Gabbi Fresh

I was honored to be chosen as one of Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 this year. I had to pinch myself! I am on a list with legends like Prince and Janet Jackson and icons like Drake and Viola Davis. Even more humbling though, is being listed among activists and educators, from Nadia Lopez to Black Lives Matter. Ebony hosted a gala last week to celebrate us, and I left happy and inspired (and dancing…because freaking GEORGE CLINTON performed).

I had one day to find a dress (long story), and I was lucky to find out last minute that one of my favorite designers is based in LA–Tadashi Shoji!! I tried on so many gowns that I loved, but the gala this year was 70s themed, so I went with this gorgeous, embroidered dress that I thought perfectly captured the decade. (I tried on both plus and missy sizes, and actually found that the missy sizes fit my proportions better. Also note that Tadashi dresses run very large. I’m size 18/20 in most things and ended up with a 16 missy, but if I were to order from the plus section I’d get a 14W.) I honestly think this is my favorite gown that I’ve ever worn. It fit perfectly. Sadly there are no professional photos but I hope a few grainy phone photos in poor lighting will do it justice!

Since a lot of people have been asking on social media, I’ll also add that I am wearing this strapless bra from Wacoal and this shapewear from MiracleSuit.

A video posted by @gabifresh on Dec 3, 2015 at 10:57am PST

Thank you so much to Ebony for the honor! (And thanks to Niehla O. as always for the fabulous makeup!)