BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Fashion has been a part of television series from “Sex and the City” to “Emily in Paris.” The importance of fashion in the Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest” goes beyond just making the actors look good but is used to a statement. Series creator/wr iter/star Michelle Buteau has designed the show to be a celebration of all types of women. “It just feels like plus-size people are always in black and wearing the same thing.  And this is like, hide your body, these are problem areas,” Buteau says. “I don't call them problem areas, they're human areas. “And so, it was really important to celebrate the inches and the back fat. I wanted people to know that they should be celebrating their bodies too.” Ja’Siah Young loves his ‘pet project’ of ‘RoboGobo’ Her plan worked. After the first season ended, Buteau was bombarded by fans of the show telling her that they only had worn black. They were inspired to take on new looks and embrace more colorful choices. What caused such an outpouring is the series that focuses on Mavis Beaumont (Buteau) who is plus-size and newly single. Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist and she’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family and a body positive attitude. The second season of the scripted comedy based on Buteau’s book of essays has just launched on the streaming service Netflix. Because the series is based on people in her own life, Buteau had no problem pulling together tales for a second season. What the team behind “Survival of the Thickest” pushes with the fashions is that it is not only important to look good, but it is just as vital to feel good about yourself. Executive producer Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (“New Girl”) says, “It is about kind of owning yourself.  We made a choice to make her a stylist.  We had kicked around some other options for career and we knew that it was going to  be really important to have the conversations we're having about fashion and about kind of owning yourself and your style. “We really love that we're telling a story. The subject matter of trying to find yourself, I think usually are told in 20-somethings.  And that's not our show.  You know, we're portraying that in characters who are in their late '30s.” ‘Working Man’ could have used some overtime Sanchez-Witzel is certain that with age comes wisdom. That’s when people should stop thinking they have to keep up with what is going on in the world and focus on loving themselves. As Sanchez-Witzel puts it, the thinking should become that the world needs to catch up to you.  The world is finally catching up with Buteau as the New Jersey native started her standup career more than two decades ago. She went from being a TV news producer to stand-up comedian, actress, podcast host and author. Her TV and film credits range from “First Wives Club” to “Isn’t It Romantic.” Sanchez-Witzel is happy that Buteau has gone from being a supporting player in so many projects to being the star of her own series. “As a co-creator, I can speak kind of on behalf of everybody who works on the show. To take Michelle and put her center as the star after she had been the friend in so many things is such a thrilling thing to do.  She is a star,” Sanchez-Witzel says. “When we first rolled on the first scene of season one, I saw her face, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, she is a star.’  I just knew the show was going to work. ‘Lower Decks’ beams into new DVD, Blu-ray releases “It's because of how people receive her.  People want to take selfies. People pull over the car, roll down the window.  ‘We love you, Michelle.’” Feedback the creators get from the public is how much they appreciate the honesty used to tell stories. A big part of that comes from having Tone Bell’s character working through some very personal mental health issues. Sanchez-Witzel credits the way the team behind the cameras has been put together for making the show such an honest portrayal of life. Everyone from writers to crew is a diverse mix because the key in hiring is to bring in as many perspectives as possible. “It was really important to all the writers that we go on this journey because it isn't seen that often.  And we knew from season one that Tone could carry this in season two,” Sanchez-Witzel says. “I think the world is tough right now.  The world is hard or has always been hard for black men in our country especially.  And it was really important to the writers to say that it's okay for a man to stop and say I need help, I'm not well.” ...read more read less