Fact: The average American woman weighs in at around 163 pounds and wears a size 14. So why is it that when it comes to fashion, the average woman is treated like an aberration? Can you even think of one high end boutique that carries a size larger then a ten... if that? Is it possible that all of these store owners are just snobs who would rather cater to a skinnier clientele then perhaps triple their sales by selling garments to fat chicks? Ummm... No.

Today's most revered designers simply do not create their designs taking larger women into consideration-period. The truth is that the fashion elite have never thought of heavy set women as being fashion forward. Take Karl Lagerfeld for example: Back in 2004, Lagerfeld (who by the by spent most of his adult life battling a major weight problem), created a capsule line for H&M. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, he voiced his discontentment when H&M produced his designs in larger sizes:

"What I designed was fashion for slender slim people. The body has to be impeccable- If it's not, buy SMALLER sizes and LESS food." So, has Lagerfeld since changed his critical tune?

Hitting news stands on Janurary 14th, the avant-garde fashion publication V Magazine will feature plus size models in their Size Issue- celebrating women of all shapes and sizes. The issue will include a photo spread  titled Coco A Go-Go, where international burlesque dancer, Miss Dirty Martini, is photographed wearing accessories by Chanel and Lagerfeld... as well as pasties, cut-out bras, garter belts and stockings. Surprisingly, this was shot in the House of Chanel by none other than the Fat Loather himself; Mr. Karl Lagerfeld.

Also featured in this issue is One Size Fits All by Terry Richardson. A side by side comparison of Jacquelyn Jablonski, one of the industry's new faves, who's measurements are: 5'9 32/24/34 and plus size model & author of Hungry, Crystal Renn, who's measurements are: 5'9 36/31/41. Both models are shot in similar poses wearing the same ensembles. The purpose of this spread: to prove that you don't have to be a size zero to pull off these looks.

V's creative director, the talented Stephen Gan, says that he's more in tune then ever to what bigger models can offer. He put his money where his mouth is with this Size Issue, which also includes a high-fashion photo shoot with Norwegian fashion photographer Solve Sundsbo, capturing women who seemed eager to show off their thicker gams, fuller bellies, bigger breasts and even (dare I say it) their love handles.

Although I'm ecstatic that fashion publications are featuring more realistically shaped women in their issues I'm curious.. why now? Why are editors like Cindi Leive of Glamour mag finally deciding to work with voluptuous models when for so long they've been fixated on super thin waifs? What prompted this change? I mean women have always come in different shapes and sizes haven't they? Is this just a temporary ploy to draw more attention to their publication or will these magazines continue to show various body types?  What's next...  will Mattel start to produce a curvier Barbie?

I wonder if fashion spreads like this one will help to persuade high end designers to up their sizes in production. Will women who wear a size 14 finally able to rock Alexander Wang or Rodarte, or will they be forced to continue to shop at stores like Layne Bryant and Avenue?

There is a huge market for bigger sizes and has been for years, yet, not one women's RTW designer has brought anything to the table thus far. Funny thing is that most of today's lauded fashion labels are designed by gay men and judging by the way their garments lay, are cut to fit skinny boys. (Except of course you, Mr. Kors)

I have to say that I find it so ironic that the dynamic duo of Rodarte, sisters Laura Mulleavy and Kate Mulleavy (who clearly wouldn't be able to get a leg into any of the garments that they design), wouldn't make an effort to manufacture larger sizes? Really? They are real women with curves who create killer pieces, but they too turn their noses up to plus size women. Where is their conscious?

Even fast fashion chain Forever21 has cultivated a Plus Size category titled Faith21, offering a limited selection of their "knockoff looks" in larger sizes. Sadly, after doing some research for this editorial, I have only found ONE online sight that offers a decent fashion assortment for bigger gals: Missphit.com. Entrenched in the heart of L.A.'s rising world fashion scene, Missphit designs solely for the fashion forward girl who is selective with her fit. Missphit was created by husband-and-wife team Yul and Christina Kwon, as a result of years of listening to what curvy women want. Their sizes range from 1x-3x, their clothing is fashion forward and inexpensive.

Maybe we'll start seeing more life sized models in our favorite mags. Maybe designers will step up to the plate and produce their collections in larger sizes. And maybe, just maybe, 2010 will be the year when the fashion industry incorporates the mantra: Real Women Have Curves God Damn It!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Coat Couture

Lust:

Rick Owens: This designer needs no introduction... Rick's prices range from $1800-$3800 and can be found on ssense.com, farfetch.com, luisaviaroma.com and net-a-porter.com.

Preen: Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi launched Preen in 1996, selling clothes inspired by iconic Britishisms like Victoriana and Punk Rock. One year later, they had a shop on Portobello Road, and in the years since, the London-based label has earned strong editorial coverage for its clean, fluid lines and slouchy-futuristic elegance. Prices range from $1400-$2500 and can be found on lagarconne.com and net-a-porter.com. LOVE!

Must:

Mackage: Montreal based designers, Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy are the creative duo behind this label. Having debuted their fashion careers at the ripe age of 20, their talent and eye for trend setting looks amazes all. The line is well-known to fashionistas in Canada and US for its strength in outerwear and its wonderfully cut leathers. Mackage has no age. It is made for the fashion-forward woman. Prices range from $350-$750 and can be found on bloomingdales.com, ssense.com, revolveclothing.com and luxlabel.com

Isabella Oliver: This UK based label sells their flattering designs directly on their website; isabellaoliver.com. I accidentally found them while I was searching for a black coat on Shopsyle.com & fell in love with some of their affordable chic pieces. They also have an amazing Maternity clothing selection! Coat prices range from $280-$500.

Glove Love

Lust:

American Retro: Don't let the name fool you, American Retro is a fully French, fashion-forward label that delivers serious style. Their pieces have the perfect combination of old-school details & innovative design. American Retro gloves can be found on shopbop.com and prontostyle.com and run from $185-$320.

Click to Read More Holiday Must-Haves

"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.

SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?

KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.

SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?

KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.

SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?

KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.

SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?

KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.

SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?

KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.

SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?

KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.

SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress?

KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.

SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?

KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

For more photos: click here

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha