Full Figured Fashion All-Star Diane Linston is Saving Faces

Every February for 71 years, all eyes have been on the NBA All-Star Games but they haven’t come to Cleveland since 1997. To celebrate, Diane Linston, a fashion veteran of more than 20 years, size inclusive fashion designer of N.G.U. ("Never Give Up") Designs, owner of Styles of Imagination Fashions, and the only woman manufacturer in Cleveland, joined forces with more than 15 other designers to turn those eyes to the Fashion All-Star Weekend Edition!

QSM: How did you choose which designers to showcase?

Diane: I knew this was going to be a big show and I wanted true diversity; not just all black designers or all white designers and I had a little bit for everyone from plus size to small.

While the majority of the designers were from Cleveland, Ohio, I also included Jonathan Anderson of Anderson Couture from Puerto Rico and Idaya Sambo of Cover Me Cutee from Nigeria for some international flavor. We even made sure to include different age groups, with Veyonne Jackson of V House of Style showcasing her kids collection and Rahamel Hughes of Addie Love tapping into the teen market.

Connie Pickard of Connie Crochet unveiled a knitwear collection that was out of sight, Megal Osborne of Azadi Unique rocked an amazing assortment of African prints, and Luther Parker of Haberdashery by Lue was simply breathtaking.

For the curvy girls, Therese Jones of Therese Marie Collection from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, redefined the word “elegance” and, of course, my own collection, N.G.U. (Never Give Up) Designs by Diane Linston!

QSM: How did you choose the models who walked in the show?

Diane: We had an amazing turnout at two different auditions, attracting more than 220 models! Some came in-person and those who lived out of town were allowed to submit a video. I gave the designers the option to choose their own models, since some needed plus size, some petite, some kids, etc.

QSM: What was it like to work with Eva Marcille, winner of America’s Next Top Model?

Diane: Ms. Eva was awesome! She absolutely nailed it as the MC; she was funny, engaging, and really knew how to connect with the audience.

QSM: Why did you choose to donate to Saving Faces – The Facial Surgery Research Foundation?

Diane: Saving Faces – The Facial Surgery Research Foundation is a charity solely dedicated to the worldwide reduction of facial injuries and diseases and is very near and dear to my heart. In 2010, I was diagnosed with a disorder called Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is often called the “suicide disease” because it’s so incredibly painful and debilitating. It was so awful that I contemplated taking my life three times. Finally, I asked God to give me another chance and promised that I would live life to the fullest. With this organization. I help people who live with this horrible disorder afford medication and provide transportation to their doctors appointments. Helping others who I know are suffering like I am gives me a purpose and I am truly blessed!

QSM: What were your favorite moments of the day?

Diane: Definitely when so many people wanted to meet me and take pictures with me. I felt like a celebrity for the day!

QSM: What were some challenges that arose and how did you overcome them?

Diane: The hardest part was working with new designers, some of whom didn’t understand that you had to take accurate measurements for your models in order for the garments to fit correctly, which is not as easy as it sounds.

QSM: What did you want your audience to get out of the event? Do you think they did?

Diane: Since this was the NBA- All-Star weekend in Cleveland Ohio, there were a lot of fashion shows going on and I knew we had to stand out. I wanted the audience to really enjoy not only the fashion but the diversity and energy of the show, which I think we definitely accomplished. The very next day, my email and social media inboxes were flooded with comments about how awesome the show was, asking me when the next fashion show will be, and how they can be a part of my team, which was incredibly gratifying!

QSM: Where can people buy your designs?

Diane: People can go to the Styles of Imagination website at https://stylesofimagination.com/. I also have brick-and-mortar locations in both Beachwood, Ohio, and Cleveland, Ohio, so come on in!

QSM: What's next for Styles of Imagination?

Diane: I have several projects in the works. I co-host a TV show called Cleveland Fashions and Styles on WKYC channel 3 that airs every Saturday morning and spotlights local fashion go-getters who are making Cleveland even more fashionable and stylish.

I am also working on a breast cancer blouses collection that will come out in the fall of 2022, collaborating with a friend of mine who is a breast cancer survivor, and I will be doing a women’s expo in Cleveland in 2023.

Follow this full figured fashionista on IG @styles_of_imagination_fashions to learn more!