Julien Macdonald - Plus Size Models a Joke!

Fashion guru, Julien Macdonald, who has an OBE for services to fashion, has said that plus sized models cannot be successful in the modelling industry.

Macdonald, who is a judge on the Living TV programme Britain’s Next Top Model, has previously attacked the use of size zero models on the runway. However now he is insisting the fashion industry will never accept a figure above a tiny size eight.

He said:

"You can’t have a plus size girl winning, it makes it a joke."
“It’s not fair on them, you’re setting them up for a fall, I know what would happen to them afterwards. They are looked down on, they’re frowned upon. A catwalk model is a size six to eight. If you’re a size 14 in a room full of size eights – you’re in the wrong room.”

I would like to congratulate Julien for not only completely contradicting his earlier views, but also for the ability to ignore the evidence which clearly shows the growing success of some rather gorgeous plus size models.

I agree that it will be a long time coming before they are equally represented on the catwalk due to the fashion industries desire to stick with skinny, however, real women all over the world have had enough of seeing unrealistic portrayals of the female form plastered all over the media & are demanding more, literally! Lets hope that designers wake up to this sooner rather then later.

CURVES TO BE FASHIONS NEXT BIG THING!

Model, Angelica Gray flew to Milan last month for a photo shoot for Vogue Curvy, an off-shoot of Vogue Italia.

To everyone who doesn’t believe that being bigger than a size 0 can make it big, you’re wrong.

Model Angelica Gray has recently been photographed for Vogue. The lucky 19 year old has the option to become the face of Britain’s biggest high-street brands!

All around the world people are judged for not being a size 0, however being curvier is becoming THE healthier look.

"The fact that a size 12 is seen as 'plus size' when it's just normal is unhealthy in its own right," he said. "We absolutely need more normal-looking women like Angelica out there.”

DR Alex Yellowlees, head clinician at the Glasgow priory.

The fashion world has been hit with a lot of negative publicity in recent years for its use of size zero models on catwalks and in magazines. Yet, plus size model Crystal Renn has appeared on the pages of US Vogue. While British designer Mark Fast sent size 12 and size 14 models down the runway during his London Fashion week show in February of this year.

"The profile for plus size is definitely rising and there is more interest within the fashion industry. Girls like Angelica are proving that curvier models can be just as beautiful as a slimmer model and can work equally well in high fashion clothing."

Victoria Allison, model booker at Model Team.

It’s good to see a rise in real woman being on the front pages of our magazines and being respected for their curves!

By Kelsey Knowles, Curvety.com

Size Zero is not on Vogue

Possibly the most powerful woman in UK fashion has spoken out about the use of super skinny models in magazine shoots with a strong worded letter to fashion designers.

The editor of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, has reportedly given them a roasting for making sample sizes so small that she has to seek out the most emaciated of models, and then Photoshop them back to health for publication in her magazine.

It’s official: being ultra-thin is no longer in vogue.

To have someone at the heart of the fashion press declare war on extreme thinness is a great victory for real women everywhere, but is only one small step in the fight against the madness of the size zero trend. It is a far cry from seeing a curvy size 16 gracing the front pages of such titles on a regular basis, but it is one of many small victories which suggest a slow change in the thinking of the fashion sector.

2009 The Rise of the Real Woman

Written by Emily Robertson.

Is 2009 set to see the end of this ridiculous size 0 trend?

Well, we can all hope that this unrealistic view of women is set to stop and we can all finally relax and feel sexy no matter what size we are. Many celebrities have been relaxing on their diets, Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole have been seen sporting more curvaceous figures than once seen before, as has Eva longoria who has been asked to gain weight for her desperate housewives role, she has said ‘we just ate so much we went crazy over the summer’.

When did it become sexy to have no stomach, no hips, no thighs, no boobs and nothing to lust after? It seems even men have been sucked into this trend but if you look at surveys, when given the choice men have opted for someone more like Charlotte Church than size 0 models or even size 8 girls. It seems that although it may seem men want this in reality men want a real women, someone sexy, confident and with lots to offer.

Celebrities such as Charlotte Church who is a self proclaimed curvy girl is becoming more of the norm in Hollywood than ever before, hopefully this is soon to set a trend for our younger celebrities and public because this view of women’s bodies has become more harmful than anything. Actress Nikki blonsky starred as the lead character in the new film musical hairspray and she being a size 18-22 played an amazing role, as a beautiful young girl in love. It was rare to see a larger lady on screen but she has set a trend amongst Hollywood that it is possible for a young girl to play the starring role of a sexy woman.

