Emmestyle

State of Grace
Emme speaks out on fashion, body image and her whirlwind career

GRACE: WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE AS A VOICE AND ROLE MODEL TO WOMEN ACROSS AMERICA WHO FEEL MARGINALIZED BY THE FASHION AND MODELING WORLD?

EMME: Beauty comes from within and isn't contingent on our dress size. I launched the Emme Collection because I wanted women to have a variety of options when it comes to fashion. Wearing fashionable clothes that fit properly and feel great can really boost a woman's self esteem. As a voice and a role model, I challenge myself to never give up-and I encourage those around me to do the same.

GRACE: HOW DO YOU THINK WOMEN CAN EMPOWER THEMSELVES THROUGH FASHION?

EMME: By using their voice! Informing manufacturers about the fashion you want will set into motion the laws of supply and demand. All the retailers and manufacturers have to do is listen to the consumer and it's money in the bank. If we don't speak up, no one will ever know what's on our wish list.

GRACE: WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH HER BODY IMAGE?

EMME: I struggle with my body image when I'm feeling detached from myself; or when I'm trying to do too much for too many and I become my lowest priority. Once I stop berating myself about situations I can't control, I can focus on my positive qualities and get into a regular physically active schedule. It's then that I feel less pressure to be "perfect" and the "body bashing" vanishes. I can't blame my body for every thing—I take the responsibility to take care of myself, as no one else can do a better job. By creating balance in my life, my tendency to "body bash" diminishes. Education and lots of practice makes change happen. You're worth it! Good luck.

GRACE: WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, AND WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO ACHIEVE THAT?

EMME: More options for our fuller sisters. The Emme Collection offers "shape design" as part of the clothing. I prefer clothing that elongates and flatters a woman's body, whether it's a duster or fine knit sweater set, a sheer layering piece, a great neckline or a properly placed embellishment. And never forget color, color, color! Black is a staple, but I adore color. We're just at the tip of the iceberg with a long way to go to fulfill the fashion needs of the full-figured woman. We want to be fashionable without being trendy. It's certainly getting better, but there's room for hipper, cooler, more contemporary clothing that rocks the market!

GRACE: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION WHEN DESIGNING?

EMME: From my closet, the runways and my girlfriends.

GRACE: WHAT IMPORTANCE DO YOU PLACE ON YOUR CONSUMER AS FAR AS KEEPING UP WITH TRENDS? SHOULD ALL WOMEN FOLLOW THE OLD RULEOF "COLOR OR STYLE FOR THE SEASON"?

EMME: I love fashion, and it's the colors and trends that make it so much fun. If it didn't change from season to season, we'd all be bored and screaming for something different. It's fun to have creative juices flowing and do something unique. That's why I got into this business in the first place-the challenge of creating a better line, season after season.

GRACE: ANY NEWPROJECTSON THE HORIZON?

EMME: My second book, Life's Little Emergencies: Everyday Rescue for Beauty, Fashion, Relationships and Life will be released in March 2003 by St. Martin's Press. I'm also launching a new clothing line, True Beauty by Emme, which will be available at 500 JCPenney stores nationwide. Finally, this spring I'm debuting at the American International Toy Fair, the mass market Emme doll for 3 to 8-year-olds. It will be available in Fall 2003 at Toys-R-Us.