For most A-Listers airbrushing is the way of maintaining the illusion of unrealistic perfect looks which pressure young girls of today.
Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet was recently revealed as the face of Lancôme’s Tresor perfume. But she only accepted the modelling gig if the company promised not to airbrush her for the poster campaign.
Anna Winslet, Kate’s older sister, told this week’s First magazine: “Kate and I don’t think men like skinny, pointy, spikey women. She feels women should be allowed to be the natural shape they are without having to conform into some sort of image that is never going to be what their make-up is really about.”
Kate has always maintained that she is happy with her size 12 figure and her attitude reinforces her strong resistance to the pressures on female celebrities to become stick thin to succeed.
Digital image enhancing through airbrushing is the model industry standard. Not removing wrinkles, lengthening legs or reducing bottoms is virtually unheard of in the cosmetics industry. This is why Kate Winslet's stance is so unique and admirable.
The 31 year old actress will be fronting the company’s press campaign as well as appearing in a film ad for the perfume. Lancome also deserve some credit for agreeing to fight the trend and use natural images. Kate is seen at the presentation ceremony accepting her new position as ambassador for the fragrance wearing a stunning black evening dress - similar styles can be found for voluptuous women at Curvety.com
Showing posts with label career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career. Show all posts
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
Story of a Plus Size Model
How to be a successful curvy model without letting the pressure to diet get to you...
Scottish Supermodel Louise MacCallum earns a fortune jetting around the world and living out most young girls fantasy. But unlike most of the ultra-slim, size zero girls who sashay down the catwalk at fashion shows, Louise boasts her beautiful curves and knows what it feels like to have the relentless pressure to lose weight.
Now at a healthy size 14-16, the 5ft 10in plus size model battled an eating disorder in the early years of her career. with her weight dropping to seven stone before she realised the price she was paying to conform.
'I hadn't thought about modelling until a family friend who had modelled in the Sixties suggested I give it a go. It was something to do in the summer holidays and I thought 'why not'. It was a really exciting experience.'
She was signed up by the world-famous Storm model agency and was expected to follow in the footsteps of supermodel Kate Moss, but in between her first meeting with the agency and completing her school exams she started putting on weight as her body developed to a healthy size 12.
Louise was told to lose weight or kiss her modelling career goodbye. 'On one shoot I was called 'the fat one' and I'd have to put up with sly comments on jobs. It made me more determined to prove them wrong by losing a dress size. First I stopped buttering my toast, then I skipped having toast and finally I opted not to eat breakfast at all.'
All the other models looked so skinny and I felt so much pressure. I was told if I was curvy I wouldn't get work.
''I'd skip breakfast then have a Diet-Coke at 11am. If I was feeling particularly hungry I'd eat some chewing gum. I smoked a lot of cigarettes too and at lunchtime I'd buy a red pepper from Safeways. ''I got into the habit of eating red peppers like you'd eat an apple. I chose a red pepper because it had less calories than an apple.'
'I was still living at home so I'd be starving during the evening. I'd eat the dinner my mum had made me then go in to the bathroom to throw it all back up.'
Her career was going well and she even featured at London Fashion Week but her body was suffering. Her periods had stopped, her skin was pale, she had no energy and suffered dizzy spells.
'I was down to a size eight, which was a tiny size for my frame,' says Louise. 'I didn't see myself as ill. It just became the norm. At home I'd cover up my body with baggy clothes. If my mum asked how a casting had gone I'd say, 'don't ask me, just leave me alone'.
'Starving myself meant my mood became unbalanced but I think my mum just thought I was a moody teenager.'
Finally Louise had had enough and when she was offered 6 months work in Sydney she took the escape. 'I got away from some of the pressures I'd felt at home,' says Louise. 'The look they were after in Australia was more beach babe. Curvier girls were more popular so I started eating better. I was still thin but when I looked in the mirror I thought I was fat.