Tyra banks has been quoted saying ‘you call this fat!’ when she recently did a magazine article stating her curvy womanly figure was not fat as she has put on weight in the past few months, but still looks as gorgeous as ever. X factor also has the beautiful young Laura who is sporting a curvy figure which looks amazing, hopefully she can maintain this look and not fall for the typical Hollywood route if all goes well. I am hoping with all of these celebs taking a stand - curvy, sexy, gorgeous women - will once again be the top stars.

Real Women in Miss England Final

This year the Miss England final will represent real women in the UK like never before. In earlier posts I have talked about Chloe Marshall, the first size 16 finalist, but it seems there is another curvier figure in the running.

Leah Green, 22, An aspiring model who was rejected by leading model agencies for being a size 12, has beaten 200 other girls to be crowned Miss London. Although a size 12 is clearly not plus size - it is true to say that Leah is a more real and healthy representation of women in the UK.

Following the trend for size zero models Leah talks about her rejection by modelling agencies. 'I have tried to get into modelling,' she said. 'But I have been turned away as I'm apparently too big to be a regular model. I've been told I'm too fat and I need to lose weight. One agent told me I would have to work hard to achieve the gaunt look he was after.

The London College of Fashion graduate, who works as a design assistant at French Connection, said the industry was fixated with thin models and was responsible for many girls developing eating disorders.

'I helped out with London Fashion Week last year and many of the models looked like they were about to keel over and die,' she said.

The Miss England final takes place on 18 July at the Troxy, in Stepney, London.

Curvy Celebrity Pressure

It seems to me that whenever a plus size, or curvier woman in the public eye is praised for being a good role model representing 'normal' women in the UK and portraying a 'normal' body shape, suddenly they feel an overwhelming urge to lose loads of weight!

Sophie Dahl, Nigella Lawson, Lily Allen, Fern Britton & Geri Halliwell are all guilty of drastic slimming following a stint in the public eye as an ambassador for curves. Most of these women have not only had positive press about their figure, but have personally & publically announced that they are proud of their bodies. Take Nigella Lawson for example, who only two months ago told 'The Telegraph' that she was happy with her curvier figure, saying 'I'm very glad that I don't have that skinny straight-up-and-down shape'. Two months on and She has reportedly hired a personal trainer to get her into shape!!!

As with most things, with the good come the bad - and in media land the bad can be down right harsh. So for every positive story these women will find about themselves, I am sure they are notified of another which frankly blows a hole in their self esteem.

Take the recent publicity surrounding Chloe Marshall for example. Although most stories and comments about the first plus size Miss England entrant have been very positive and supportive - there is always one or two spiteful opinions thrown in to rock the boat. Lets hope that Chloe doesn't feel the pressure to conform to the unhealthy size zero trend because of this coverage.

I could say that these women should ignore these comments, but I can imagine how hard it is dealing with such a personal attack, and what it must do to your confidence. If they were murderers they would expect to receive bad press, but just for your weight - why?

It needs to stop.

Goodbye Size Zero Role Models

Now, I know that Coleen McLoughlin is NOT a plus size woman, but there is no denying she has more curves than the average WAG. This is why I was so pleased to hear that she is now regarded as the nations top fashion role model, replacing her size zero counterparts.

Introduced to fame as the fiancee of top footballer Wayne Rooney, she is now a bigger influence than Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, according to the poll.Supermodel Kate Moss, 34, takes second place, followed by actress Sienna Miller, 26. Posh Spice, 33, is fourth while Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, 24, is fifth - and the third Wag to make the Top 10.

Other top 10 fashion influences included Kylie Minogue, Gwen Stefani, Keira Knightley, Lily Allen & Angelina Jolie.

Look editor Ali Hall said: 'Coleen has transformed herself from puffa jacket schoolgirl to style icon in just a few years. Women relate to her as she's more shapely than your average Wag. 'She doesn't mind splashing out on a designer 'it' item but mixes it with the great stuff available on the high street'.

How refreshing that women and teens are starting to realise that a more natural curve is much more flattering, and that we don't have to aspire to the Unobtainable. Lets hope this is the first step in ending the craze of role models such as Victoria Beckham portraying an unrealistic and impossible to maintain figure. Coleen is pictured wearing a summer essential, the shirt dress. Here is a similar shirt dress available in sizes 16 to 34.

Who ate all the Pies?

