Fashion
Size Diversity Isn’t the Only Discrimination Hitting Full-Figured Models – PLUS Model Magazine Tackles the ‘Black Issue’
PLUS Model Magazine (PMM), plus-model-mag.com, inspiring the style-savvy, fashion-forward, full-figured woman to embrace her curves, tackles the controversial ‘Black Issue’ this February. Madeline Jones, PMM Editor-in-Chief and leading advocate for the plus size woman and industry, has never been afraid to create conversations around–the-world when it comes to body acceptance and fashionable clothing for all women. But this February, she goes beyond size and puts the focus on a subject plaguing the fashion industry… race discrimination.
The inspiration for the February issue began when Mrs. Jones sat down with a group of plus size models in NYC after a photo shoot.
“The conversation on my half of the table had turned from idle chitchat to the lack of ‘working’ black models in the plus size industry. It made a great impression on me, prompting me to ask if there could be a serious lack of diversity in our industry, beyond the size issue?”
Jones polled five agencies in the United States, who either have a ‘plus’ division or are boutique agencies, and here is what she found:
Out of 313 plus models represented… 45 were Ethnic (Hispanic, African American, Indian, Asian)
Of the ethnic models…
Only 15 were brown skin girls.
What is the source of the problem?
“It is not the agencies. I have come to realize that the clients are the one’s holding the cards; if they ask, then the agency will provide.”
Featured in the February issue of PMM are four stunning African American plus models, as well as an in-depth interview with Liris Crosse, frequently called ‘The Body’ or the ‘Naomi Campbell of Plus,’. In an interview with Ms. Jones, Crosse shared:
“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.”
PMM is not the only organization tackling race discrimination in the fashion industry. In November 2013, Naomi Campbell, Iman and Bethann Hardison created the “Diversity Coalition,” whose goal is to end runway racism and shed light on the lack of diversity in the fashion industry.
Their open letter to the Council of Fashion Designers of America stated the lack of diversity on the runway with statistics, and listed the designers who were guilty of not using any or only one, model of color. The letter received media attention around the world and created conversation.
In a November 2013 interview with CNN, Naomi Campbell and Iman call for an end to runway racism. Iman commented: “I don’t want to ever hear again a young model telling me that [casting directors] have said to her: ‘We are not seeing black models this season.’ To me that’s offensive. To me that’s a racist remark.”
“The February issue of PMM has already created quite a stir, for as many women who are inspired by the beautiful images throughout the issue, there is an equal amount of hate mail jamming my inbox,” comments Jones. “But I am fine with that. I would rather start a meaningful conversation to help encourage change, instead of sitting by and watching injustice continue to happen.”
About PLUS Model Magazine | inspiration+style
Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Jones / PLUS Model Magazine (PMM), inspires the style-savvy, fashion-forward, full-figured woman to embrace her curves. PMM hit viral status in January 2012 for their explosive and controversial editorial, “Plus Bodies, What’s Wrong with Them Anyway?” and has appeared on/in ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, CNN, GMA, FoxNews.com, HuffingtonPost.com, Entertainment Tonight and 200+ other media outlets around the world.
PMM is a thought-leader shaping the plus size industry and providing a barometer for the season’s latest style trends for curvy women. With a monthly magazine featuring stunning editorials featuring plus models, as well as ‘How-to-wear’ columns and shopping guides at all price-points, PMM reports on style, beauty and topical news, all while engaging our reader in lively and meaningful conversation on our daily blog and social media.
Developed, designed and written by plus women, for plus women, PMM understands and speaks directly to the heart of our reader, because we are our reader.
Website: plus-model-mag.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Madeline Jones, 646.234.6745, maddy@plusmodelmagazine.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.
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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.
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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