Gabi Gregg never expected so much stardom in such a short period of time. The Detroit native was focused on her blog Young, Fat and Fabulous, and inspiring young girls. Now, through a whirlwind MTV competition and gig with Vogue Italia, she’s not only inspiring but embracing the world of fashion.
Fearless in her pursuit of all things fly, we sat down with Madame Gregg to see how her journey has been so far.
Madame Noire: How did you get involved with MTV’s Twitter Jockey competition?
Gabi Gregg: Unlike most job searches, MTV starting scouring the internet on their own. They didn’t tell anybody. They looked for young people who were really into social networking and they found my blog and my Twitter along with 17 other people. They contacted us and asked if we’d be interested in the competition, so I didn’t apply to anything. They came to me. I definitely said “yes” because I’m a huge fan of social media and pop culture. It fit in with my interests. We had competitions and challenges …it was narrowed down and people voted via Facebook and I ended up winning that way.
MN: When did your blog start? And what was the original focus?
GG: I started in October of 2008. It started off a little bit differently. I do more of my own outfits and style choices and wish lists. When I first started, I did more tips and where to find clothes and how can you wear skinny jeans- type posts. I also incorporated a few outfits and I found that’s what resonated with my readers.
MN: Do you come from a broadcast background?
GG: I don’t. I was interested in journalism in college, but my school (Mt. Holyoke College) didn’t offer the major. I ended up majoring in international relations, which is not related to fashion. But I always had an interest in fashion when I was in college. I didn’t know how to go about it. So I started the blog, because I couldn’t get a job in it. I applied to a few places and got a few interviews, but nothing panned out. I was like, “I can do this myself and see where it leads.” I combined my passion for fashion and writing, specifically plus-size fashion…since there isn’t a lot for young girls. I wanted to help fill that void.
MN: Who are some of your favorite designers?
GG: I love Alexander McQueen. He was probably my favorite. I love Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Rodarte has some great things.
MN: You’re from Detroit, so the ‘D versus New York, who has better shopping?
GG: [Laugh] Oh, shopping! Hands down, New York. Detroit is not that known for their shopping.
MN: But the hair situation is serious in Detroit!
GG: We have some crazy hair. We have some crazy shoes, like gators. We have some crazy church cloths. [Laugh] But in terms of general fashion, New York beats us hands down. [Laugh]
MN: What part of Detroit are you from?
GG: I’m from the East part of the city.
MN: Have you always been plus-size?
GG: In high school, I started school maybe at a size 12, 14. By the time I graduated high school, I was probably a size 16, 18. So I definitely knew how hard it can be, especially when you’re young and trying to fit in. I didn’t know all the resources out there until I got to college and tapped into the online community of plus-size fashion, fat acceptance and body image communities.
MN: The average woman is a size 14, is being plus-size still looked down upon?
GG: It’s an interesting issue, because there are so many people who push ‘love yourself’, like I do. And there are so many people who look down on it and want to end the world because of the obesity epidemic—like we’re all to blame. It’s a highly debated issue right now in America because you’ll get both sides a lot. Either people are passionate about accepting their bodies or ending this ‘crisis.’ What ended up was people hating other people who were fat. People look and think, ‘look at them. How disgusting. How lazy. They’re messing up the health care system.’ And things like that are ridiculous. I personally can’t say if it’s getting better or worse—there are two extremes.
In terms of fashion in some ways we’re becoming more accepted. Obviously we have a very, very, very long way to go. But it’s good.
MN: How did you get involved with Vogue Italia? I didn’t know they had a plus-size section.
GG: Yeah, and they didn’t for a while. American Vogue definitely doesn’t [have a plus-size sections]. But Vogue Italia is more progressive and they decided to launch their new website, which is Vogue. it. They thought of the idea to have two subsections: Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy. Some people say it’s worse, because now we’re segregated. But to them I say: if we didn’t have subsections we wouldn’t be there. I think it’s a step in the right direction. They have different bloggers from all over the world and I said I can do Chicago and we negotiated that.
MN: Where does your confidence come from?
GG: From seeing other girls who were confident that looked like me and seeing other people that promoted the idea of loving yourself. So I’m now happy to be a part of that movement.
