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Read the press release here.

Chicago Designer At New York Fashion Week: 'Curvy Girls' Are Beautiful, Too

By Andrea V. Watson | September 13, 2016 6:12am | Updated on September 13, 2016 9:34am
 Jenny Stecher is the creator of Humane Envy.
Jenny Stecher is the creator of Humane Envy.
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Carlos Soria

GOLD COAST — Chicago women’s fashion designer Jenny Stecher might be new to the fashion business, but she’s already making her mark.

After almost a year since she first launched her women's fashion line Humane Envy, she’ll be showcasing her spring/summer 2017 collection at New York Fashion week Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I’m so excited,” said Stecher, who has put in lots of long nights to prepare for the annual event. The prep time has been challenging because she also works a 40-plus hour work week as a veterinarian.

“In order to succeed or to attempt to succeed, you have to be willing to work hard and put in those hours,” she said.

She’s looking forward to using the New York event to expand her network of people outside of Chicago, she said.

The 29-year old Gold Coast resident, originally from Iowa, criticizes the fashion industry’s average model size.

“I’m not a size 2 or 4 so why would I have all of my models be?” she said. “I feel like, in general, women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful. Skinny girls are beautiful, but so are curvy girls.”

Stecher said she wants the curvy woman to feel just as comfortable and beautiful in her designs so she offers sizes beyond the standard model size.

Her spring/summer 2017 collection, "Asymmetrically Beautiful," encourages people to accept and love their body.

"The purpose of this collection was to allow people to embrace their uniqueness and not feel ashamed about it," Stecher said. "This collection is supposed to help people push that boundary and accept their unique qualities without feeling ashamed."

LaLa Pinkins will model Humane Envy's spring/summer 2017 collection at New York Fashion Week.

Model and friend LaLa Pinkins said she loves Stecher’s clothes.

“Everything from the color selections, prints and also size variation adds to her versatility and right to be known as an awesome fashion designer,” she said, adding that her style choices create elegance and confidence.

Pinkins said she is proud of Stecher’s accomplishments so far.  

“I’ve known her for some time now, [which] has given me the opportunity to not only watch her grow as an artist, but to also be a part of that journey with her,” she said. “With Jenny’s designs now being introduced in New York Fashion Week it’ll be a huge step toward making awareness of Humane Envy.”

To stream the 5 p.m. fashion show live on Tuesday click here.

A portion of Humane Envy’s profits will go to charities like the Chicago Canine Rescue and the Trio Animal Foundation. Shop Humane Envy at www.humaneenvy.com.

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