Using REAL PEOPLE to Sell Clothes

This makes me almost sad. Not the news itself - just the fact that we as a society have reached a point where this IS news.

A major national magazine, amidst subtle gasps and sideways glances, inking the revelation of using real people in ads. Newsweek's full article includes a telling sentence: "Much of this interest in real-looking models is driven by the Internet, which has democratized the once rarefied world of high fashion."

Heaven help us. Perhaps word is reaching Bryant Park that we're NOT all 5'11", 104 lbs and size 0? Next earth-shattering news will be that of a stick-thin model, in a selfless act of bravery and desire to join her New Normal replacements waiting in the wings, consuming an entire banana nut muffin. Something tells me that we 'real people' still have a lot of work to do and that a lot of wake-up calls still need to be placed.

I don't think this was a slow news day - we haven't had many of those in quite a while, what with interminable wars, collapsing economies, diminishing ecological resources, global warming and Britney Spears.

Go read the rest of the article if you haven't already. Then, when you get back, please tell me how in the world we got to the point where the concept of using real people in advertising became a revolutionary trend and a newsworthy event?

Major Props to REAL Plus Size Merchants

What defines a REAL Plus Size Merchant: Their plus size fashions are designed for the plus size form, displayed on plus size models and/or mannequins. Add them here as you find them - and I'll start the ball rolling with two.



Realityplus Clothing, for designing specifically to the plus size form, displaying on realistically sized mannequin, and providing an elegant, flexible line of ensemble fashions.



Igigi, for displaying on realistically sized models, for providing myShape, aimed at shopping by shape, with coherent explanations.

What have YOU found?

Plus Size Modeling Opportunity to Check Out

Earlier we were talking about plus size models and modeling opportunities. If you're serious about it, check this out, brought to us by Mewv and Skorch Magazine. Looks interesting... going to give it a shot?

The Real Skinny About Plus Size Models

Even at my most slender size five'ness, it was difficult to view the media's portrayal of the Ultimate Female Form as an attainable goal (since I'm 5'4" or so). If we are to believe print and television, videos and movies, the ideal woman seems to be about 5'10" and weighs in just under 115 pounds after a decent meal.

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So, What is a Plus-Size Model?

A plus-size model is the term applied to a woman larger than a standard U.S. size 8 who models clothing for consumers wearing a dress size 14 in North American sizing. (Source: Wikipedia) Probably the most recognizable plus-size model is Melissa Aronson (you know her as Emme), at 5'11, who wears a size 16. The plus-size label has been applied (somewhat unfairly in some cases) to other actively working models and stars. One of my absolute favorites is Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), the hallmark face of CoverGirl Cosmetics and a completely unapologetic right-size person.

In the last few years, more apparel companies are opening the doors to plus-size product lines, catalogs and online offerings, and are beginning to present wardrobe and apparel on models that are more reflective of what many more of us look like. There is progress, more every day, and there will continue to be progress as long as apparel companies keep recognizing that we are not all Kate Moss hopefuls.

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Could I Be a Plus-Size Model?

Wilhelmina Agency began hosting an annual search for plus-size models in the 1990s. More information can be found at the Wilhelmina Agency website. Some agencies devote specific departments to plus-size model scouting and promotion, like Model Scouts.

But for the straight scoop, I'd say listen to the Tyra Banks Show blog entry entitled What is a Plus-Size Model. I've noticed that on America's Next Top Model, she has referred to several of the candidates as "plus size model possibilities," and for the most part those candidates have seemed to be not much more than a bit bustier than the "regular girls" on the show.

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Give and Get Peer Support

What really captivates me about Tyra Banks' blog are the comments. (The posting is dated November 2006, but the latest comment is from April 2007 - good staying power for a blog entry!) So many responses ask for more information, describing their own right-size lives and circumstances. So many hold out hope for a response, yet there are some comments that speak of discouragement and loss of hope.

All the more reason for us right-size sisters to encourage each other to affirm our body image, be comfortable in our own skin and size, seek safe weight loss solutions if that is what we choose to do, and dress like we own the world we're in.

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Remember Our Mantra

We're curvaceous, audacious, bold, beautiful, voluptuous, sensously shapely, and we dress to show off our beautiful selves! We live in our perfectly shaped world, comfortably fashion forward and proud of it. We celebrate ourselves and our world.