Fashion
Former Model Reveals The Darkside of The Modeling World. Is The Plus Size Modeling World Much Different?
Former model Carre Otis was a top model for many years and worked with top designers and magazines for nearly 10 years. Her beauty was undeniable, but at what cost? In this month’s Australian Vogue, Carre opens up about maintaining her figure by vomiting, using pills and starving herself. Magazine’s used photo shop to cover up her unhealthy hair and skin due to dehydration and lack of sleep.
After her recovery, Carre came back on the scene as a plus size model and worked for many designers including Marina Rinaldi and was scene in MODE Magazine. Which brings me to the plus-size modeling industry. Can the industry that was created to market to plus-size women also encourage and accept this type of behavior? Sadly, the answer is yes!
In my position models open up to me about their experiences all the time. The sad truth is that there is a lot of similarities between what Carre Otis experienced and what some models are still going through today in our industry.
Models are being asked to lose weight! I’m not talking about size 18, 20 or 22 models. I’m speaking about size 14 and 16 models! Why? Because the clients do not want to use models larger than a small 14 or 16. Models are working out excessively, starving themselves and taking b-12 shots hoping to lose weight and inches. Some are being asked to go under the knife to fix natural lines and wrinkles on the face and we have seen many plump up their lips and botox their face so much that they have been sent home by their clients. Smoking, drugs, over the counter and illegal drugs are all being used because of the pressure to be smaller in the plus-size industry. We talk about diversity, but the numbers are not going up, they are going down! Size 6 and 8 models are working for plus-size clients while the plus size customer is asking for images they can identify with.
Very popular model in the 90’s Megan Garcia wore a size 18
Fluvia Lacerda became one of the most well known plus size models at a size 18
Now that “in-betweenie” models are taking the place of plus-size models, will we even have a plus size modeling industry to even talk about?
What can we do? We must support our plus-size models and encourage them, believe it or not they are just regular girls with feelings and reading nasty comments does not help them or their confidence. We also must impress upon the brands and designers (with our spending dollars and voices) to market to us with visibly plus-size models. If they want your plus-size dollars they should be representing you. Write letters, emails and post on their Facebook page and twitter accounts. The numbers do not lie, 65% of American women wear a size 14 or larger and there are millions more around the world. If we come together we could not only help these models from feeling this pressure, but also save the plus-size modeling industry from certain extinction.
Carre Otis Opens Up To Australian Vogue
Plus Size Bodies, What Is Wrong With Them Anyway?
The Dark Side of Modeling: What I Learned as a Plus Size Model
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.
@panamakish
@felicityhayward
@nizzymacc
@danielle_nekole
@whatkaliwears
@tiffythefashionslayer
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
@msgigggles
@talitakate
@valeriemaroneyy
@curvy_ambassador
@nativeactress
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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