Melissa Mercedes’ rise as an indie plus size designer began not with fanfare, but with frustration. Like many plus size women, she found herself stuck in the endless loop of ill-fitting, uninspired formalwear while preparing for a high-profile event—the Latin Grammys. “Nothing seemed to fit right, and the gowns I found lacked the style and elegance I craved,” Melissa recalls. This moment of disappointment, however, became the catalyst for her journey.
Rather than resign herself to the limited choices available, Melissa Mercedes was sparked by the realization that countless women shared her frustration. “I refused to let that be the norm anymore,” she says. With determination in her heart, she set out to design a collection of gowns that would empower plus size women to feel confident, seen, and stylish.
Building a business in an industry notorious for sidelining extended sizing was no easy feat. Melissa faced immediate challenges, not only in terms of representation but also resources. “Many manufacturers and suppliers weren’t equipped to handle extended sizing,” she explains. But instead of giving up, she leaned into building strong relationships with the few manufacturers who understood her vision. “What kept me motivated was my passion for empowering women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin,” she shares, noting that seeing the impact of her designs on her clients helped fuel her commitment.
Melissa’s approach to breaking through visibility barriers was equally thoughtful and strategic. In an industry where plus size collections often struggle for acknowledgment, she focused on creating standout, high-quality pieces that resonated with her audience.
Word of mouth, influencer collaborations, and sheer authenticity behind her work propelled her brand to new heights, leading to the type of success many designers only dream about: the red carpet.
Designing for celebrities brought new opportunities and a spotlight on her work, but she never lost sight of her initial goal: to break boundaries in plus size fashion. “I wanted to ensure that every woman wearing my pieces felt as glamorous and confident as any other celebrity on the red carpet,” Melissa says, recalling the meticulous attention she gave each gown.
“Every setback has made me stronger, more determined, and more connected to my purpose.”
Melissa Mercedes
From fabric choices to structure and movement, she ensured that her designs celebrated the woman wearing them, no matter her size. These high-profile moments, like her Melissa Mercedes x ELOQUII collection, solidified her brand as one that not only embraces plus size options but also sets a high bar for fashion-forward, elegant designs for all.
However, her journey hasn’t been without its hardships. One particularly tough moment came when a critical manufacturer pulled out right before a custom gown was due for a celebrity client. “I remember feeling overwhelmed and defeated, like everything I had worked so hard for was slipping away,” Melissa admits. But rather than succumb to the pressure, she pushed through, finding a solution, and in the process, discovering her own resilience. “Every setback has made me stronger, more determined, and more connected to my purpose.”
Melissa Mercedes’ resilience shone through when she broke her arm during a crucial time in her business. Unable to handle the hands-on work she was used to, she had to rely on others and delegate responsibilities, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “It forced me to develop new systems for communication and project management,” she reflects. This experience not only taught her the value of teamwork but also solidified her belief in perseverance.
Winning The Cultivate Awards was a crowning moment for Melissa, not only providing her with a platform but also validating her tireless work in the plus size fashion space. “It wasn’t just about the recognition—it was about the validation of all the hard work, dedication, and belief in the power of inclusive fashion,” she says. The visibility and platform that followed allowed her designs to reach even more women, solidifying her status as a power player in the industry.
You can learn more and shop the Melissa Mercedes collection at Melissa-Mercedes.com
As she looks back, Melissa’s advice to emerging designers is clear: “Cultivate an unwavering resilience.” The fashion world, especially for plus size designers, presents unique challenges, but Melissa’s journey proves that perseverance and passion can overcome the toughest barriers.
