Our Story
A Runway for every body
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.
- 2009
BluOranges launches to widen runway representation for plus-size models and creatives of color.
- 2011
First summer camp with GEMS, Inc. and Hillsborough County.
- 2012–2018
First showcase at Plitz New York Fashion Week.
- 2016
Bridal clients and summer fashion camps join the studio.
- 2020
Classes move online, reaching students in Canada, India and across the US.
- 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.”