{From far left: Crystal Renn, Amy Lemons, Ashley Graham, Kate Dillon, Anansa Sims and Jennie Runk. Bottom Center: Lizzie Miller.}
I've been meaning to write about this for months, but I lost it in the craziness of the holidays. Now that I've found it again, I'm happy to present with you a photograph of 7 gorgeous women. And the story behind it.
Last September, Glamour ran a picture of Lizzie Miller (similiar to the one below). Messages from readers poured in, relieved and excited to see a woman whose body looked like theirs.
(photo: patric shaw)
This September 2009 article from Glamour.com investigates the reasons behind why we think of Lizzie as plus-size when her body shape is so similiar to the average woman and when her height and weight are actually proportionate. It could be the fashion industry - ending lines at size 8 or 10 is an aesthetic choice, not a business one; any woman who has ever had to search for clothes that fit her thighs, hips, belly or bust will tell you she's willing to spend more to find something that fits well. So why do designers turn up their noses at this important market share? Because we don't think Lizzie Miller is pretty?
I don't know anyone who wouldn't think this woman is gorgeous.
Glamour suggested its readers write to their favorite designers and ask them to create for all of us. Or your favorite stores and ask them to carry more options. I suggest the same to my readers.
I agree, the women in BOTH those pictures are worthy of being honked and/or hollah-ed at. I refuse to buy clothes from BeBe because some of their stores won't carry past a size 8 if they are a smaller store. So sorry I'm not a size 8! I'm a freakin' size SEXY hahah
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes you ARE, Sarah :) Way to start a Bebe boycott :)
ReplyDeleteThe fashion industry focuses on the bottom line, which ends in a dollar sign, so the bulk of their products are aimed at medium sizes. Those who fall on either side of this medium line are SOOL (_ _ _ _ out of luck). Stores also carry most of their merchandize in the medium range with a sprinkling of smalls, large, and XL sizes.
ReplyDeleteI am very petite, if I were 1 inch shorter I'd legally qualify as a "little person" even though I'm not a dwarf. My choices in clothing? Children's wear and look like a kid, or have everything altered to fit which can be expensive!
I curse the fashion moguls every time I go clothes shopping.
These woman are all lovely and I dont consider any of them PLUS size. The fashion industry is just super crazy!
ReplyDelete@Sweet Harvey, I totally agree, they're representative of the average woman. Furthermore, none of them have weight-related diseases or even in the danger zone! The fashion industry IS crazy.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I love those photographs, every single one of those women are sexy...I wish I could see more women like them in magazines. *high five to glamour* for the beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteLove! And also love the idea at the end that we can help change minds in the industry by writing to designers! Great entry!
ReplyDeleteyeah, those are normal sized women.
ReplyDeleteI never understood the waif stuff.