Exclusive Issue featuring Qristyl Frazier of "All On The Line" by SKORCH MAGAZINE

skorch jan 2012

exclusive first look

qristyl frazier get to know the woman & the fashion line!

plus! 3 skorch lookbook editorials

skorch magazine

real style. real women.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS ISSUE

masthead PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ Jessica Kane DIRECTOR OF PR \ Cali Ann Lee MANAGING EDITOR \ Bonnielee Cuevas EXECUTIVE FASHION EDITOR \ Bella Styles SPECIAL PROJECTS CREATIVE DIRECTOR \ Jovanna Reyes NYC EDITOR-AT-LARGE \ Kellie Brown JR FASHION EDITOR \ Nicole Anderson SKORCH TV HOST \ Marcy Guevara SKORCH TV HOST \ PassionJonesz SKORCH TV HOST \ BabyTigga23 SKORCH TV HOST - NUTRITION WITH MARGAUX \ Margaux Jean SKORCH RADIO HOST \ Trinia Dotson CO-FOUNDER \ Carrie Woomer

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january 2012 exclusive featuring interview & photoshoot with qristyl frazier by skorch special projects creative director, jovanna reyes. we are so honored to present to you a

first look at qristylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new line for lane bryant and a q&a with the woman behind the line.

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Model is wearing a QFD C贸llection Dress JAN 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG4 \ 漏 SKORCHMAG.COM

Qristyl Frazier

on the

RISE

by jovanna reyes skorch special projects creative director Qristyl Frazier is a designer and plus size brand on the rise. Skorch was able to catch up with her right on the brink of her launch of the Epitome Collection with Lane Bryant on January 24th. The first time I met Qristyl Frazier was at Full Figured Fashion Week, right before her opportunity with Project Runway came about. She was friendly, exuberant and I absolutely loved her collection. It was great to see her on Lifetime, but her most recent TV appearance, on Joe Zee’s “All On The Line” on the Sundance Channel, was the most life changing. Editorial Credits Model: Chearice Vaughn Clothing: QFD Cóllection Shoes: DSW Makeup: Angela Michelle Creative Director & Photographer: Jovanna Reyes Stylist: Jovanna Reyes Jewelry: Ear Candy Accessories www.earcandyaccessories.com JAN 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG5 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM

Model is wearing a QFD C贸llection Dress

Qristyl Frazier

on the

RISE JAN 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG6 \ 漏 SKORCHMAG.COM

exclusive interview Jovanna Reyes: When did you realize you wanted to be a designer? Qristyl Frazier: I was in High School and as a requirement for graduation I was supposed to take either typing. It was full and my two other options were either cooking or sewing, so I opted for sewing. I loved it, took more classes and decided to go to college to get a degree in Fashion Design so I can become a skilled designer. JR: Most people forget there was life before a reality show...what were you doing before Project Runway? QF: I was always building my own business as a Fashion Design House, trying to build a foundation for my business.

ulations for this business. Joe Zee had to remind me that customers wanted what I was wearing and that I had a story of struggle to sell, so that's how the Epitome Collection was born. It's about selfreflection and pulling through trials and triumphs. I am not the only one going through life changes personally, emotionally, etc… other women are going through their trials, but they still can look good going through it. After all life is still moving forward so why not move fashionably forward. I created a range of styles that told a story for work, play and business.

JR: How is it working with the top plus size brand in the world? QF: A dream come true, The Lane JR: I watched the episode with Joe Zee, Bryant Company wanted to see twice. You are an inspiration, but you me succeed and they have almentioned this was your last chance. lowed my talent to show through. What happened after Project Runway? QF: Project Runway gave me a good foun- JR: What made LB want to carry your coldation to reach the masses on an Inter- lection? national level. Although emotional and a QF: They liked the idea that Joe Zee preshort stint, it still allowed women to find sented of Qristyl Frazier, who had an unme. Joe Zee afforded me an opportunity tapped market where plus sexy size women that was hard for me to do on my own. wanted real fashion. Joe Zee is extremely This was an opportunity of a lifetime. He well respected in the “Real Fashion” comgave me the opportunity to show my col- munity but just because he is, doesn't lection to a real retailer that could cata- mean you have landed the deal. It means pult me on a level I just could not do on he is influential enough to get the Presimy own. I am grateful for the opportunity. dent of Lane Bryant, Joe Wolf and the VP of Merchandising and Production, Debbie JR: The most poignant moment was Martin to come to me in NYC. LB 's headyour honesty about your sacrifices... quarters is in Ohio, for them to come see how do you feel about those sacri- my capsule collection was tremendous. fices, now that you have the LB deal? Lane Bryant has never had an outside inQF: I am excited, relieved and thank- dependent designer execute a collection. ful because my business and I needed it. LB has a full in-house design team. I am Lane Bryant has over 700 stores and that the first independent designer. Debbie and helps my business in a strategic and bene- Brian both said I exceeded their expectaficial way. It’s beneficial, not just for QFD, tions. It was amazing for me to hear that but for curvy women all over the world. from the real movers and shakers of Lane They now know that QFD Plus Sexy exists. Bryant. They even bought my jumpsuit, which retailers are afraid to do. I’ve been JR: I loved your collection for Lane doing jumpsuits since 2004 on my website. Bryant. What was the inspiration? QF: I went through a lot of trials and tribCONTINUED NEXT PAGE >>

