When you think of a model, or even a supermodel, there are certain household names that come to mind. Certainly not plus size models. Women that have walked the runway during Paris Fashion Week, modeled for underwear campaigns and are on the cover of many different fashion magazines. Three names of famous models that you might think of are:
These three have pretty big followings, and undoubtedly you have heard of them. These are the models that we watch on the Victoria Secret show and consequently go on a “juice cleanse” for the next three days. They’re not exactly relatable to the average girl as 99% of women in the world cannot physically attain those bodies due to their phenotype. And while they have amazing looks and should not be attacked for it, it’s just not realistic.
With the rise of social media and self-promotion through image in this generation, body expectations are shared broadly and are quickly becoming impossible to attain. Nowadays not even the fittest and most beautiful models on the covers of magazines meet the “body goals” they are depicted to represent. The issue is that advertising has now heavily shifted to the online platform, so unrealistic body images are much easier to promote virally and are literally seen everywhere. This increases the exposure that young girls have to overly-perfect, and indeed, unattainable body images. This is why plus size models are so important.
A quick log on into Instagram will show you thousands of girls who have built a huge following due to their “perfect” physique. And no shame on them, they have killer bodies! However the pictures you see on their platforms are just that, images. They were taken at a specific time, at a specific angle under a specific lighting. Their already tiny bodies look even smaller with a few tweaks here and there. These “Insta-models” can actually pay RENT simply by being gorgeous as one sponsored post can make them more than four figures. When we see half of the people that we follow then following Instagram model accounts we internalize the idea that they are “body goals”. Those girls are the goal, people find that body to be attractive and we all have to somehow attain that body. Don’t tell me you’ve never followed Alexis Ren for inspiration after pledging to start a liquid diet.
For the first time since 1950, when ads promoted weight gain for women and Marilyn Monroe was the Alexis Ren, models larger than the size double zero are becoming a thing! The progressive succession of these images are getting companies to jump on the body positive movement in order to fit their audiences and the popular demographic. More lines are coming out with plus size options and including larger models in their campaigns.
I’m here to tell you about just two of my personal favorite plus size models who are changing the industry and actually look like a human being you would come across in the street. They are gorgeous, inspiring and most importantly, relatable.
With 4.1 million followers on Instagram, this English plus size model is waaay under-appreciated! She started blowing up thanks to her position as a Global Role model for American Eagle’s lingerie retailer, Aerie. Aerie represents a body positive, self-love line with a vow to not retouch any picture they use in their advertising. Models featured in their ads have visible stretch marks, cellulite, fat rolls, etc. Iskra acts as a spokesperson. She is also a National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) brand ambassador and the founding editor for ‘Runway Riot’ a website meant to be an outlet for women of all shapes and sizes to learn about glamour. Additionally, she has also begun a series called the #MirrorChallenge, where she helps men and women confront their body image issues and build a better relationships with themselves. She constantly post deep and real captions on Instagram, paired with pictures were you can see her stretch marks and imperfections.
You have most definitely seen her on the cover of fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Elle. Early in 2018 she became one of the first curvy plus size models to receive a major beauty contract deal with Revlon. She collaborated with Barbie to create an Ashley Graham doll which features thick thighs and no evident thigh gap! She has actual hips and looks like she eats more than just ice chips for lunch. This is so important for young girls whom we imprint the idea of “thin=beauty” at such a young age. She also released her book, “A New Model,” which shares her journey about coming to where she is now in her career and the bumps along the road. Graham shares confidence tips, moments where she doubted herself and strong ideas about the body positive movement.
Bodies other than the standard runway size of zero are beginning to be represented on more platforms and it’s telling girls that it’s actually fine to be comfortable in their own body. Role models like Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence help millions of girls overcome body image issues and find confidence in themselves. It’s time that we start noticing the amazing icons that they are. They don’t let anyone tell them how to live in their own bodies and won’t settle for the rigid idea of ‘beauty’ that has been created for us.
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