Most Interesting People 2018: Alysse Dalessandro

Why she’s interesting: The blogger, reporter, model and professional speaker is also the designer of Ready to Stare, a size-inclusive clothing and accessory line. She recently walked the runway for Audio Helkuik during New York Fashion Week. //

Know Your Worth: Dalessandro majored in journalism and women’s studies at Loyola University Chicago even though her real passion was fashion and design. “I got the idea at some point along the way that I just wasn’t good enough and there wasn’t anybody who looked like me that worked in fashion. So I said, ‘OK, write about other people’s journeys.’ ”

Creative Outlets: During her senior year in 2009, Dalessandro decided to give fashion a try and started a vintage shop with two friends. She eventually created her own fashion line, Ready to Stare, in 2012. “I credit vintage at really crafting my eye for fashion.”

Stare Tactics: Ready to Stare comes from an experience Dalessandro had while walking down the street in a short dress and wedges. “Someone yelled out of their window, ‘Hey fat girl, stop trying to look skinny.’ That was a moment when I realized that when you are confident in who you are, you exist outside the beauty standard.”

Chain Link: Plus-sized women struggle to find fitting belts and body chains. That led to Dalessandro to create a layered chain belt. “When I started making them, it was a big deal because you couldn’t find body chains that fit a plus-size person anywhere.”

New York State of Mind: In addition to walking in a show during New York Fashion Week, she attended Curvy Con, a plus-size fashion convention and sat at the Project Runway fashion show during the 10-day whirlwind trip. “One of my goals was to go to New York Fashion Week. I walked in it. Like, I walked in a show. I never ever thought that was possible.”

Fashion Advice: Whether you’re thinking of strutting out in over-the-knee boots for the first time or just struggling with self-confidence, Dalessandro’s sage advice works for any situation — fashion-related or not. “Your only competition is yourself. I think for a long time I compared myself to other people and their journey, not my journey.” 

Interesting Fact: Dalessandro considers Beyoncé her fashion idol.