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Model is wearing a QFD C贸llection Skirt Suit

Qristyl Frazier

on the

RISE

interview...continued JR: What is your process when you design? QF: I think of the customer and her lifestyle. Where is she going, what is she doing, how does she want to feel when she walks into a room? It’s for work, play, business venture and travel. How she is strong, confident and always wants to be and feel better than her smaller fashionista.

that's how I ended up being the first designer on the Wendy Williams Radio show 2002. JR: Where will the collection be available? QF: Will be available in select Lane Bryant Stores and available online Jan. 24, 2012.

JR: What are your future plans and your ultimate goal? JR: Have you always carried size 8's or is QF: For my next collection, I am carrying that something new? swimwear, extended sizes to size 26 and QF: I have always done any and all sizes. You 28. Getting a Store Front this year, many inhave to realize that before I started doing Plus terested customers travel to NYC and want sexy size clothes, my motto was, "all sizes, to just come in and shop my collection. shapes and shades". I made my way in NYC Increase my visibility on all the social networks, all alone, no family help, no parents to fund more TV opportunities, like a new reality my business. I did this all on my own with show in the works. My next big step is Qrithe help and guidance of God. I had a lot of styl Frazier in Neiman Marcus and Saks and business heartaches along the way, a lot of continued collections in Lane Bryant stores. emotional healing to get through and a lot of sacrifices that cost me dearly. If someone JR: Any advice for other designers, especame to me and wanted my clothes, I didn't cially the newbies with stars in their eyes? turn them away no matter their size, and QF: Stay Focused!

QFD Cóllection will be available in select Lane Bryant Stores and available online Jan. 24, 2012!

favorites Favorite color: All colors since I have gotten older Favorite lipstick: Better yet, any make up by Le Metier Beaute and I do have to say I do like Black Opal. Favorite website: www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com Favorite blog(s): www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com/blog Favorite movie: Diana Ross' Mahogany Favorite accessory: My Big Platinum Diamond Ring. I decided to start wearing it again, as it is a conversation piece and it is real. Favorite designer: Jean Paul Gaultier

contact qristyl website - www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com blog - www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com/blog twitter - www.twitter.com/Qristyl facebook - www.facebook.com/QristylFrazierDesigns JAN 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG9 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM

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wicked angel Featuring Maxey Green MUA-Angela Michelle Hair/Model Coach: Linda Scott Photographer: Kermit Gresham www.thebeaumondeagency.com Stylist: Jovanna Reyes, Skorch Special Projects Creative Director JAN 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG12 \ ÂŠ SKORCHMAG.COM

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wicked angel clothing credits: Ivory Dress: Empress Collection by Tyrell Holmes Shoes: Nordstroms Black Corset: Custom piece by Jovanna Reyes Jewelry: Nicky B’s http://www.nicky-bs.com/ Skirt: Nordstroms Shoes: Nordstroms

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wildbeauty Featuring Adrienne Glenn Photography by: Sarah Nelson Jeans: H2j Brown Sweater: H&M Boots: madden girl Jacket: vintage Vest: SJB Active

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wildbeauty

l e t s switch gears with an inspired shoot from some friends in venezuela.

the model, jennifer, is a good friend of ours and a woman who has paved the way toward plus acceptance in latin america.

this attorney and passionate writer, has dedicated herself since 1999 to the tireless fight of showing that being

plus size is beautiful

UAL

INCT

EDOM

LOV your b photography by daniel bracci modeling by jennifer Barreto-Leyva www.modelmayhem.com/jabl

VE body

thank you so much to qristyl for giving us the inside scoop on her much anticipated new line, and to jovanna for making it all happen. thank you to our readers and friends for the empowering and inspiring editorial submissions.

the mission of skorch is to empower women to love their bodies & embrace fashion. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to love your body, confidence is a state of mind. if you have a question or would like to submit, please see the faq section on our website, www.skorchmag.com.

xo Jessica

publisher & editor-in-chief