Fashion
Why Project Runway’s Move to Include Plus Models is MAJOR
The Emmy-winning show will be changing it up this coming season.
The show’s recent announcement that it will be using a more diverse set of models (according to reports, up to a size 22) has people talking, especially those in the plus size fashion industry.
While Business Insider said, “With the finale show taking place at New York Fashion week, Project Runway will have the most size-inclusive runways in its history“, the news has also been met with skepticism.
Some have said that the size cutoff should be expanded to over a size 22. Some are curious to see which models will be used. Will a size-22 model actually make it on Project Runway?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQlE5SaAYHL/?taken-by=projectrunway
That remains to be seen since Project Runway most likely gets their models from agencies and it’s rare to find a size-22 model signed to any agency board. The typical signed model under a plus size/curve board is usually between sizes 12 and 18.
However, we still think this move from Project Runway is a positive thing and here’s why:
- There’s sure to be a plethora of size 16/18 models. With the average American woman a size 16/18, seeing visibly plus models that size would be a great thing because we still don’t see those bodies prominently represented on TV, despite it being the average size.
- This may lead to more TV opportunities featuring plus size models. Project Runway is such a popular show that we are sure this move is going to impact the fashion industry overall and how they view plus size models, especially the inclusion of them into shows. Nina Garcia said during an interview on Good Morning America: “The perception of beauty really changes throughout the times. We went from, like, Twiggy to the supermodel to the waif. Now, happily, the industry is embracing body diversity and so are we. I’m very proud to be a part of a show that has full-figured women, real women, designers designing for women with real body types.“
- This will lead to more model diversity in mainstream fashion culture. We have already seen it happening with Christian Siriano including plus models in his NYFW runway shows and models such as Ashley Graham, Hunter McGrady and Candice Huffine going mainstream. While they may not be visibly plus, they’re all still a size 14+ so them being mainstream is a step in the right direction of more size inclusion in the fashion industry.
- Speaking of NYFW, this move will also impact that runway as well. We continue to see more diversity on the NYFW runway in the last few years and with the inclusion of plus size models on Project Runway, their finale NYFW presentation may be the most size-diverse in the show’s history.
This move also opens that dialogue in the mainstream fashion industry about what the term “plus size” means when it comes to the modeling industry (right now any model over a size 6 is considered plus size) and that it’s a positive thing to include visibly plus models alongside straight side models.
Sure, many of us would love to see size 22+ models on the runway and TV but for now, let’s celebrate this small win as it means change is happening.
The new season of Project Runway premieres on August 17 on Lifetime.
What do you think about Project Runway using plus size models? Follow us on social media @plusmodelmag and let us know.
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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.
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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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