Fashion
PLUS Model Magazine Sound Off: Is Size 12 Plus Size?
PLUS Model Magazine Sound Off: Is Size 12 Plus Size?
We recently reported that Spanish retailer Mango launched their plus size line called Violeta this week. There are reports that the launch has sparked uproar in Europe where many took to Twitter to voice their outrage at Mango starting their plus size line at a size 12. The consensus is that Mango is implying that anything above a size 10 is ‘big’ and that they are alienating plus size women by offering those women a separate line while stigmatizing those who are smaller.
While the new Violeta line has been praised by many in the European fashion community as well as the Spanish government, Spanish customers are calling for Mango to remove the line from its business. British shoppers used Twitter to vent their dislike of the line and accused Mango of encouraging eating disorders.
Let’s look at this for a moment here. In the U.S., Ashley Stewart starts at a size 12 and Evans starts at a 10 (which translates to a UK size 14). Retailer Simply Be states that it starts at size 10 but they offer size 8 in many items and they’re a UK-based company! A size 8 in the U.S. is a size 12 in the UK. So even with the size conversion, Simply Be is still offering a size 12 and they’re a plus size retailer.
Which brings us to ask the question… why all the outrage and criticism for Mango? If British shoppers have such an issue with Mango starting their Violeta line at a size 12, then why haven’t they made the same complaints to Simply Be?
And in the U.S., while we are publicly talking about size diversity in the modeling industry, eating disorders and inconsistent clothes sizing, we have not heard shoppers complaining about Ashley Stewart starting at a size 12.
Further to that, as we have discussed many times on this blog and in our magazine, retailers use models that are sizes 8, 10 and 12, to market plus size clothing in ads and on their websites. This practice is not unique to the U.S. and is one seen in other countries.
So, we are back to the same question that we asked in our latest issue at the start of this year… What is plus size?
A spokesperson for Mango said:
“In view of the controversy surrounding the launch of Violeta by MANGO, the company would like to reiterate that Violeta by MANGO is a new brand within the group which was created to cover an existing demand in the market by offering a fashion collection in sizes that extend up to 24. What differentiates said brand is the attention to technical details, pattern to pattern and size to size, and the selection of garment materials and fabrics, which have been produced to be more comfortable, feminine and modern. The key characteristic of this line is the personalisation of the collection to a new target market, the result of painstaking work and effort on the silhouette and pattern of each size.”
On the other side of this argument, many plus size women would argue that they can’t just shop “anywhere” like their thinner counterparts. So when a non-plus size retailer launches a plus size line, it is something that is celebrated. Plus size women don’t feel excluded. They can shop for fashionable clothing and be stylish at their size. The argument here is that plus size women already feel alienated when a retailer doesn’t offer their size and NOT when a retailer launches a separate plus size clothing line.
In this latest PMM Sound Off, we want to know what you think. Do you have an issue with size 12 being considered plus size? Would you boycott a retailer if they started their plus sizes at a size 12? Do you think Mango is encouraging eating disorders and alienating plus size women by launching a clothing line geared towards them? Sound off below by leaving us a comment and letting us know what YOU think.
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.
@tonsablush
@loralyee
@schmoalert
@sabrinastyled
@ikoniknikole
@wagyu_beff
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
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