Fashion
Plus Size Inspiration: Modeling Dream Comes True For Teen With Down Syndrome, Thanks to Wet Seal
Plus Size Inspiration: Modeling Dream Comes True For Teen With Down Syndrome, Thanks to Wet Seal
It all started with some photos posted on Facebook and one young girl’s dream of becoming a model has come true.
One day, Sue Brown posted pics of her 17-yr old daughter Karrie on Facebook and was told how fashionable her daughter looked. She was even asked where the clothing came from. Karrie’s clothing came from Wet Seal, who recently started selling plus sizes online. At the recommendation of some of the commenters, Sue created a Facebook page for Karrie in an effort to get the retailer’s attention. Karrie loves fashion and has always dreamed of being a model. However, Karrie isn’t like most models. She has down syndrome.
On Karrie’s Facebook page, Karrie Brown – Modeling For The Future, Sue posted photos daily of Karrie in her most fashionable outfits. She used the page as a campaign, not only to get Wet Seal to notice Karrie, but to also share awareness of people with special needs.
Sue told Today.com about Wet Seal:
“On their website, they say they believe in diversity and inclusion, and it was just a perfect fit.”
Karrie describes her style as “biker chick” and says that Wet Seal’s clothing helps her to “fit in while standing out”. In her photos, you can see how much Karrie loves being a fashionista in her own right. And it caught Wet Seal’s attention quickly.
According to ABC News, Wet Seal received a handful of requests via social media, telling them about Karrie and her dream to model for their company.
Wet Seal’s Yasmin Ezaby told ABC News:
“She immediately caught our attention. We then asked our fans to get Karrie’s Facebook page to 10k likes and we would give her the trip of a lifetime. She exceeded this goal in two days.”
Wet Seal then flew out Karrie and her mom to Los Angeles on an all-expenses paid trip where Karrie was featured in a new ad campaign. Wet Seal even went further and included a trip to Disneyland and a shopping spree at Wet Seal. When it came time for Karrie to be photographed, it turns out she is a natural in front of the camera.
Sue told Today.com about her daughter’s photo shoot experience:
“She was hilarious. They had her in the first outfit and she’s standing there with the white screen behind her and everybody’s looking at her, and I thought she was going to get upset because she didn’t know what to do, she’d never had a professional photo shoot before. All she said was, ‘Can I have some Justin Bieber music, please?’ So they played some Justin Bieber and she just took off.”
Karrie’s next goal? To dance on-air with Ellen Degeneres on her talk show. Sue’s work is also not over yet. Her goal now is to fight for equal work opportunities for other people with special needs by focusing on “Karried Away”, a non-profit foundation that will help her with that cause.
Sue told Today.com:
“I just want people to understand my daughter is very capable of doing other things. I’ve always encouraged both my kids to follow what it is they want to do. And if they need help, if they can’t succeed, then I try to see what I can do to help.”
We think Karrie is going to make that goal. Anything is possible if you believe in your dreams and pursue them. Thank you, Karrie and Sue for being an inspiration to us all. And kudos to Wet Seal for making Karrie’s dream come true.
To check out Karrie’s Facebook page, please click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/karriebrownmodel
To check out Wet Seal’s plus size clothing collection online, please click on the following link: http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/category.jsp?categoryId=1510&ref=hpText
**Photo credit/Sources: Wet Seal, Karrie Brown – Modeling For The Future, ABC News, Today.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
@amandaneumanoficial
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