Full Figure Fashion Week made its fourth appearance in New York City over the weekend with two fashion shows, various workshops and networking events.

Creator and founder Gwen DeVoe, has raised the bar for full figure fashion and what it means to be a plus sized woman today. Fashion from Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and many other renowned designers graced the runways, finally setting the standard for what plus-size representation looks like.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2012 FULL FIGURE FASHION WEEK

High profile fashion shows, which included celebrity attendees, workshops for new fashion designers and networking events for those trying to break into the industry, were the highlights of the weekend.

For so long, the fashion industry has been negligent to the outcry from plus-size women and their request for trendier clothes with wider color palettes. Those requests were met this weekend with the debut of summer 2012 lines, including bathing suits and wedding gowns. Vivid colors, florals and vibrant jeweled tones were worn by some of the most stunning plus-size models in the industry. The models were diverse in size, complexion and shape. From the tall and broad-shouldered to the petite and curvy, the inclusion of plus-size women deserves acclaim.

This past week’s events showed that many designers are working hard to close the size gap. Plus-sized women are now finding more affordable and trendy wear in stores, and there are more designers on the come up catering to full figure women.