This month’s issue, The Black Issue, is all about celebrating diversity in the industry. There are so many beautiful African-American plus size models out there who are not being used enough in advertisements and campaigns. One model who speaks openly about the lack of black models working in the modeling industry is Liris Crosse.
Liris, a successful plus size model who has worked with major plus size retailers such as Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant, is frequently called ‘The Body’ or the ‘Naomi Campbell of Plus’. Despite her successes, she will admit that many retailers and designers will pass her over because they say she doesn’t “fit” the brand. Despite her nickname “The Body”, she has yet to work for a major lingerie or swimwear brand.
Our Editor-in-Chief Madeline Jones sat down with Liris in a must-read interview where Liris discusses her experiences as an African-American plus size model and speaks very openly about her views regarding the lack of racial diversity within the modeling industry.
“I find it interesting that brands will hold events and invite a lot of the African American bloggers and journalists, but not have one single Black model on their site or in their campaigns, yet they want them to blog about their products and get the sales from their followings.” ~Liris Crosse
To read Maddy’s interview with Liris Crosse in our February 2014 issue, click here. The article is on pages 77-84.
While you’re there, check out the entire February 2014 issue, The Black Issue. There’s 127 pages of so many wonderful articles, interviews and editorials that are all about celebrating diversity and showing the beauty of representing all women of color.
To check out the entire issue, click here.
