This year Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day had two dynamic panel discussions! For the first time we held a panel discussion not only on Sunday, but also during the main event on Saturday called “Body Image in the Media”. Saturday’s panelists included our LYBD celebrity host Meghan McCain, Supermodel Tomiko Fraser Hines, PLUS Model Magazine‘s Creative Director Tulin Reid, and Director of Technical Design at Lane Bryant, Richard Zielinski. I served as moderator and everyone had great insight to contribute to the discussion and we also had a few lively questions from the audience.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the festivities this year, you are in luck because the “Body Image in Media” panel discussion will be airing in its entirety on CityChannel 10 in West Hollywood. If you happen to live in West Hollywood and able to catch it, here are the air dates:

Sunday, the 13th @ 5:30pm
Monday, the 14th @ 7:00pm
Tuesday, the 15th @ 12:30pm
Sunday, the 27th @ 5:30pm
Monday, the 28th @ 7:00pm
Tuesday, the 29th @ 12:30pm

If you don’t live in West Hollywood and not able to catch the broadcast, no worries, the broadcast will also be available aferwards online at www.weho.org under Weho TV!

And if you didn’t get a chance to check out The Insider’s coverage of Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day check it out!

XOXO

The Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women kicks off Love Your Body celebration October 21nd through October 23th

Los Angeles, CA, August 30, 2011 – Hollywood NOW, the local Chapter of the 45-year-old national organization working to bring women and men into full equality, co sponsored by the city of West Hollywood , has announced Meghan McCain as the 2011 celebrity host of Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day.

Love Your Body Day is an annual event where women of all sizes come together to celebrate a day of self-acceptance to promote positive body image. The celebration has expanded to a weekend full of events, which includes a launch party, festival, and body image panel discussion. The Love Your Body community celebration will unfold October 21-23, 2010 in West Hollywood.

Meghan McCain will host the festival which will take place Saturday, October 22rd at West Hollywood Park Auditorium, from 12-4 pm. Admission is free. West Hollywood Auditorium is located at 647 N. San Vicente in West Hollywood. The community event will include performances by various singers, actors, dancers, and spoken word artists. The pinnacle of the festivities is the “real women” fashion show where models will be flaunting the styles of various plus-size designers and retailers.

“I think Meghan McCain is a great host for our Love Your Body Day celebration because she a positive role model for young women, but despite her many accomplishes keeps getting verbally attacked about her curvy frame in the media. We are both fed up with our society’s obsession with thinness and unrealistic standard of beauty,” said Chenese Lewis, president, Hollywood NOW. “United, we hope to send a positive message to young women that beauty comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes.”

For more information about Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day visit www.loveyourbodyday.com

About Meghan McCain
Meghan McCain writes a weekly column for the website/blog THE DAILY BEAST. Prior to joining THE DAILY BEAST McCain worked on her father’s 2008 Presidential campaign where she created the website McCainblogette.com which provided a very personal inside look at daily life on the campaign trail. Over the course of 2 years, she traveled with her father to every one of the 48 continental United States. McCain has previously written for Newsweek Magazine and during college worked at Saturday Night Live. She is a New York Times best selling author of “My Father: John McCain” and “Dirty, Sexy Politics”. McCain is a 2007 graduate of Columbia University and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

About Hollywood NOW
Hollywood NOW is a local chapter of the National Organization for Women. The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.

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www.loveyourbodyday.com
www.hollywood-now.org

You can always find when a company is doing something wrong because people love to complain and point fingers (which they should), but rarely to you see praises when they are doing something right. I recently wrote my personal  Highlights of 2010 and since I skimmed over the year, there were amazing moments that I briefly touched on without giving all the details for fear it was getting a bit lengthy. However I wanted to come back and give praises to one company in particular that, in my opinion, did a really amazing job of supporting the plus community this year.

I’m sure Lane Bryant did more than I am aware of, which shows just how much they are doing! But here are a few things I was personally associated with in one way or another that they sponsored or supported!

