Santa Cruz dress designer Jill Alexander invited to show fashions in NYC

SANTA CRUZ - Santa Cruz fashion designer Jill Alexander has been invited once again to New York for Full Figured Fashion Week. Her show date is June 15.
Gwen DeVoe, creator of Full Figured Fashion Week, considers Alexander one of the top plus-size designers in the country.
The Santa Cruz designer has rocketed to the top of the fashion world in short order. She opened her own business in 2009, specializing in high-quality clothing "for the curvy woman size 12 and above" and offering designs that are flattering and strikingly new.

Last year, Jill Alexander Designs was nominated for the 2011 Plus Size Ladies Retailer Award presented by 100PercentPeople website.
Devoe credits Alexander with not only understanding her customers, but also bringing much needed attention to a market neglected by much of the fashion industry. Top designers such as Donna Karan, Anne Klein, and Dana Buchman now offer plus sizes, seeking a share of what was a $17 billion market in 2011.
"We have seen a huge shift in the fashion industry over the last year when it comes to addressing the needs of curvy women," said Alexander, who is owner and chief designer at her company. "On runways, in stores and even in the pages of Vogue magazine, the plus-size woman is finally getting some fashion respect."
Her company is one of 10 independent design houses chosen to unveil its collection in New York. That will be her fall line, "Familiar Destinations."
The new line comprises classical familiar pieces in jewel tone colors with details such as large collars and cuffs.
"This latest line is really dedicated to women who juggle family, work and travel and yet want to be able to dress up their pieces for evening as well," said Alexander, citing her travels in the U.S. and abroad as her inspiration.

She said her line offers a variety of garments for customers so they can coordinate with favorites in their closets yet integrate new pieces season after season.
Some of her separates are priced at $100, with jumpsuits and dresses designed for special occasions going for $325 and $425.
Her clothing is available to purchase online at www.jillalexanderdesigns.com and in boutiques throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom.