Fashion
PROJECT RUNWAY’S BASHED PLUS SIZE CLIENT TERRI HERLIHY SPEAKS UP
PROJECT RUNWAY, SEASON 10, EPISODE 6, “HELP MY FRIEND”
Designer Ven bullies client/model about weight, age and constant bashing with no repercussion.
I have been truly overwhelmed by the events of the last few days. As you probably already know, I had agreed to be a participant in the “Fix my Friend” competition for Project Runway. I anticipated a pampering experience wherein I would receive a makeover and have a new look designed just for me. Instead, I was humiliated and degraded for being a “plus size” contestant.
I kept dreading the day when the episode would be aired and the whole world could see me trying on belts that had been made for Twiggy. Since I was so mortified, I did not tell many people that I would even be on the show. I watched it at home with my husband and young children. Seeing the edited version of what had been filmed shed a new light on what had occurred. I was horrified to realize that my children (who I always try to teach to respect others), were now watching their mother being bullied on national TV. It was devastating! I want my daughters to grow up with healthy self images, regardless of what the media promotes as fashionable. I deeply regretted my decision to do the show.
However, since that time, there has been a tremendous outpouring of support from perfect strangers. They are outraged at the designer’s comments and attitude towards me. I am so grateful for their kindness which is helping to rebuild my damaged self-esteem. I only wish I had the time to personally thank each one for their remarks and gestures.
It was disheartening to see that the judges on Project Runway did not send the offending designer home. Does this mean they condone his actions? Do they also believe that only rail-thin models are worthy of their attention?
As I begin to put my own embarrassment aside and look at the situation from other people’s eyes, new questions pop into my head. Why aren’t the sponsors’ speaking up? The sponsors’ offers an anti-aging product line, and very large selection of plus size women clothing. Do the network and sponsors believe in promoting tolerance or do they only care about ratings? (I know that controversy can be beneficial to them, but at what cost?) Why does the average woman compare herself to runway models to begin with? There are nationwide efforts to stop bullying. My experience is a prime example of adult bullying at its best. Bullying needs to stop, not just for children but for everyone!
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I am not an extrovert by any means so I really am overwhelmed by all of this attention. I have no idea where it will lead, but hopefully more women will carry their heads high on their “plus size figures”, and fewer teens and tweens will feel that designer clothes make who they are. Maybe someday Project Runway will official denounce this designer’s actions. But in the meantime, I again thank everyone who has shown support for me. Your kind remarks have diminished the hurt I felt from one individual’s insensitivity.
I especially want to thank my friend, Theo Thomas, for challenging me during the filming as I was pretending to like what had been designed for me. And I also want to publicly acknowledge that other former Project Runway competitors (namely Michael Costello and Suede) have graciously offered to design an appropriate outfit for me.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Terri Herlihy:
Email: TerrisRedemption@gmail.com
Facebook official “fan” page: Terri’s Redemption URL: https://www.facebook.com/terris.redemption
Ph: 913-488-3295, Mary Mattheis, public relations consultant
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Feature
SwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
Inclusive Swimwear Brand Collaborates with Prominent Plus-Size Model Denise Bidot to Empower Aspiring Models…
Swimsuits For All, a pioneer in inclusive swimwear, proudly introduces its inaugural SwimStar All Stars campaign in partnership with renowned plus-size model and Swimsuits For All ambassador, Denise Bidot. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, nearly a decade following Denise’s groundbreaking “Beach Body, Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All in 2015, which showcased unretouched imagery aimed at promoting unapologetic confidence.
Denise Bidot and Swimsuits For All have jointly unveiled the SwimStar All Stars nationwide search, dedicated to discovering emerging talent in the realm of swimsuit modeling. Encouraging aspiring models to share their personal narratives, the initiative aims to inspire women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Following a rigorous selection process, Brittany Wilborn, Camryn Henry, and Sharon Clawson emerged as the chosen winners. In January 2024, these models embarked on a transformative journey to Harbour Island, where they had the unparalleled opportunity to shoot alongside Denise under the expert direction of internationally acclaimed photographer and director, Ben Watts.
Reflecting on the initiative, Denise Bidot remarked, “This was a truly exceptional opportunity to celebrate the diversity of plus-size models and cultivate an atmosphere of support, empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The camaraderie on set was palpable, and I am deeply honored to impart the wisdom and insights I’ve garnered throughout my career. Opportunities like these are scarce for plus-size models in the industry, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional team at Swimsuits for All to bring this campaign to fruition.”
The models showcased the latest swimwear offerings from the Swimsuits for All 2024 collection, featuring innovative designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, including:
Feel-good Fits: Addressing common concerns such as tummy bulges and fit issues, Swimsuits for All offers a range of fits designed to instill confidence and comfort in every body. Incorporating features like Power Mesh for a smooth, flattering silhouette, and adjustable straps for customizable support, the collection caters to various body types.
Bold Prints & Colors for Summer: The summer swimwear collection boasts vibrant colors and captivating prints, injecting excitement and personality into beach and poolside attire. From vivid neon hues to tropical motifs, the collection encourages self-expression and style experimentation.
Liquid Shine: Introducing Liquid Shine, a striking swim fabrication characterized by a glossy, liquid-like finish, adding an edgy allure to beachwear. Available in multiple silhouettes, including bikinis, Liquid Shine ensures you stand out with confidence.
Bikinis that Suit You Best: The Mix & Match Bikini collection offers a personalized approach to swimwear, allowing individuals to mix and match colors and silhouettes for a bespoke look tailored to their preferences.
Beyond showcasing inclusive swimwear designs, the SwimStar All Stars campaign embodies a celebration of women uplifting one another in an industry often marked by competitiveness. Throughout the week-long shoot, models engaged in one-on-one sessions with Denise, fostering meaningful dialogue about the evolving representation of plus-size bodies in swim and fashion.
Jordan Hauser, Senior Director of E-Commerce & Marketing, expressed, “This campaign transcends conventional notions of body positivity and representation in the swim and fashion industries. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity in reflecting the diverse experiences of our customer base. We are committed to fostering a movement where women find strength in unity, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Denise Bidot, one of the industry’s foremost advocates for inclusivity.”
The summer 2024 swimwear collection is now available. For further details about Swimsuits For All and the SwimStar All Stars campaign, please visit www.swimsuitsforall.com.
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@plussizewildflower
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@talitakate
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@pridantas93
@shunitawynne
@nostalgic_nayok
@dlovecurve
@ariwearsthings
@thickfitdee
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@amandaneumanoficial
@aaliyahrenaa
@iheartcandyboo
@organiccurves_
@annemanyi
@johanamaya81
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@theprepguy
@missbetsyellis
@nessasherysse
@muva_fab
@elle.athina
@jeesha_chowdhury
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