In a city known for its innovation and community pride, Columbus is building a powerful wave of fashion. I am primarily grateful to Max Dixon, the newly elected board president. Columbus Fashion Council (CFC). With Fashion Week Columbus (FWC) emerging as one of the most lively shows with FWCurve, as CFC stands at the intersection of artistry, advocacy and industry transformation.
And at the heart of it all? The former plus size model has become the visionary leader of Max Dixon, whose journey is a complete circle.
Full-sale moments fueled for purpose
For Max Dixon, leadership in CFC is more than a title… it’s a calling. “This makes me humble and cheerful,” she shares. “Personally, after a few years in the fashion industry as a model, producer and advocate, I now have the privilege of shaping the ecosystem that gave me a beginning. That means professionally, ensuring programs like Columbus and FWCurve from Fashion Week continue to grow as a space.”
Dixon’s presence brings a living understanding of what is truly necessary for inclusive fashion. She dressed, walked the runway, sat at a production meeting, pushing the boundaries long before she held the jewels.
Leadership rooted in living experiences
From plus-size fit models to outspoken supporters, Dixon’s multifaceted background directly informs his approach to leadership. “Wearing all these different hats made people feel more of an experience,” she explains. “As a model, I know first hand the feelings that are often overlooked, and as an advocate, I talked about change when it wasn’t easy.
Her goal is clear: to create a space where everyone is, Regardless of size, background, or abilityI feel seen, heard, and celebrated. That spirit will now guide the ever-evolving programming not only under Fashion Week Columbus, but under the CFC umbrella.
Fresh chapters from Fashion Week Columbus
As a new president, Dixon brings more than energy… she brings intentions.
“I’m focused on expanding my impact beyond the runway,” she says. “It means building deeper partnerships with brands and institutions, amplifying educational opportunities through scholarships and guidance, and positioning Columbus as a true Midwest fashion capital.”
With a 16-year history and featuring over 220 designers, Columbus at Fashion Week is already a regional powerhouse. Under Dixon’s leadership, the focus is on expanding and amplifying the existing annual programming of the Council for creativity, commerce and community.
Enhance FWcurve as a cultural pillar
Entering its third year, FWCurve appeared as one of the most anticipated events at Fashion Week Columbus. Last year’s show featured seven designers, but this year’s Dixon narrowed the focus of five outstanding visionaries.
- Beehideman (Beehive): The charm of the plus size inspired by the red carpet
- Evelyn Smith (E. Denise): Design that honors the shape of apple and pear body
- Amber Hall (Amber Nicole Customs): Looking for handmade women and men
- Valerie Mayen (Yellow Cake Shop): Project Runway Alum Celebrating All Body
- Sopi Mitil (The Sopi Mitil Co.): Petite plus size fashion for women under 5’5″
But fwcurve is more than a lineup…it’s a move. “We’ve seen things about changes in the plus-size industry recently, and fewer plus-size models are expressed in the media,” says Dixon. “That makes it even more important to continue showing positives on the runway.”
Max Dixon’s vision is bold. It’s about turning FWCurve into a national platform that not only highlights local talent, but also attracts well-known designers, brands and media. “The more you create FWCurve, the more you can continue to expand,” she says.
Not only size charts, but also shift the story
For Dixon, the future of fashion integrates its size and size from the rest, not silos. “It’s about moving from token rhythm to integration,” Max Dixon says. “The future runways reflect the true diversity of body types, abilities and identities.”
That future has already been brought to light at the Columbus Fashion Council. There, everything from casting to programming reflects an approach in values. Venues will be selected with accessibility in mind. The seats are designed to be supportive. The model across the spectrum of sizes is cast to reflect the people who are actually dressed.
“The expression is not just about who sees on the runway, but about the whole experience,” she adds.
Build a legacy of visibility and value
According to Dixon, what is still lacking in the industry is consistent and is an issue that FWCurve is built on its own to solve. “We see a burst of plus-size expressions, but there’s not enough sustained vision across the seasons and runways,” she says. “Fwcurve changes that by guaranteeing space annually during flagship events, not an afterthought. It’s the main stage. ”
Dixon wants to ensure that FWCurve is a “lasting pillar” in the fashion world. This is a platform where plus size models and designers know they have a place all the time. Throughout Columbus at Fashion Week, her vision includes more scholarships in central Ohio, more career pipelines and a more comprehensive creative economy. This reflects the long-standing progress made by the Executive Director, Program Director and the Board of Directors, Max is further defending.
Create a community, not just a moment
Like this year Fashion Week Columbus The approach, theme to be carried out from September 14th to 20th, 2025 is clear: celebration, culture, empowerment. “Fashion is an art, but it’s also a community,” says Dixon. “This season’s designers tell stories of identity and sustainability through collections representing those who are watching. and I’m wearing them. ”
And while 2025 is shining the spotlight on emerging regional designers, the following is already a hot topic: “We started a promising conversation with national brands in 2026,” reveals Dixon. “The momentum shows what the industry is seeing.”
A call to action
Max Dixon offers a message of encouragement and empowerment to her journey, especially those looking at emerging plus-size designers and aspiring models. “Leave it authentic and don’t wait for permission. Your perspective is your strength.”
Her advice is clear. You build a community, align with your values and know that all rejections are close to the right opportunity.
How can the fashion community support this next chapter? “Show up,” she says. “We invest in local designers, sponsor scholarships, participate in events, share the stories we tell. Whether you’re a designer, model, sponsor, or simply a supporter, there’s space for you in this movement.”
And thanks to Max Dixon, the movement has a visionary leader and an open runway, leading the way forward.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
