Monif C. , one of the hottest contemporary plus size designer literally “ripped the runway” earlier this spring on BET’s Rip the Runway. Savvy Socialite.com had the fabulous chance to chat with Monif C. as she celebrates the opening of her new store in Manhattan, challenges she faced breaking into the fashion industry, and how she defines success.

SS: Tell us what inspired you to create Monif C.?

MC: I always tell people that my inspiration to design Monif C. came from my own desire to wear beautiful clothing. I feel like I came out the womb a size 18, so I am my customer and I know what we need. I would go into the stores that everyone shops in and say, they should design this and why don’t they sell this, and then one day when I decided to switch careers, I said, why don’t YOU do it! At that point I decided that if I didn’t design what I liked to wear, I would have to walk around naked because I just couldn’t find what I wanted in the stores. I knew that if I just designed what I loved to wear, other savvy, sophisticated women like mewould follow suit.

SS: What really differentiates Monif C. from other plus sized clothing lines?
MC: Monif C. is truly high fashion, designer, contemporary fashion that is usually found in trendy boutiques and it just happens to be made especially for plus size women. I always say, these are the clothes that even the skinny girls want to wear! You’d be surprised how many girls call us asking if we can special make some of our styles in size 2, 4, and 6. I am not trying to up size current styles and trends like many plus size clothing companies do. My line is designed with the same philosophies as other well known “skinny” designers, but I design them specifically for the plus size body. You won’t find polyester fabrics and other throw away styles. We use premium fabrics like silks, laces, and velvets oftentimes imported from Italy and Europe.

SS: When did you get your big break?

MC: I actually created my own big break. I started my career path far from the fashion industry; I used to work in Corporate America and later went on to run a nonprofit program. When I was looking for a career change, I decided to embrace this urge that I have had for years to start my own clothing line, and I just went for it. The same week we launched back in September 2005, we were featured on TLC’s What Not to Wear and then a month later Glamour Magazine featured our “Enid” Velvet Skirt as the best plus size holiday item. We knew we were on to something then.

SS: How do you define your success?

MC: I define my success by the smile I see on my face in the mornings. Honestly as cheesy as it sounds, I am so happy to be doing what I love that I know today I am successful.

SS: What is was of the biggest challenges you have faced as a designer?

MC: The biggest challenge I face as a plus size designer is the lack of retail outlets that sell sexy, sophisticated plus size clothing. Many tradition retail stores are still unsure about the viability of the plus size market despite reports proving that the customer is there and they want fashionable, designer contemporary clothing. Since I am my customer, I know that we are looking for this style of clothing, so I decided to open my own store to give my customer the opportunity to come get the entire Monif C. experience.

SS: What entrepreneur do you admire most and why?

MC: There are a lot of them, but in the fashion industry, I really admire Diane Von Furstenberg. When the wrap dress “died” so to speak, she was able to refocus and create an even larger lifestyle brand today and she is definitely an inspiration to women.

SS: How excited are you to be the first plus size contemporary designer to open a store in Midtown Manhattan?

MC: I am SUPER excited! Really this is a dream come true for me because I remember when I was a young girl saying, I wish somebody would design nicer clothing for me. It is personally satisfying to realize my dream and I hope to soon see Monif C.’s around the world.

SS: What advice would you give to other Savvy Socialites who are is interested in the fashion industry?

MC: Intern, intern, intern! A formal education from a fashion school is great, but you will never learn the ins and outs of this industry unless you intern with someone. I believe strongly in internships and I recommend seeking at a smaller design company because you’ll be able to get to see the entire operation from design to PR to marketing to retail.

SS: Where can we find your fabulous clothes?

MC: You can order at anytime from www.monifc.com and most often we can ship the same day! For those that live in and around the New York City area or are traveling here, come shop the first Manhattan boutique for savvy plus size women. We offer the entire Monif C. line as well as accessories.

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