We are always inspired and amazed by the extraordinary lives of those within the Dia community. Over the following weeks, we'll introduce you to the first in our Style Tastemakers series along with their favorite styles available at dia.com.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Courtney began her fashion career working under Tracy Reese in New York. Since stepping out on her own, Courtney has shown the power of fashion and has helped her clients use their style choices to empower change. Her extensive knowledge of designers, emphasis on emerging talent, and passion for HBCU’s, sets her apart from her counterparts.

Courtney’s work can be seen on icons like Kevin Love, Chris Paul, Deandre Jordan, Anthony Anderson, Mookie Betts,  and so many more. Her work has graced the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, ESPN Magazine, Haute Living, and The Zoe Report, and can be seen through historical movements such as the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.  

Courtney is passionate about supporting small and Black-owned businesses and strives to spread awareness and social change through her work.

Driving in Downtown LA to see myself on a Jumbotron in a Nike ad and being able to talk about my experience in the fashion and sports community as a plus-size woman was so empowering and magical.

Experiencing NBA All-Star in my hometown (Cleveland, Ohio) as a panelist and thought-leader.

Creating the HBCU varsity jacket for my client, furthering our messaging to be intentional about using style as a platform to highlight social and political issues and celebrate black culture.

Khaite, The Row, Celine, hell, Zara lol

My experience with 11 Honoré has shifted my perspective on the business of fashion and size inclusivity. For my entire life, shopping has been a sort of choreographed battle — trying to find creative ways to combat my unwavering desire to be stylish with the lack of choices available to me. Since I can remember, I could never go into a store and find clothes that fit! 

As a teenager, I was a strategic shopper in an effort to not be disheartened every time I got dressed. It was a mix of thrifted men's blazers layered over vintage nightgowns. I grew up in a time when oversized everything was on trend so I leaned into both the grunge phase and a 90s hip-hop style — oversized men's clothing that I could make feminine with accessories. Accessories became the answer to my sartorial interests. If I could not find an outfit on my mall runs with my friends. I was sure to find jewelry and hats and even bright lipsticks in “my size”.

Later, fast fashion, specifically ASOS, gave me the opportunity to find trend-forward apparel in my size, but there I compromised on quality. Hello Polyester! 

11 Honoré opened a door that previously did not exist AT ALL — luxury style in all sizes. It has always been amazing to me how the fashion world excluded and continues to exclude plus-size bodies. Even if we omit the obvious connotations of discrimination and body shaming; we could talk for hours alone about the amount of money left on the table. Being "plus size" does not mean a lack of interest in being stylish. A girl just wants to be a street-style icon! Ha! I want access to the same product offered to my "straight-sized" counterparts. This evolution, this surge of understanding about inclusivity, I believe, initiated by the 11 Honoré team has reinvigorated my relationship with fashion and reminded me to stand in my style sensibility and to take up space! Kinda makes me want to get up and get dressed every day!

The integration unquestionably exposed me to brands that I did not previously know.

I also love the diversity in price points. I think sometimes we as plus size consumers go into sticker shock with luxury pricing as we have really only had access to fast fashion styles that thrive on affordability. Now, we can see all that is available on one platform.

I am most excited to add more layers. Oversized button-up shirts layered over lacy bras under cozy cardigans and overcoats. I also really want to find the perfect pair of jeans - a good high waist and straight leg that gets better with time.

Also, I love a good uniform! Finding the thing that fits me well and makes me feel my best self and duplicating it every day!

I would love to see more designers expand their size range for the entire collection and not just the basic pieces. I would love to be able to walk into a retail store and actually leave with a shopping bag because the sizing was available on the floor.

Keep up with Courtney's work, life & style on Instagram @courtneydmays.