In The Event That...

You're F.A.T.: Fabulous and Thick

by Annamarya Scaccia

The Gayla Bentley Fashion Group Trunk Show

Fri., Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free, Evangeline, 8517-19 Germantown Ave., 215-242-0404, gaylabentley.co

When Gayla Bentley launched her Houston-based clothing line in 2001, she focused on a virtually invisible market — the curvy female. This weekend, Bentley and her designers will show off their latest collection at local plus-size boutique Evangeline.

During the event, full-figured Philadelphians will be able to preview and purchase the Gayla Bentley Spring/Summer '08 collection before the general public, along with some seasonal apparel and the Bentley Basics line. Although all of Bentley's garb is normally made in sizes 2-28, only sizes 12-28 will be on hand at Evangeline. Customers will also get a chance to meet the designers and steal some fashion tips, all while sipping on bubbly and listening to inspirational burlesque tunes.

While Evangeline carries the label year-round, the weekend will provide some valuable advice in addition to figure-enhancing threads. "Many women were never taught how to dress their bodies as a woman, and that is really our specialty," says assistant designer Rachael "Cha Cha" Coindreau. "This is why a trunk show is such a great opportunity."