Candice Huffine launches new lingerie collection with Fortnight

Candice Huffine is not just a curvy or plus-size model. She is a modern-day Renaissance woman.

In 2017 alone, Huffine has graced the covers of Elle and Vogue Mexico. During New York Fashion Week in February, she made headlines walking in the Prabal Gurung and Sophie Theallet fashion shows. On top of that, she’s fronted campaigns for Torrid, Lane Bryant, and Universal Standard while finding spare time to run in the Boston Marathon. Now, Huffine has just unveiled her latest project: a size-inclusive capsule collection for lingerie and swimwear line Fortnight.

Huffine kicked off the CH x Fortnight collection at a chic dinner in the heart of Manhattan, where she shared details about her six new lingerie styles, which range in price from $52 to $178. The collection will be available in cup sizes A-G and sizes small-XXL.

Yahoo Style caught up with Huffine to learn about the Fortnight partnership, her thoughts on fashion’s progress with size inclusivity, her tips on being more confident, and her one lingering “big dream” that she still hopes to make a reality one day.

Yahoo Style: You’ve mentioned you’re a fan of Fortnight. What is it about the brand’s lingerie that made you feel great and want to work with them?

Candice Huffine: In the landscape of lingerie, I found that the spectrum of offerings go from very racy (see also: impractical), very cutesy, and then sharply to very basic. To me, Fortnight bridges the gap. I was drawn to the brand because I felt it celebrates a woman’s body and gives her freedom to express herself, while being simplistic, chic, and still very sexy. I never wore anything else after discovering Fortnight, and I hope other women will feel the same!

What are some of your favorite pieces from the new capsule collection that you helped conceptualize and/or design?

The design and concept of the entire line was a total collaboration, and each piece is very special in its own way, so choosing favorites is impossible. I can point out that there is something magical about the longline bra and bodysuit that makes you want to find ways to show them off under whatever else you are wearing. I also really love how Toronto artist Danielle Suppa was able to bring to life my vision of a hand-painted leopard print. The fabric has been created so that every piece is one of a kind, just like the woman who will wear it!

Aside from modeling, did you ever see a career in fashion design? Or anything else?

I really fell in love with the design process after my first capsule collection a few years ago and am really excited to continue exploring this side of fashion.

You’ve had a very big year, from walking the Prabal Gurung show in February to landing the cover of Elle — all while balancing your numerous brand partnerships with Torrid, Lane Bryant, and now Fortnight. What career dream do you still have that hasn’t already happened?

It has been an amazing year. So many pinch-me moments! I still have one big dream on the list, though … I would love to be in a makeup campaign. I find size diversity has yet to make its way into that atmosphere, and to me it’s a really important gap to fill. A lipstick is size universal. A mascara is for everyone. In a time when I could never find clothes that fit me, the one thing I could rely on was a perfect liquid lined cat eye, and I felt fierce. Makeup is for all, and just like in fashion, all women should feel represented and celebrated.

You are listed as one of the judging panelists for Torrid’s first official NYFW show. How do you feel about this brand becoming part of the once-exclusive NYFW space and the greater inclusion of plus-size models in fashion shows exhibited by you and Ashley Graham? What further progress needs to be made?

It is especially exciting to me because I have spent most of my career working toward an inclusive fashion industry, and every season we seem to be getting a little closer. Brands like Torrid being welcomed and seeing faces and bodies like myself and Ashley show that people are finally seeing that we are not just a headline or an semiannual fashion statement. I challenge more designers to commit to this important movement of change and representation in the upcoming fashion weeks. I think the best is yet to come!

Many women feel self-conscious wearing lingerie. What advice would you give them to feel their most confident?

I am asked this question all of the time and wish I had the perfect answer so that every woman could look in the mirror in her sexiest lingerie and feel their most confident. Each woman is on her own journey, and my advice is always to block out the outside voices that might say that you do not conform to society’s rules of sexy and just own it. There is nothing sexier than that.

You’ve mentioned in a past interview that you credit your parents for instilling self-confidence in you from an early age. What advice would you give to young teens who unfortunately don’t have that same positive, parental relationship?

Be your own motivation. Allow yourself to be inspired by people you identify with and admire. Set goals for yourself. Celebrate your achievements and your failures. Embrace and enjoy the girl you are today.

Video: Lily Cummings for CH x Fortnight

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

? Candice Huffine is thanking her 15-year-old self for the best reason
? The problem with Candice Huffine’s Vogue cover
? 10 plus-size off-the-shoulder statement looks to shop now

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