'Next In Fashion': Who is Courtney Smith? Plus-size designer uses fashion to deliver powerful message
NEW YORK: 'Next In Fashion' is returning on Netflix with a new season featuring thrilling episodes. Twelve aspiring designers from across the country will compete to win a whopping cash prize of $200,000 and become the next big name in the fashion world.
Notably, 'Next In Fashion' Season 2 is going to be more gripping as it will be co-hosted by style icon Gigi Hadid with Tan France. Moreover, Season 2 also features some of the legendary guest judges, including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and more. While every designer will get a chance to showcase their work on a global stage, only one talented designer will win the competition. However, among the twelve talented contestants, the line-up is Courtney Smith, who designs plus-size stunning dresses and also had A-list celeb clients.
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Who is Courtney Smith?
Courtney Smith is a New York designer who independently runs her clothing brand under the name of Courtney Noelle, founded in 2013. She is known for plus size fashion and designs custom plus size womenswear. Courtney's brand has been featured on shows like Good Morning America, Nightline, the Melissa Harris-Perry Show, and more. Courtney's designs are a favorite among the plus-size fashion community. Courtney Noelle's outfits have been worn by many celebrities including Mary Lambert and Gabourey Sidibe. Danielle Young also carried Courtney's design at the 51st annual NAACP Image Awards. Her best fashion moment and designs were when she was asked to create a gown for Alex Newell as Ursula in The Little Mermaid. While sharing the excitement, she penned on social media, "The Cat is out the bag! We are over the moon excited to watch URSULA IN COURTNEY NOELLE as part of @disneyplus “This is Me” Pride Celebration!
Pinch me!! @disney @disneyplus what’s up?!"
Courtney Smith's designs inspire self-empowerment
Courtney Noelle's designs communicate a strong message of self-empowerment and confidence with a strong focus on sophistication blended with spunk. Moreover, she also stepped in front of the camera to model her own collection. Courtney focuses on women who stand in their power and wear what they want. In a recent profile interview with Netflix Tudum, Courtney shared that her sense of style was 'shaped by the confident and expressive Black women' she was raised and surrounded by in the Bronx when she was young. Courtney was taught to 'love and have agency over [her] body' since childhood. And that’s exactly how she wants her clients to feel wearing her clothes. Though she loves making evening gowns, she is also professional it’s gowns, cocktail attire, or activewear for the 'plus girls who want to show out every time they go out.'