• In February I modeled for a Valentine’s Day editorial featuring Cacique Intimates lingerie by Lane Bryant for PLUS Model Magazine. Not only did they sponsor the photo shoot and blogged about it on Inside Curve, Lane Bryant also did giveaways with PLUS Model Magazine throughout 2010.

• Lane Bryant’s Director of Business Management Kathleen Quickert broke exclusive news first on PLUS Model Radio about participating in “Fashion Night Out”. Lane Bryant carried the exclusive plus-size Fashion’s Night Out tee!

• Lane Bryant released a groundbreaking commercial featuring Ashley Graham, that networks refused to air during primetime, stating the reason as “too much cleavage”! Ashley Graham appeared on PLUS Model Radio to take about all attention she got from campaign!

• Lane Bryant sponsored Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering “A New Shine” workshop, which  transformed women from Beyond Shelter, by providing outfits for the ladies getting makeovers to give them “A New Shine”

• Celebrity Catwalk is a celebrity fashion show for charity, which raises funds and awareness for the National Animal Rescue. The fashion show features celebrities of all sizes, and the plus size celebrities were dress by Lane Bryant., who was also a sponsor of the event. Read more about the fashion show on Inside Curves!

• Lane Bryant was also an official sponsor of Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day! In addition to participating in the Love Your Body Day fashion show, Lane Bryant also gave goodie bags to the attendees which included free t-shirts! Read more about the fashion show on Inside Curves!

• The same weekend as Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day, Lane Bryant helped a plus size troupe in New Orleans, Classy Curves hold a model search for their upcoming Christmas fashion show, which I was hosting!

• Lane Bryant also sponsored Full Figured Fashion Week(end). I moderated “The State of The Curvy Community” at FFFweek(end) and initiated discussions about specific action items for the community, one of the items, which I am doing with this post was:

Celebrate the companies that get it!

Loudly praise retailers or labels that do feature fuller-figured models, use positive imagery in advertising, and provide quality products and services. Don’t forget to write positive letters to companies and networks when you see something you like!

See complete list of action items here

I know Lane Bryant probably did more than this in 2010, but these are things that I was associated with in one way or another, and just wanted to point out the wonderful job they are doing being active in the community. Of course no company is perfect, however I think we should support those that are supporting us!

In addition to the quality clothing, I’m looking forward to more great things from Lane Bryant in 2011!

XOXO
Chenese

2010 began with Chenese as the newly elected President of the Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Hollywood NOW) and she participated as a panelist at the Social Justice Summit at California State University, Fullerton.

PLUS Model Radio celebrated its second anniversary and continues to be the #1 podcast for plus size women! A few of the notable guests in 2010 included MTV’s Twitter Jockey Gabi Gregg, Kim Coles, and top plus models such as Ashley Graham, Julie Henderson, Lizzie Miller, and Joanne Borgella. Leading plus size retailers broke exclusive news first on PLUS Model Radio including Lane Bryant’s participation in “Fashion Night Out” by their Director of Business Management Kathleen Quickert, and Torrid’s Marketing Representative Becky Meza announced Torrid’s first model search in Puerto Rico! Chenese took PLUS Model Radio on the road for the first time to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans where she interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment including Gladys Knight, Sherri Shepard, MC Lyte, Kirk Franklin and many more!

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced Chenese the official spokesperson, joining the effort to increase awareness around unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals, binge eating disorder and several associated conditions, including compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. As BEDA’s spokesperson Chenese serves as a positive role model for the members, help to bring awareness to the organization, and help to educate the public about the disorder.

Chenese graced the covers of Daily Venus Diva Magazine who called her “a key individual in the plus community” and Gemini Magazine who referred to her as “A Positive Power House”. She broke plus industry size barriers with PLUS Model Magazine by modeling for a Valentine’s Day editorial featuring Cacique Intimates lingerie by Lane Bryant. Ms Lewis ripped the runway in a celebrity fashion show for charity, Celebrity Catwalk, which raises funds and awareness for the National Animal Rescue.

