BY : COURTNEY BUTLER 

MODEL'S DIARY - On Saturday, March 6th on the steps of Adler Planetarium on the south end of Chicago’s infamous Lake Shore Drive stood one brilliant photographer and his loyal subjects. Sporting short dresses, there huddled three curvy bodies, sharing one blanket in the color of a hot air balloon. The sun had clocked out for the day with absolutely no intent to do a overtime.  As one of the huddled curvy bodies, I could not help but think, “In other parts of the world, March is warm!” Then I looked in the face of Niehla Ollie, plus-size clothing designer and founder of Chocolate Sushi Couture, and remembered why I agreed to this shoot in the first place - Chocolate Sushi Couture is one of the hottest lines to spring from Chicago and as a plus model - its my objective to contribute myself to designers who inspire fashion. Chocolate Sushi Couture designs plus-size apparel for the curvy shopper, but colored bed sheets are not included with purchase.

I have to admit, we looked fabulous. (In the dresses, not the sheet.) As Niehla and the photographer gave direction - city buses slowed as each model took her turn being photographed on the staircase. As the shoot started it was obvious that our brilliant photographer, Chris Woodard, was not pleased with the lighting and after about an hour or so of preliminary shooting at the Planetarium it was decided we’d cut the storyline short and try for a night club. We were, after all, shooting “Girl’s Night Out” for Chocolate Sushi Couture.

We headed for Olive Lounge on West Division. I ensconced myself on the corner of a cushioned bench seat. My “Flounce Dress” was in a Chess color combo and made of rayon blend double-knit. The end result was a comfortable and ultimately classic night look. Feeling ridiculously chic, when I tilted my chin to catch the light, I was the center of the universe. Or the center of the Evil Olive lol.

Teena, a gorgeous newcomer to the world of plus modeling, wore the “1970’s Slammer in Pitch,” with rayon blend double -knit on top and mandarin brocade on bottom. With her pitch black hair carelessly curled, she was a moody diva lying across sofa cushions. Her caramel skin glowed under the lights, and it was very hard to imagine Teena being anything other than a top plus-size model.

Teslyn wore the “Pocket Dress” in a goldrod thai silk, and leaned against the bar, looking like an inescapable Venus. It was easy to see why Teslyn is quickly becoming a prolific face in the fashion industry.

I wore a gorgeous strapless black semi-colorblock dress that fit as comfortably as my winter gloves. 

With one more location to shoot - I was beginning to feel the effect of  the day. Once we wrapped-up, heels were exchanged for battered Uggs and pins were pulled to let down riotous curls. After changing and helping out to lug all the equipment to the car, once I got in the car -  I leaned my head against the chilled window in the backseat, curled into my coat and stretched out my tired feet.

All in a days work - three sleepy models, a satisfied designer and  an ecstatic photographer. For more on Chocolate Sushi Couture see : MORE