It's not only V's 'Size Issue' that's celebrating women of all body types. Designer Abby Z has been doing so since she launched the plus-size division of her fashion line in 2004.

After being snapped up by Saks almost immediately, Abby Z's collection -- which offers sizes 2 to 24 -- caught the attention of HSN last fall when the designer was invited on the show to hawk her goods.

She sold an impressive 20,000 of her signature "necklace tops" in just three minutes, so it's not surprise that she's announced her return to the channel, airing on Feb. 8 and 9.
Folks should probably get used to seeing Abby Z around; she's designed red carpet looks for Mo'Nique, Queen Latifah, Marcia Gay Harden and Rosario Dawson) and is currently in talks for a book deal.

So, StyleList decided to sit down with the designer and chat about what her motto, "sexy at every size," really means.

StyleList: How did your career begin?
Abby Z: I've been in the fashion industry for 20 years and I started my company 12 years ago. I'm a stylist and a designer. At first I was doing junior apparel and my clothing was in Wet Seal, Urban Outfitters and Charlotte Russe. I was styling for MTV and VH1 and dressing all the skinnies. I've dressed Rosario Dawson for a long time, and Madonna and Britney Spears wore my little houndstooth skirts in 1998 when the Hot Topic look was in.

SL: What compelled you to tap into the plus-size market?
AZ: I realized that the need for juniors was saturated and being a curvy girl myself, I sort of felt like it was a forced career. Personally, if I wanted to wear Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana I would have to buy two size 6's and sew them together somehow because there are no stores out there with pretty clothes sizes 12 and up. Also, the women I was styling -- Emme, Camryn Manheim, Angie Stone -- they wanted hip clothing no matter their size. Once Saks launched me in July 2004, my career for sizes 12 and up took off.

SL: How did the HSN deal come about?
AZ: I opened a store in Soho, New York and people started hearing about me. Then all of the sudden the CEO of HSN sent in her team to meet me and it was sort of love at first sight. They gave me three hours of air time last year and I had a sold-out show. Now I'm launching my Spring 2010 line exclusively with HSN on Feb. 9.

SL: Tell us about the new collection.
AZ: There's my airplane duster, which is a ribbed cardigan that everybody loves. There's a batwing sweater and I include a mother-of-pearl necklace with it, because I try to include a piece of jewelry with everything. I'm also doing some really pretty twist-neck and floral off-the-shoulder tops.

All of my sheer blouses include camisoles so you don't have to shop for one later. I have reversible fleece sets with a print on one side and a solid on the other because the curvier girls can't wear Juicy! There are beautiful animal prints and lilacs, tangerines and aqua blues. It all retails for $20-$90.

SL: V magazine's current 'Size Issue' features plus-size models. Do you think the fashion world is going to start accepting a variety of body types?
AZ: Over the past two years plus-size and curvy women have come to the forefront. So when I see V using Crystal Renn, who is so gorgeous, it's great. She embraces modeling and she looks like she's having fun and I love that Vogue shot her years earlier when she was even a little bit bigger. But while I don't think size will ever go away from fashion magazines, the curvier woman is now embracing herself more. But it's really the editors' jobs to present women as women and not as boys.

SL: What fashion tips would you give to a bigger girl?
AZ: If you have a bigger bust, wear a V-neck or a crossover neck top. Don't wear a crew neck because breasts are heavy and a V-neck or crossover is just sexier. Show your bust line, show your breasts and be proud of who you are.

You sort of have to wear a V-neck with attitude and stand up straighter, which looks better. Also, big clothing just makes you look bigger, so whether you have a waist or not, try to put some sort of belting or a scarf around your middle and also start wearing jeans that fit you.

For the opposite approach, read about this department store's decision which outraged many customers.