Along with Reah Norman and Marlene Hoffman, Chenese produced Curvy Network, a plus size industry networking event held in Los Angeles. This year Ms Lewis was sought out to be a celebrity host and consultant for numerous events for plus size women across the country, in cities including Hollywood, Las Vegas, Dallas, and New Orleans. She also moderated “The State of the Curvy Community” panel discussion at Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ Los Angeles.

Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC was a recipient of the Vertical Response 500 Award for being one of the top 500 small businesses recognized for high customer engagement rates in email marketing. Chenese’s blog was recognized as one of the Top 40 Plus Size Fashion Blogs on the web in 2010 by HalloweenCostumes.net

This year marked the 5th anniversary of Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day. America’s Next Top Model Whitney Thompson severed as the celebrity host of this year’s festivities and helped create a major media buzz surrounding the event due to the Love Your Body campaign, where she and Chenese posed nude together. The photographs were featured in top entertainment blogs including CBS News, People Magazine, AOL Stylelist, NY Daily News, Perez Hilton, iVillage, as well as internationally in numerous blogs around the world. In addition the ladies were featured on television shows such as E! News and EXTRA.

Following the buzz created by posing nude for the Hollywood NOW Love Your Body campaign, Chenese cross promoted the Love Your Body campaign with the NOH8 Campaign by posing for a NOH8 photo with celebrity photographer Adam Bouska. Chenese was interviewed about the photoshoot for the National Examiner, which made the front page!

The 2010 Love Your Body campaign gained international attention and magnified her role as a leading positive body image advocate, this year Chenese was a quoted expert in USA Today, The National Examiner, and Northwestern University’s Medill Reports. She was also asked to sit on the Celebrity Board of the non-profit organization Fed Up, Inc.

Chenese ended the year on a festive note by appearing in Mariah Carey’s “Oh Santa” music video and commercial for Mariah’s new fragrance Lollipop Bling!

Exciting things are already scheduled for 2011, make sure you visit www.cheneselewis.com to stay up to date!

Join us for a weekend of fun and empowerment promoting positive body image!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010 7-10PM
LOVE YOUR BODY DAY LAUNCH PARTY
HOSTED BY TOMIKO FRASER’S GODDESS GATHERING

RSVP HERE
Read More About Tomiko and the Goddess Gathering Here: Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering Sponsor Love Your Body Day!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 12-4PM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 8PM
Cathy Lewis Universal Comedy presents:
The Love Your Body Day Comedy Show

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2010 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Body Image Panel Discussion:
Plummer Park – Great Hall
7377 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Reception Immediately Following Panel Discussion

Free Onsite parking in two lots: off Santa Monica Blvd and off Fountain Avenue
Free street parking on surrounding streets.

Panelist share their personal and professional experiences with eating disorders, body image issues, and size discrimination. Discussion will include personal stories and resources for support and how to take action.

Hope To See You All There!!!!!!
XOXO
Chenese

Hello Everybody,

This year the official Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day pics got so much press and attention, it has really created a buzz around the upcoming event! If you haven’t seen the pics already, check them out here as well as a few links to press below! Also check out Whitney Thompson’s website and blog at www.shopsupermodel.com

Whitney Thompson and Chenese Lewis for Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day. Credits: Photographer Inez Lewis, Hair Stylist Jo Williams, Make Up Artist Jeanna Sabatino for Image Cosmetics.

