Fashion
Designer Carolina Herrera Explains Why She Doesn’t Use Plus Models
Editor’s Note: The Harper’s Bazaar article featuring Carolina Herrera has now been taken down from their site.
Fashion designer Carolina Herrera is a legend in the fashion industry and known for her elegant and effortless designs.
She also known for her strong opinions in using thin sample size models and on women’s sizing overall. And as it stands, after being in the fashion business for 35 years, her opinion has not changed.
Let’s just say, Herrera is not going to be joining the plus size fashion world anytime soon.
Therefore, when we noticed that she was featured in a Harper’s Bazaar article, talking about this very topic as well as some others, we wanted to see what she had to say. Here’s some quotes before Harper’s Bazaar took down the article (we wonder why THAT happened):
On why she prefers to use tall and skinny models for her shows:
“One of the reasons you show on tall and skinny models is because you have the audience sitting there dreaming that they are going to look like them. You can’t show the clothes on normal women, like me, because it doesn’t work. Fashion is a dream. In shows, I don’t use plus size models because I don’t do plus size.”
On why using skinny models on the runway makes the clothing look better:
“If I decide to do a plus size collection, of course I would use them! I’m not saying skinny ones are better than the other ones, no. I’m just saying that the shows are shown on skinny girls because that’s the way the clothes look the best, with no forms or anything.”
It’s disheartening to hear that Herrera feels that clothes look best on curve-less bodies and that the audience dreams of looking like those models. However, after 35 years in the business, her way of thinking is very dated.
Unfortunately, her stance is one that many straight size designers share. It’s 2016 and with the emergence of more body diversity on and off the runway, we’re curious to see how long Herrera can push this way of thought without being called out on it or seeing how important it is to show diversity in fashion, not just in plus sizes but for those models that aren’t sample sized.
What do you think of Carolina Herrera’s comments? Please leave us a comment below and let us know.
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
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@panamakish
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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
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