One of the most transformative events in Gayla Bentley‘s life occurred when she experienced a neck injury while delivering jewelry to a client’s husband, whom she had first met at Saks Fifth Avenue. Although injuries are never something to celebrate, this incident catalyzed a series of life-changing opportunities that ultimately led her to Paris, France. Without this pivotal moment, she might never have reached out to the human resources department at Sakowitz, and her career might not have inspired countless individuals striving for acceptance in the fashion industry.

Just as Bentley’s injury proved crucial for her personal journey, her professional trajectory was instrumental in reshaping the landscape of plus-size fashion. Her impact on plus-size acceptance and the empowerment of curvy women is undeniable. Bentley blazed a trail in an industry that often overlooked the needs of women with fuller figures, creating a space where they could feel proud and confident in their own skin.

Bentley made significant strides in the fashion world, even when it seemed stagnant. After dedicating years to her role at Saks Fifth Avenue and advocating for the inclusion of petite and larger sizes, she took a courageous leap of faith to establish the Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group. This bold move was not without its challenges, but her determination and vision drove her forward.

“I worked from home for three years, honing my skills, and then organized a spectacular fashion show. I personally invited the top influencers in the Houston fashion scene to attend a private viewing of my designs. Each guest received a booklet to anonymously rate the outfits,” Bentley reminisced. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, giving me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer, especially in such a financially demanding industry. The results were clear: Yes, yes, yes.”

Despite the rocky start of her clothing brand, Bentley found the encouragement she needed from her extensive background. With twenty years of experience as a Club Director at Saks Fifth Avenue and a previous venture through Gayla Affairs Co-Tours, where she organized shopping trips for women in Europe, she had gained valuable insights into women’s bodies and their fashion needs.

Her inaugural collection was heavily influenced by her initial business venture, Gayla Affairs Co-Tours. Recognizing a glaring gap in plus-size fashion across various sectors, Bentley, who frequently traveled to France for business, decided to create a travel-inspired fashion collection. However, as she struggled to find comfortable clothing that suited her needs, she took the initiative to develop her own fabric.

Investing in her unique fabric was no small feat, as it required a bulk purchase, but Bentley understood that the industry was in desperate need of innovation. If no one else was willing to make the necessary sacrifices for plus-size fashion, she was determined to take the lead.

The support from friends and family played a vital role in her success, but obtaining the necessary funding was an uphill battle. Yet, if anyone could navigate this challenge, it was Gayla Bentley.

“I eventually secured funding, but it felt like finding water in a desert. We [she and her husband] exhausted all our resources. I sacrificed everything, never taking a paycheck, which, in hindsight, wasn’t the smartest choice. Now, 20 years later, my Social Security benefits are not what they should have been due to my decision to reinvest all earnings back into the business,” Bentley reflected.

Launching and maintaining a fashion brand is inherently expensive, especially in 2001 when there were limited options for plus-size designs. The costs of creating fabrics and garments escalated rapidly, presenting constant financial challenges.

By 2009, the landscape for plus-size fashion was still fraught with difficulties. However, Bentley received a life-changing phone call from producers of the then-upcoming reality show, “Shark Tank.”

At that time, Bentley was garnering positive media attention, so she thought, why not seize the opportunity? She recognized that the industry needed drastic changes, and this platform could provide the support she needed. After presenting her brand, the Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group, to a panel of influential investors, including Kevin Harrington, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Robert Herjavec, she secured interest from two investors.

In her pitch, Bentley sought $250,000 for 20% equity but instead accepted a deal of $250,000 from both Corcoran and John in exchange for 50% equity. Corcoran understood the importance of her brand as a woman, while John brought valuable experience with his own fashion line.

Following the airing of her episode, Bentley became the most searched individual on Google for a full 24 hours, receiving immense support and her largest order to date. A major department store placed an astonishing $1,000,000 order with the Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group.

The exhilaration of success post-“Shark Tank” was monumental.

“Barbara was incredibly generous, offering me a stunning penthouse in New York City to showcase my collection on QVC. The view was breathtaking, especially with the snow creating a magical atmosphere. However, just as we were gearing up for the show, QVC called at the last minute to cancel due to weather conditions,” Bentley recounted.

Experiencing disappointment is not uncommon in this line of work, though it is regrettable. The fashion industry rarely celebrated plus-size clothing or the women who wore them, yet Bentley’s resolve remained steadfast.

Corcoran and John’s partnership with the Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group lasted only six months, as the deal was never finalized. Bentley persevered to find ways to make her clothing more affordable, a goal she was deeply committed to.

Aware of the challenges in sourcing plus-size fashion, she aimed to ensure that her designs were accessible to all. Unfortunately, she fell victim to a deceitful manufacturer who promised lower production costs but instead embezzled her funds.

“My husband said, ‘We have to shut down; it’s just not feasible,’” Bentley recalled. “I cried for weeks, overwhelmed by the loss. Ultimately, I picked myself back up, transitioning from fashion to working with felons, seeking to find purpose amidst my pain.”

