As a plus-size blogger who lives for fashion that feels both luxurious and moral, I walked into the EPN New York Fashion Week 8:00 PM show ready to witness something game-changing. What I found was a couture movement: Ales Aduli, the bold design collaboration between Debra Ales and Cherie Kelly-Aduli, proving that high fashion can be fearless, inclusive, and sustainably stunning all at once.
According to EPN Producer Maggie Delany, “Debra designed Cherie’s pageant wardrobe, and what began as a bespoke tailoring project evolved into a shared vision for a brand that centers curvy confidence while staying fiercely committed to sustainability. The designers discovered common ground in flawless fit across diverse bodies, a devotion to deadstock and upcycled materials, and a belief that fashion can be aspirational, responsible, and inclusive.”
The Ales-Aduli duo delivered couture-level craftsmanship with a clear emphasis on fit, comfort, and fluid silhouettes that celebrate curves of every size. The collection demonstrates that statement pieces can be flattering and functional across a broad size range, without resorting to one-size-fits-all compromises. What I witnessed was a collection where elegant tailoring meets pliant gowns and eveningwear designed to glide with the wearer, for bodies that deserve elegance without restriction.
In my opinion, three pillars that define the brand:
Inclusivity: Ales Aduli designs with a spectrum of bodies in mind, prioritizing fit, comfort, and confidence for all sizes.
Sustainability: The collection leans on deadstock and upcycled materials, reduced waste, and using responsible production, proving luxury can tread lightly.
Purpose-driven couture: The line marries high fashion with social impact, supporting community initiatives and empowering wearers to feel beautiful and brave.
By foregrounding inclusive fit and ethical practice, they invite conversations about how fashion can be a conduit for positive change. It’s a reminder that the most memorable couture moments are the ones that honor people as much as they honor techniques.