'Upon her return Louise was forced to face the truth when her sister burst into tears when she saw her. Louise says: 'I've always been very close to my sister and I trust her. She told me I looked awful and I remember her asking, 'what on earth have you done to yourself?' 'I didn't go for counselling - my sister was my counsellor. She was great and showed me I could be successful without worrying about my size.'
Louise resigned from her agency and got an office job where she did not feel she was judged for the size of her hips - 'I felt like I was finally healing,' she says.
She gradually put on weight and with the increase in her dress size she also gained her strength and self confidence. Eating sensibly again allowed her to start working out at the gym twice a week - something she didnt have the energy for before. 'I was happy. I was eating healthily but I'd still allow myself treats like chocolate ice cream. I was learning to enjoy life again.'
In October 2000 Louise felt able to return to modelling. She signed up as a plus size model with Allison Bramwell's agency, Excel.
Soon she was living in New York as a celebrated plus size model - 'At the after-show party in Milan all the plus-size models went out to lunch. The room was full of laughter as we ate Italian cheeses, pasta and drank champagne.'
Today with a 29-inch waist, 42-inch hips and a 36C bust, Louise is more in demand for modelling work than she ever was at her skinniest and has worked for many leading brands but being chosen to open Milan Fashion Week this spring in a gorgeous black Elena Miro dress was an unforgettable moment for Louise.
'I felt so honoured,' she says. 'I knew the applause was for Elena's designs, but in my heart it was the final acceptance of who I really was. I'm a completely different person from who I was 10 years ago - I'm stronger and happier.'
Her advice for girls considering a career in modelling is simple...
'Don't be affected by it all,' says Louise. 'Some women are naturally very skinny but many starve themselves to stay on the catwalk. Be who you are and be careful.'
If like Louise you love your voluptuous figure check out Curvety.com for a fab range of plus size fashion which celebrates your curves instead of drowning them.
Scottish Supermodel Louise MacCallum earns a fortune jetting around the world and living out most young girls fantasy. But unlike most of the ultra-slim, size zero girls who sashay down the catwalk at fashion shows, Louise boasts her beautiful curves and knows what it feels like to have the relentless pressure to lose weight.
Now at a healthy size 14-16, the 5ft 10in plus size model battled an eating disorder in the early years of her career. with her weight dropping to seven stone before she realised the price she was paying to conform.
'I hadn't thought about modelling until a family friend who had modelled in the Sixties suggested I give it a go. It was something to do in the summer holidays and I thought 'why not'. It was a really exciting experience.'
She was signed up by the world-famous Storm model agency and was expected to follow in the footsteps of supermodel Kate Moss, but in between her first meeting with the agency and completing her school exams she started putting on weight as her body developed to a healthy size 12.
Louise was told to lose weight or kiss her modelling career goodbye. 'On one shoot I was called 'the fat one' and I'd have to put up with sly comments on jobs. It made me more determined to prove them wrong by losing a dress size. First I stopped buttering my toast, then I skipped having toast and finally I opted not to eat breakfast at all.'
All the other models looked so skinny and I felt so much pressure. I was told if I was curvy I wouldn't get work.
''I'd skip breakfast then have a Diet-Coke at 11am. If I was feeling particularly hungry I'd eat some chewing gum. I smoked a lot of cigarettes too and at lunchtime I'd buy a red pepper from Safeways. ''I got into the habit of eating red peppers like you'd eat an apple. I chose a red pepper because it had less calories than an apple.'
'I was still living at home so I'd be starving during the evening. I'd eat the dinner my mum had made me then go in to the bathroom to throw it all back up.'
Her career was going well and she even featured at London Fashion Week but her body was suffering. Her periods had stopped, her skin was pale, she had no energy and suffered dizzy spells.
'I was down to a size eight, which was a tiny size for my frame,' says Louise. 'I didn't see myself as ill. It just became the norm. At home I'd cover up my body with baggy clothes. If my mum asked how a casting had gone I'd say, 'don't ask me, just leave me alone'.
