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If fashion truly is a way of expressing yourself, then E! News' Nina Parker should be in bold, bright and, frankly, badass designs.
Too bad those options aren't actually available for her. "With plus sizes, it's like they want us to hide," the Nightly Pop host explains of her biggest gripe. "They're matronly, something my aunties might wear. I'm like, ‘I don't understand why big has to mean conservative.'"
Or, honestly, unworthy. Time and again, while hunting for something—anything— to wear on E!'s red carpet, she'd find her options limited to black and basic silhouettes, making her wonder, where the heck was all the pizazz? "My stylist and I were trying to find stuff off of the rack and it just wasn't comparable to my counterparts," Nina admits. "It felt really unfair, like, ‘Yes, I am bigger than them, but does that mean I don't matter as much because my waist is bigger?'"
Um, no.
Never one to nod and smile at the status quo, Nina took matters into her own capable hands. She designed her own looks for last year's Oscars and this year's Golden Globes. And now, she's designing your next favorite outfit. Last May, she launched The Nina Parker Collection for Macy's, the department store's first-ever plus-size line by a Black woman.
"I was tired of trying to make things work," she explains to E! in her exclusive reveal. "I was tired of trying to make a square a peg fit into a circle. So, I was like, ‘Let me create my own circle.'"
A circle that not only celebrates a woman's curves but also her personality. With 17 pieces from size 16W to 24W—and between $39 and $129—she hopes her tank tops, form-fitting dresses, denim, loud prints and fun fabrics (yes, there are sequins) help women feel seen. A simple idea that, somehow, felt so foreign before. "I want them to feel like they matter, like they are a bad bitch," she explains. "I want them to feel bossy, like they can walk in a room and everybody will take notice."
It's not just the look and feel—"If the quality of the fabric wasn't up to par, I wasn't doing it"—but the entire shopping experience that Nina plans to overhaul. With plus-size clothes often discretely placed in the back corner of a store, "sometimes you feel like you're getting a drug deal," she says. "It's like, ‘Why do we have to feel like we're being alienated because of our size?'''
So, it was important for her to stand her ground and demand better placement for her collection. Finding that voice, however, didn't happen overnight. "I was trepidatious to say I didn't like something," she recalls of the early stages of the process. "I had to tell myself I'm worthy of this."
Because, ultimately, it was her vision, her confidence that had Macy's knocking on her door. With all the right materials, she just needed a crash course in fashion 101. After a day of filming with E!, she'd head home and spend her evenings fully focused on her brand. "It almost felt like taking a college course," she admits. And once she mastered the technical speak—inseams! hems!—she was weighing in on every nitty gritty detail, from button size to the thread that stitched it all together.
Even the fit model needed her final approval. "With plus, you'll have fit models, but they have flat stomachs," she explains. "For me, when I'm shopping, I look at women who have bodies similar to mine to know how I'm going to look. So, if the person doesn't have your body type then you might be discouraged. It's important to me that our fit model had curves, a little FUPA, thick calves—those types of things women struggle with."
Pretty soon, if Nina has her way, any struggle will be nonexistent. After all, she plans to tackle shapewear, swimwear, shoes, jewelry—hell, she'll make blenders if that's what you want. "I'm literally watching and paying attention," she teases. "I'm reading your comments. I'm looking at what I put on. So just know, if you think it's not available in your size, it will be."
Be sure to check out Nina's collection at Macy's today. We've rounded up a few of our favorite pieces. Check those out below.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Printed Chiffon Duster
This beautiful printed duster can elevate your classic jeans a white tee outfit. We love this pretty marble print, but it also comes in a fun graffiti option as well.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Mesh Midi Dress
If you love the marble print above, you definitely need to check out the mesh midi dress with the same print. It's curve-hugging and has a bit of shine. You'll stand out in the best way.
Nina Parker Plus Size Printed Mesh Bodysuit
This ultra fierce bodysuit will get you a ton of compliments. It's sexy, cool and designed to be comfortable. We're obsessed.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Solid Scuba Pants
You'll be pretty in pink in these sleek solid scuba pants. You can wear this with any top you like, but there is a matching crop top available as well. If you love a matching set, we highly recommend treating yourself and getting both.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size French Terry Jumpsuit
We love the matcha green tea color of this chic French Terry jumpsuit. It's the perfect color for spring. It's "lounge-worthy" and designed with plenty of pockets. Pair with some cute heels or your favorite sneakers and you're good to go. So fab!
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Mesh Midi Dress
Stunning is the only word we'd use to describe this snake print midi dress. It's a head turner for sure.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Ribbed Jumpsuit
You can't help but feel extra sexy and confident in this curve-hugging ribbed jumpsuit.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Boyfriend Jeans
We've found your new go-to jeans right here! These boyfriend jeans from Nina Parker come in a medium wash and feature fringed hems for a cool, effortless, casual look.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Mesh Bodysuit
This highly versatile mesh bodysuit is great for a night out. Pair with a skirt or your favorite pants and you'll look perfect.
Nina Parker Trendy Plus Size Scuba Zip Skirt
Need a skirt to go with all the cute bodysuits from Nina's collection? Look no further than this scuba zip skirt. It has a curve-hugging fit and was made to to be flattering. It's a wardrobe staple that you need in your closet ASAP.
Looking for more great things to shop? Rihanna, Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Sophie Turner & More Stars Prove Vans Are Always a Trend.
—Originally published Apr. 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM PT.