Fashion
Plus Size Modeling News: Italian Plus Size Model Elisa D’Ospina Brings The Curvy Revolution to Miss Italia 2013
“We are not dummies, we are women.” What a bold statement. It comes from someone who is not afraid to speak her mind on the state of body image in the world.
Italian plus size model Elisa D’Ospina is someone who believes that the above statement suggests a clear message: that women should embrace who they are and not feel like they have to be a size zero to be a successful model in the industry. She strives to make a positive impact in an industry that is plagued with eating disorders, low self esteem and negative body image.
We spoke to Elisa about her latest involvement in Miss Italia 2013, where she acted as a mentor for a few young curvy women who entered the competition.
What was your involvement with Miss Italia 2013?
At Miss Italia 2013, I was the godmother of the band, Miss Soft Shapes. I joined the patron of the competition, looking for a girl who could represent the curvy world in a national beauty contest.
Who were the models you brought to the competition? Where did they rank? Did any of them win?
The girls who participated in the selections were average women, not models. Some would have liked to pursue a career as a curvy model and by competing in Miss Italia 2013, it was their first experience in modeling. In Rome this past September, we held a big casting and selected eight girls who went forward to the pre-finals of the competition. I mentored them for a whole day, to show them how it feels to be a model for a day. We did not have size limits. The chosen girls were from sizes 44 to 48 (US 10-14).
What do you think has come from this experience? Was it a positive one?
Since September, I have had a curvy segment on a TV show and I have received letters from women who tell me that they are happy that finally curves are being recognized. We exist and it is right that our voice is heard. I think it is important that a national beauty contest has this initiative. It ‘s a way to grow even at a cultural level. And above all, to abolish discrimination, evil in our society.
Since 2007, I have been speaking at schools about body confidence. It ‘a long path, especially in Italy where the thinness in certain areas dominates. The curvy world is slowly making its way, but we want to speak mainly of health. We can not force girls to slim down to chase the dream of modeling. Unfortunately, even today, there are those who force them to this.
Kudos to Elisa for inspiring young women to realize their modeling dreams no matter what their size and working towards helping women in general to love themselves and be confident no matter what.
Here’s some images from Miss Italia 2013 (click on the picture to full size):
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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.
@pridantas93
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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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@iheartcandyboo
@organiccurves_
@annemanyi
@johanamaya81
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