'Starving myself meant my mood became unbalanced but I think my mum just thought I was a moody teenager.'
Finally Louise had had enough and when she was offered 6 months work in Sydney she took the escape. 'I got away from some of the pressures I'd felt at home,' says Louise. 'The look they were after in Australia was more beach babe. Curvier girls were more popular so I started eating better. I was still thin but when I looked in the mirror I thought I was fat.
'Upon her return Louise was forced to face the truth when her sister burst into tears when she saw her. Louise says: 'I've always been very close to my sister and I trust her. She told me I looked awful and I remember her asking, 'what on earth have you done to yourself?' 'I didn't go for counselling - my sister was my counsellor. She was great and showed me I could be successful without worrying about my size.'
Louise resigned from her agency and got an office job where she did not feel she was judged for the size of her hips - 'I felt like I was finally healing,' she says.
She gradually put on weight and with the increase in her dress size she also gained her strength and self confidence. Eating sensibly again allowed her to start working out at the gym twice a week - something she didnt have the energy for before. 'I was happy. I was eating healthily but I'd still allow myself treats like chocolate ice cream. I was learning to enjoy life again.'
In October 2000 Louise felt able to return to modelling. She signed up as a plus size model with Allison Bramwell's agency, Excel.
Soon she was living in New York as a celebrated plus size model - 'At the after-show party in Milan all the plus-size models went out to lunch. The room was full of laughter as we ate Italian cheeses, pasta and drank champagne.'
Today with a 29-inch waist, 42-inch hips and a 36C bust, Louise is more in demand for modelling work than she ever was at her skinniest and has worked for many leading brands but being chosen to open Milan Fashion Week this spring in a gorgeous black Elena Miro dress was an unforgettable moment for Louise.
'I felt so honoured,' she says. 'I knew the applause was for Elena's designs, but in my heart it was the final acceptance of who I really was. I'm a completely different person from who I was 10 years ago - I'm stronger and happier.'
Her advice for girls considering a career in modelling is simple...
'Don't be affected by it all,' says Louise. 'Some women are naturally very skinny but many starve themselves to stay on the catwalk. Be who you are and be careful.'
If like Louise you love your voluptuous figure check out Curvety.com for a fab range of plus size fashion which celebrates your curves instead of drowning them.
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
Big girls with talent wanted
It seems yet another talent search is on, but this time with a twist. Real Girl Band are putting together a new girl band - but all potential members must be a size 16 + !!
Here is what their website says...'For too long the music industry has been dominated by unrealistic and unhealthy pencil thin singers and dancers. We want to take back the stage and give it to real girls and women. Plus is the band the world has been waiting for. A real girls band made up of real females who aren't afraid to say 'we're plus size, we’re beautiful and we can sing.'
After watching Lakisha visibly shrink week by week on American Idol this is something close to my heart. Why is it that as soon as you are in the public eye there is pressure to lost those extra pounds! Isn't it much healthier to promote the ability to be happy with what you have?
Although I feel that an exclusively plus size band may be the other end of the scale (excuse the pun), it's great to see that larger ladies get a chance to be in the limelight for the right reasons for a change! If you fancy entering visit Real Girl Band but be sure to pick up a fab new outfit for the auditions at Curvety.com
Here is what their website says...'For too long the music industry has been dominated by unrealistic and unhealthy pencil thin singers and dancers. We want to take back the stage and give it to real girls and women. Plus is the band the world has been waiting for. A real girls band made up of real females who aren't afraid to say 'we're plus size, we’re beautiful and we can sing.'
After watching Lakisha visibly shrink week by week on American Idol this is something close to my heart. Why is it that as soon as you are in the public eye there is pressure to lost those extra pounds! Isn't it much healthier to promote the ability to be happy with what you have?
