Curvy models take the runway during London Fashion Week

3.03.2011

[Disclaimer: I know nothing ruffles feathers quite like the "great weight debate" especially when it pertains to the fashion industry/media. This post in no way it to be biased, or to stir up controversy, "Team Plus Size, Anti-Straight size". My stance on this matter comes from the fact that so many designers look at a woman who is curvy/plus size as disgusting, with no place in fashion or the industry as a whole, a viewpoint which is so far from true, that needs to be reevaluated. With that being said, read on :) ]


Instead of talking the talk, of "we embrace a woman with a more realistic figure, and wish we could cast them for our shows", two designers actually walked the walked, and cast plus size models for their shows during London Fashion Week.
Issa
Issa has become a household name as of late, after soon to be princess Kate Middleton wore an Issa dress for the announcement of the Royal engagement. For the last ten years, Issa has become known for bold prints, sexy and sophisticated clothing, made by a woman, for a real women. Since Issa is one of my absolute favorite London based designers, I was absolutely delighted and thrilled when I saw Yasmin Le Bon modeling for her. As the Brazilian designer Daniella Helaley states the collection is "designed for real women, like her and their curves." 

Mark Fast
When Mark Fast used plus size models for the first time a few seasons ago, people thought it was a publicity stunt, and even his stylist quit in protest. He stated then: "A lot of people think it's not appropriate to use plus-size models, but I met these girls and I loved their charisma. They're just jewels, you know?" 

Two years later, he is continuing to use a mix of straight sized as well as plus size models casting Lara Cantarell and Gwyneth Harrisson for his latest show. This time around, his managing director states on his behalf:
"We wanted women to know they don't have to be a size zero to wear a Mark Fast dress- curvier women can look even better in one."

To these designers, I say thank you. Thank you, for not being afraid to go against the grain, and for showing the world and the industry, that there is in fact other standards of beauty, that are just that... beautiful. I know, even as time progresses and the demand becomes stronger for more realistic body types to be represented, that many designers will not follow suit (Douglas Hannant made that very clear during NYFW). But for right now, this is more than enough.

images via Style.com

7 comments :

  1. is it just me... or is this not at all plus size...
    Im sry to be sceptical, but come on. in the regular world, those models are NORMAL, if not skinny...

    its great that they dare to do something "new" but in my opinion, the "plus sized models" should just be called regular models... and instead the regular ones should be the one standing out, and being different... if you get what im saying haha!


    <3 Nanna

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  2. Well by the stupid industry standards, since the girls range from a 12-16 they are "plus". I look at them and see the everyday woman, bt such is the world we live in.

    And Nanna you make a great point. They ARE regular models. They walk just like the other models, do shoots, they are models. I totally get what you are saying!! :)

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  3. I think that's awesome! And I think more people should use the plus size models. We all know that is the average woman!

    Matters of Merrymaking

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  4. Wow, these girls all look absolutely beautiful. I have to say, I often feel clothes look better on more normally sized girls! These images are further proof!

    -Marie
    So What If I Like Pretty Things

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  5. Wow....finally, hallelujah, praise the Lord. It's about time designers step up and give these "plus size" models a chance. I'm sorry, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I'm beyond thrilled that people are finally seeing these women as worthy of being on a runway.

    Girls who are not skin and bones often don't look as good in clothes...but put it on a girl with some curves and they turn heads! GO "PLUS-SIZE" (A.K.A. REGULAR SIZE WOMEN WHO MAKE UP MOST OF THE POPULATION!)

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  6. great post! I'll definitely keep an eye out for new looks from Issa...
    and I love the ode to Mark Fast. I agree with model-mogul Crystal Renn - "I’d love to see [the fashion industry] open their eyes to the variety of women. That variety is what’s beautiful"

    love the blog, alyssa!!

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  7. Bekah-It sure is. And that average woman has money to spend and wants too look good too!

    Marie-I agree. I feel like that I not just relate better, but I get a true idea of the fit and shape of a garment.

    Nicole-let the church say amen! Lol. What i loved most about your comment was that girls with curves turn heads! Yes they do.


    Jessica I love Crystal Renn! Dont they say, variety is the spice of life? Time to spice things up for sure1 And thank you for your kind words!

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