Curvy models take the runway during London Fashion Week

[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