Although I feel that an exclusively plus size band may be the other end of the scale (excuse the pun), it's great to see that larger ladies get a chance to be in the limelight for the right reasons for a change! If you fancy entering visit Real Girl Band but be sure to pick up a fab new outfit for the auditions at Curvety.com
Friday, 23 March 2007
British model Sophie Dahl writes an intimate food memoir
Sophie Dahl was the original British plus size icon who was proud to show her size 16 figure to the world in a number of 'bare all' shoots including one for Yves st Laurent and their perfume 'Opium'. In more recent years Sophie has bowed to the pressure of the industry and has shrunk to a size 8.
It has now come to light that Sophie is writing a tell-all memoir about her problems with food and has signed a deal with publisher HarperCollins to write the book. A HarperCollins spokesman says, 'This is going to be an intimate food memoir. It will be a very personal piece of writing on her thoughts and relationship with food. But the book will not just be about her feelings on the subject - it's also going to be a celebration of food. And I can assure you: there will be nothing in there about faddish diets.' As the daughter of Roald Dahl she has a lot to live up to if she is to be a successful author but Sophie has already had a number of short stories published. 
Get the look at Curvety.com with the Mariana lace sleeve top.
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
REAL CURVES MODEL REFUSES SIZE '0' DIET IN HOPE OF HALTING FASHION INDUSTRIES UNHEALTHY OBSESSION
Jen Hunter has already proved her popularity with the general public through her success as the final woman in Five's show, Make Me A Supermodel. But she could never have guessed the waves she would make in the fashion industries current super skinny model debate.
Her vital stats are impressive: 6'0 tall and although she's just lost two inches from her waist, she weighs around 11 stone and remains a size 12.
The show's judges saw her as a thorn in their side and her size 12 figure was ridiculed on the programme. She was called stocky, lazy and greedy. But ordinary woman throughout the country were disgusted by this promotion of anorexia as judges drooled over the bony figure of fellow competitor Marianne Berglund, a US size zero, equivalent to a UK size four.
The nastiness reached its low-point when judge Tandy Anderson, boss of a model agency, laughed when Jen was knocked out. 'Originally I thought I'd been put in for a reason, I thought they were going to be positive about my size. Now I'm not sure whether I was put in as a token gesture'.
If that was the judges' plan it backfired. While Jen admits she felt depressed inside the house where the show was filmed, outside and unknown to her, public support was growing. When she was voted the winner in the female category, she couldn't believe it.
Now, with politicians, designers and high street stores following her lead, Jen has hit out at the TV show's presenter, Rachel Hunter, and says she hopes the changes being demanded of the industry aren't a flash in the pan.
She said: 'I'm hoping that what I have gone through has helped change beliefs and I am praying that it's going to carry on changing. It would be a shame for the size zero debate to be a flash in the pan, we wouldn't have achieved enough if it stopped now.'
After the show Jen had problems finding a mainstream modelling agency that would take on a size 12. 'There were 'plus size' agencies keen to sign me up but I thought that went against what I was trying to stand up for. Then I was really lucky to join Cape London, who are promoting me in a positive way and not as plus-size or anything else other than a fashion model.'
Most recently Jen was signed as the face of the new Nokia fashion phone and hopes to continue promoting healthy body image. I'm sure she will continue to play an important role in the current size debates.
Being more voluptuous definitely doesn't mean frumpy. Particularly when there is now so much fashion choice - such as this Gorgeous dress available at Curvety.com.
Her vital stats are impressive: 6'0 tall and although she's just lost two inches from her waist, she weighs around 11 stone and remains a size 12.
The show's judges saw her as a thorn in their side and her size 12 figure was ridiculed on the programme. She was called stocky, lazy and greedy. But ordinary woman throughout the country were disgusted by this promotion of anorexia as judges drooled over the bony figure of fellow competitor Marianne Berglund, a US size zero, equivalent to a UK size four.
The nastiness reached its low-point when judge Tandy Anderson, boss of a model agency, laughed when Jen was knocked out. 'Originally I thought I'd been put in for a reason, I thought they were going to be positive about my size. Now I'm not sure whether I was put in as a token gesture'.
