOXO

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MAY 26, 2011 (D.C.-*7PM-9PM*)
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ATLANTA – JUNE 5, 2011 (*4PM-6PM*)
XQUISITE FOOTWEAR & FASHIONS
2131 PLEASANT HILL ROAD
DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096
770-783-2707

CHICAGO – JUNE 2011

NEW YORK – JUNE 19, 2011

XOXO

Curve Appeal Culture is a new on-line publication brought to you by the ladies of Project Curve Appeal! Published towards the end of every other month starting April 2011, Curve Appeal Culture Newsletter/Web Magazine is a bi-monthly publication which offers readers that include Curve Appeal Movement members, supporters and fans, valuable and exclusive information on the progress of the Movement, the FOCA (Faces of Curve Appeal) Sisterhood, the associated events, sponsors, vendors, affiliates and related industry news. Topics include but are not limited to, events, fashion, beauty, modeling, health, entertainment and real life stories. Curve Appeal Culture is free to all readers. Five digital issues and one print issue available at the Curve Appeal Sisterhood Conference every year.

To read the magazine click HERE

For more information about Curve Appeal Culture click HERE

In addition to being Curve Appeal Culture’s first cover girl Chenese is set to host Project Curve Appeal’s Sisterhood Conference in Atlanta Sep. 29 – Oct. 2nd!

The Sisterhood Conference is a weekend full of official Curve Appeal and Pink City Entertainment Events and Trainings. This event is also known as the “Curve Appeal Convention”. Only some of the events are open to the public.

The conference features:

Thursday Afternoon: Face Camp Workshops
Thursday Night: Sisterhood Meet-n-greet
Friday Morning: National Sisterhood Conference
Friday Night: Award Dinner
Saturday Afternoon: For Who I Am Showcase and Expo
Saturday Night: Rock the Runway Fashion Show
Sunday Morning: Alter Ego – Glam Day
Sunday Afternoon: National Leaders Summit

For more infomation about the Sisterhood Conference and to register click HERE

XOXO