Plus-Size Style

Plus-Size Style

Bigger is better! Twenty-four-year-old Ashley Nell Tipton of San Diego has been displaying her considerable talent on Lifetime’s Project Runway.  The first plus-size designer to appear on the show, Tipton was also the winner of this season’s first challenge. “Ambitious and bold,” declared judge Nina Garcia, who praised Tipton for creating texture in her design — a yellow, black, and white print skirt with a white top. Said Tipton after her win: “It feels amazing!”

Tipton, who studied at the former Fashion Careers College in San Diego, began designing after she couldn’t find clothes in her size while growing up, and still believes there aren’t enough stylish options for larger women. No matter who wins the competition, Tipton is committed to a career in fashion. “I have the talent, vision and passion, and I can’t see myself doing anything else,” she says on Lifetime’s Web site. “I want to be America’s plus-size designer.” (www.projectrunway.com, www.ashleynelltipton.com)   Andrea Naversen