If that was the judges' plan it backfired. While Jen admits she felt depressed inside the house where the show was filmed, outside and unknown to her, public support was growing. When she was voted the winner in the female category, she couldn't believe it.
Now, with politicians, designers and high street stores following her lead, Jen has hit out at the TV show's presenter, Rachel Hunter, and says she hopes the changes being demanded of the industry aren't a flash in the pan.
She said: 'I'm hoping that what I have gone through has helped change beliefs and I am praying that it's going to carry on changing. It would be a shame for the size zero debate to be a flash in the pan, we wouldn't have achieved enough if it stopped now.'
After the show Jen had problems finding a mainstream modelling agency that would take on a size 12. 'There were 'plus size' agencies keen to sign me up but I thought that went against what I was trying to stand up for. Then I was really lucky to join Cape London, who are promoting me in a positive way and not as plus-size or anything else other than a fashion model.'
Most recently Jen was signed as the face of the new Nokia fashion phone and hopes to continue promoting healthy body image. I'm sure she will continue to play an important role in the current size debates.
Being more voluptuous definitely doesn't mean frumpy. Particularly when there is now so much fashion choice - such as this Gorgeous dress available at Curvety.com.
Friday, 2 February 2007
Does being overweight effect your career opportunities?
Recent research has found that almost three quarters of bosses believe there is prejudice in the work place against the seriously overweight. This rises further among those who consider themselves overweight.
The research found that the majority believe that people who are overweight are lacking self-discipline, self-control, energy and drive. In contrast most believe those who are very fit are better able to cope with the demands of a senior role in business and are better able to deal with stress and tough business decisions.
Being slim is often equated with being successful. If you have two candidates both capable of doing a job and one is of normal weight and the other is heavily overweight, then often the thinner person will be chosen - particularly if they will be in a client-facing role.
So gone are the days when only celebrities and supermodels have to worry about their appearance for the longevity of their career. No longer can we rely on our brain power and skill to gain the prospects which are rightfully ours. Our slimmer counterparts also have the benefit of being able to dress the part with reasonably priced officewear freely available on the high street. Is it so easy for those who are a 16 plus?
So why is this prejudice allowed when we live in a nation so keen to stamp out inequalities in all other areas? Ignorance is the driving force of prejudice and discrimination. Until society is awakened to the unjust treatment of the obese, the discrimination will continue. Just as racism, sexism and other prejudices have been out in the open and recognized by the majority as wrong, so must ‘sizism’.
To look great in the office try this Fab wrap shirt which is available in red or white. Pair it with some smart black trousers and you will be the best dressed in your office. Let them dare to say you don't look the part!
The research found that the majority believe that people who are overweight are lacking self-discipline, self-control, energy and drive. In contrast most believe those who are very fit are better able to cope with the demands of a senior role in business and are better able to deal with stress and tough business decisions.
Being slim is often equated with being successful. If you have two candidates both capable of doing a job and one is of normal weight and the other is heavily overweight, then often the thinner person will be chosen - particularly if they will be in a client-facing role.
So gone are the days when only celebrities and supermodels have to worry about their appearance for the longevity of their career. No longer can we rely on our brain power and skill to gain the prospects which are rightfully ours. Our slimmer counterparts also have the benefit of being able to dress the part with reasonably priced officewear freely available on the high street. Is it so easy for those who are a 16 plus?
So why is this prejudice allowed when we live in a nation so keen to stamp out inequalities in all other areas? Ignorance is the driving force of prejudice and discrimination. Until society is awakened to the unjust treatment of the obese, the discrimination will continue. Just as racism, sexism and other prejudices have been out in the open and recognized by the majority as wrong, so must ‘sizism’.
To look great in the office try this Fab wrap shirt which is available in red or white. Pair it with some smart black trousers and you will be the best dressed in your office. Let them dare to say you don't look the part!
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