Launching a clothing brand had been Bentley’s lifelong dream, one centered on empowering plus-size women to discover their unique styles. Although the end of her clothing brand came unexpectedly, it is clear that her impact on the industry is far-reaching.

Gayla Bentley stands as a trailblazer, having propelled the plus-size fashion industry forward with strength and resilience.

“Alongside Gayla, there are other remarkable women such as Gwen DeVoe, Susan Moses, Madeline Jones, and Sharon Quinn; these women have been my inspirations. They motivated me to boldly create the media representation I desired, to innovate, and to pursue my passions unapologetically,” said Marie Denee, Editor-In-Chief of The Curvy Fashionista.

It requires a collective effort to foster change and spark movements, yet Bentley’s mission continues, even after her fashion brand closed in 2024. Although her label has been significant in her life, she has also amassed invaluable experiences that contribute to her identity as a fashion influencer.

“I vividly remember watching Gayla Bentley on Oprah as a young girl. As someone who always identified as plus-size, witnessing her success and confidence was a cultural revelation for me,” shared Kerbi Rucker-Louis, Managing Editor at The Curvy Fashionista. “During my own struggles with body image, I found solace in her example.”

Gayla Bentley’s Memoir: A Must-Read for Fashion Enthusiasts

Fashion’s Stepsister: A Journey to Style, Bentley’s memoir, was released in September 2024. This insightful book not only chronicles her career but also delves into her childhood and formative years.

From enduring the nickname “chubette” to donning a caftan for her prom due to limited fitting options, her journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs.

“Reflecting on my life, I harbor no regrets and feel no significant emotional scars because I have found healing through faith,” Bentley expressed. “In my younger years, I often cried, struggling to understand why I couldn’t feel beautiful.”

During her adolescence, she babysat to earn extra money. While watching the children, she stumbled upon a copy of Playboy Magazine and found herself comparing her body to the models within its pages. This led her to question whether a vibrant personality was enough to attract attention.

Like many girls grappling with body image issues, Bentley faced difficulties finding age-appropriate clothing that also fit her well. Visits to Lane Bryant felt misplaced for a twelve-year-old, as she was not ready to wear the same blouses her grandmother wore.

“In the dressing room, I distinctly heard a voice telling me, ‘Don’t worry, you will learn how to dress yourself and help other women do the same,’ and that marked the beginning of my journey,” Bentley recalled.

The trials of her youth became pivotal strengths, teaching her to navigate a world that often rejected her identity.

In her memoir, Bentley recounts a prom prank where classmates joked about a popular boy wanting to take her to the dance, a moment that felt like a cruel joke at the time.

Looking back, she said, “Enduring those experiences makes me appreciate who I am today, as difficult as it felt at the time.”

Gayla Bentley has consistently proven herself to be a pioneer. Despite facing bullying and a lack of popularity in school, she emerged as the first female president of her high school class, demonstrating the belief others had in her potential.

The support of those around her has been crucial in all her business ventures since then. After attending college and meeting her fashion mentor, Nina Sammartino, she established Gayla Affairs, a styling business serving professors and medical professionals.

This experience was invaluable as she navigated her identity and aspirations, similar to many other college students. After graduating, her travels throughout Europe laid the groundwork for launching Gayla Affairs Co-Tours, where she shared insights with the Human Resources department at Sakowitz about European fashion trends that ultimately led to her employment at the prestigious department store.

Even securing this job was a challenge. Bentley relied on public transportation to commute, as she didn’t own a car, and Texas’s public transit options were limited. She returned home with merely $144 in her pocket, yet she was resolute in her mission to empower other women.

Her first high-profile client at Sakowitz was none other than Her Majesty, Queen Noor of Jordan, and her first day’s sales totaled an impressive $36,000. This success led to her rapid promotion to Director of Personal Shoppers.

Bentley embodies determination and resilience, and her journey continues. In her memoir, she offers practical tips on styling and dressing for every body type, sharing the lessons she learned along the way.

The evolution of plus-size fashion has come a long way since she first embarked on her journey, but the work is far from complete.

“One of the most critical elements lacking in the fashion industry is investment. You possess the creativity, ideas, and visions, but without financial backing, proper execution becomes nearly impossible,” Marie stated.

Investment was precisely what Gayla desperately needed, yet it was never adequately provided. While there are more online clothing options than before, the availability of brick-and-mortar stores catering to plus-size individuals remains woefully insufficient.

The plus-size community faces numerous challenges beyond fashion, particularly with the recent rise of weight loss medications. However, this community has always navigated difficult terrain. It takes bold individuals to occupy space and create opportunities in environments that have historically excluded them, and Gayla Bentley is one such trailblazer.

“Simply being a plus-size woman is a political statement. Daring to show up confidently in your body makes a strong statement. Wearing clothes that defy conventional ‘rules’ is also a political act,” Marie emphasized.

While being a plus-size woman with a sense of style can present obstacles, Gayla Bentley has made it easier for women to embrace their fashionable sides.

Who is your favorite pioneer in plus-size fashion? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!