Dangerous curves ahead

By Deanna Larson, dlarson@nashvillecitypaper.com November 16, 2004 Curvy divas from Nashville will strut their stuff at Pure Panache, a fashion show and trunk sale to benefit Figures of Nashville, Inc. (FONI). What: Pure Panache Fashion Show When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27 Where: Sheraton Nashville Downtown, 623 Union Street Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door Info: 566-5161; figuresofnashville.com The non-profit organization is dedicated to inspiring and training women to become their own health advocates, providing low-cost or free programs and workshops. And their fashion show, designed from scratch specifically for curvy women with help from New York-based Dangerous Curves � The Tour and The Unforgettable Woman, is designed to inspire women to focus on self-esteem rather than clothes size. Getting there What: Pure Panache Fashion Show When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27 Where: Sheraton Nashville Downtown, 623 Union Street Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door Info: 566-5161; figuresofnashville.com Presentations by guest speakers including Ms. Plus America, Debbie Shannon, will also “model” feeling happy, sexy and beautiful no matter what your body shape. “It’s hard to find heavier women with confidence,” said Nashville photographer Nora Canfield. Despite weight gain after having her first child, she is “still kind of happy” with herself, so she decided to audition as a Pure Panache model, even agreeing to walk down the runway in lingerie. “Some women would be surprised to learn that the fashion industry considers size 12 as plus-size,” said FONI founder Trenay Perry Bynum. “Curvy women want accessibility and affordability. This is why we’ve gone beyond the Nashville landscape to seek designers who aren’t represented in area retail chains.” Pure Panache will feature designer originals in the runway show, and a trunk show of fashions from local retailers such as Lane Bryant and What’s In Store as well as East Coast retailers including the Voluptuous Woman Boutique, Tuesday Conner, Big Girls United (B.G.U.), OSUN Designs and Michi Knitwear. Proceeds from the show benefit upcoming FONI projects including a fitness walk and “Sisters Together,” a health and wellness forum, both scheduled for next spring.