Press:

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/08/26/antm-winner-whitney-thompson-bares-all-in-the-name-of-love/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20014516-10391704.html

http://cocoperez.com/2010-08-23-top-model-winner-wants-you-to-love-your-body

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/08/24/whitney-thompson-nude-defends-tyra-banks/

http://www.ivillage.com/naked-photo-everyone-s-talking-about/4-a-260073

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/08/24/2010-08-24_americas_next_top_model_winner_whitney_thompson_bares_it_all_to_promote_love_you.html

http://www.fameblab.com/article/americas-next-top-model-s-whitney-thompson-gets-naked-love-day

Whitney Thompson and Chenese Lewis on E! News Daily

 

International Press:

UK:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1305494/Americas-Next-Top-Model-plus-size-winner-flaunts-curves-naked-ad-campaign.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Mexico:

http://www.terra.com.co/mujer/articulo/html/mur5588-una-gordita-logra-hacerse-campo-en-el-mundo-de-la-moda.htm

http://de10.com.mx/9252.html

http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/gente-estilo/noticias/2398935/08/10/Whitney-Thompson-se-desnuda-para-reivindicar-la-belleza-XL.html

Israel:

http://www.raysegev.com/index.php/love-your-body-day/

http://www.mako.co.il/women-fitness/Article-dced4db1693aa21006.htm&sCh=3d385dd2dd5d4110&pId=1252482108

Finland:

http://www.seiska.fi/viihdeuutiset/_a118447/huippumalli+haussa+voittaja+kaulailee+naista+alastomana++kuvat/

Netherland:

http://www.fashionnewz.nl/artikel_8719_foto-winnares-americas-next-top-model-uit-de-kleren.html

http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1003/You/article/detail/507385/2010/08/24/Plus-size-America-s-Next-Top-Model-naakt-in-campagne.dhtml

Norway:
http://www.seher.no/849623/top-model-vinner-kaster-klaerne

Slovakia:
http://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/171121/zeny-su-krasne-tucne-i-vychrtle/

Sweeden:
http://www.expressen.se/noje/extra/1.2110968/har-poserar-america-s-next-top-model-vinnaren-naken

Vietnam:
http://www32.24h.com.vn/thoi-trang/anh-khoa-than-gay-soc-cua-mau-beo-c78a319705.html

Greece:
http://www.isthmos.gr/article.php?news_id=19652

Found a great article I didnt post? Let me know!

Hello Everybody!

If you didn’t already know, Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering is an official sponsor of Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day. The Goddesses will be sprinkling their love and positive energy through out the entire weekend of festivities!

XOXO
Chenese

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5th Annual Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day Announces Whitney Thompson as 2010 Celebrity Host

The Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women kicks off Love Your Body celebration October 22^nd through October 24^th

Los Angeles, CA (July 8, 2010) - Hollywood NOW, the local chapter of the 44-year-old national organization working to bring women and men into full equality, has announced Whitney Thompson as the 2010 celebrity host of Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day.

Produced by Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC and co-sponsored by the city of West Hollywood, Love Your Body Day is an annual event where women of all sizes come together to celebrate a day of self-acceptance to promote positive body image. The celebration has expanded to a weekend full of events, which includes a launch party, festival, comedy show, and body image panel discussion. The Love Your Body community celebration will unfold October 22-24, 2010 in West Hollywood.

Whitney Thompson will host the festival which will take place Saturday, October 23^rd at West Hollywood Park Auditorium from 12-4 pm. Admission is free and open to the community. West Hollywood Auditorium is located at 647 N. San Vicente in West Hollywood. The festival will include performances by various singers, actors, dancers, and spoken word artists. The pinnacle of the festivities is the “real women” fashion show where models will be flaunting the styles of various plus-size designers and retailers.

For complete schedule of events or to get involved visit the event website at www.loveyourbodyday.com

About Whitney Thompson

Whitney Thompson is the first-ever full figured model to win America’s Next Top Model and a 2010 ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association. Since winning the reality competition she has landed major campaigns with Forever 21, Saks Fifth Avenue, Torrid, and Converse. She is also an entrepreneur and has launched her own jewelry and candle line called Supermodel. Whitney is currently signed with Wilhelmina Models.

About Hollywood NOW

Hollywood NOW is a local chapter of the National Organization for Women. The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.

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www.loveyourbodyday.com

www.hollywood-now.org