Students working at sewing machines in the studio

Our Story

Built to widen the runway.

Heather Pittmon started BluOranges to make room on the runway for plus-size models and creatives of color — and to make fashion education reachable from anywhere.

Mission

To empower creatives in art and business through education — and to dress every bride who walks in, whatever her size or postcode.

Twenty-two years in Florida, a background in fashion show production, and students in Canada, India and across the United States. The studio has always run on two tracks; this site finally puts them under one roof in Tampa, Florida.

  1. 2009

    BluOranges launches to widen runway representation for plus-size models and creatives of color.

  2. 2016

    Bridal clients and summer fashion camps join the studio.

  3. 2020

    Classes move online, reaching students in Canada, India and across the US.

  4. Today

    Education and bridal reunite under one roof in Tampa.

Behind the scenes

Heather Pittmon

Creative Director

Cheryl Pittmon

Editor

Nicole Brown

Media Director

“Thanks — I now have enough courage to tell myself I am beautiful.”
Demonae, 14

Start with a class, or start with a gown.