A pie making firm near Caerphilly, Wales, has taken a stand against hungry looking models used at London Fashion Week by sending its 'Starvation Army' volunteers to deliver pasties & sausage rolls to the catwalks. The firm says it has struck a blow against 'skinny models and size zero fashionistas' Peter's Food Service said it took 10 boxes of pasties and sausage rolls to the London Fashion week event. The pie-making firm said it decided to address the issue of ultra skinny models when the topic was debated at the London Fashion Week last autumn. A spokesperson for the firm said: 'Who knows it may even be the end to size zero.' The company is hoping for feedback on its 'Starvation Army' delivery from organisers, but was glad to hear from the models themselves -'Some of the models said 'we might be tall and we might be thin but actually we do get hungry'. It is not the first time the pie-making firm has mobilised its 'starvation army'. In July 2007, the bakers presented Miss Wales 2007, Kelly Pesticcio, with a year's supply of pies and pasties following her crowning. If you're passing - the staff over here at Curvety could do with a delivery!!!

5 Steps to a Healthier Fashion Week

I am as excited as the rest of you about the forthcoming London Fashion Week. However, for plus size women like myself, it is always slightly tainted due to the lack of acceptance of curvy women in the high fashion industry & the continued promotion of super skinny on the catwalk.

With the ongoing issues surrounding the size zero debate, Susan Ringwood, CEO of Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorders charity, issues a challenge to the fashion industry to ensure the health of its models this fashion week.

Ringwood's plea - “Progress has been made through the Kingsmill Inquiry, to look at the overall industry and take steps to protect those working within it. We would urge the fashion world to follow through the recommendations made by the Inquiry and issue the following call to action:

OUR CALL TO ACTION

Five steps that everyone can take – no matter where or how they are involved in the fashion industry:-

1. Raise awareness – get informed about eating disorders and understand the risks. Change working practices to help reduce the risks involved.

2. Demonstrate diversity – in shape and size as well as ethnicity and age. Challenge the narrow aesthetic.

3. Take an ethical stance – make a commitment to supply chain integrity. Translate lessons from fair trade to make fashion healthy.

4. Build resilience – in the young people employed in the industry and those influenced by it. Help people understand the pressures and how to reduce them.

5. Celebrate creativity – fashion is aspirational. The creativity that drives it should be life affirming – not potentially deadly.”

Great points well made from Beat. For further information visit B-eat.co.uk. If, like me, you celebrate your curves & believe that plus size fashion should be as fresh & exciting as mainstream, then check out Curvety.com.

Chico goes Curvalicious

Chico is back, and this time it's personal (well if you're a size zero anyway!!). The infamous star of X factor 2005 has released a new song - 'Curvy Cola Bottle Body'.

So have the more voluptuous among us found a new male voice to promote the importance of self acceptance? Chico would like to think so, he says; 'As far as size zero is concerned, it’s a real epidemic and it’s a real problem – as far as what I wanted to do, I just wanted to bring power to the curvy lady’.

The idea for the song came last year when Chico was starring with actor John Clegg in a pantomime in Brighton. Chico was unimpressed as Clegg stared at a particularly slim woman passing by.‘Some guys like their women slim and fast, but I like them swervy curvy shaped like an hour glass’.And so a song was born…It would be fair to say that Chico is not an obvious spokesman for the larger lady with his toned physique which obviously takes some man hours to maintain. It is clear, however, that he is a man of conviction who is prepared to put his money where his mouth is – much of his work including a BAFTA nominated short film is largely self-financed.

As a father to young daughter Lalla-Khira, what also concerned him was hearing young schoolgirls in the north London suburb where he lives discussing their weight and comparing diets at such a young age. With a young fan base, it is perhaps understandable and natural that Chico should want to reach out to them with a positive message.

‘I’m not here to diss anybody who’s a size zero. Some ladies and girls are naturally thin, it’s in their physical make-up. But if you’re meant to naturally be a size 14, and because of peer pressure and the media you’re trying to emulate your Hollywood hero, it’s just not healthy.' - Well said Chico. Particularly as the fashion industry has moved on rapidly (in some areas) and there are now the resources to look and feel great at any size, such as Curvety.com.

I don't want to imply that there is a an ulterior motive at all, but with the size zero issue being so hot at the moment it also makes for a lot of potential female fans. Following in the footsteps of Mika, currently riding high in the charts with 'Big Girl (You Are Beautiful), it is definitely a proven way to get a public reaction. The band wagon may be rolling but it is hard to doubt that Chico’s commitment to the issue is serious. In addition to a record-breaking attempt tour of the country in a suitably named Stobart lorry to raise awareness of the dangers of extreme thinness, profits from the new single will go towards eating disorder charity B-eat.

The video is very striking. The theme is a catwalk show complete with a look-a-like of Victoria Beckham, the queen of size zero. Posh is portrayed as not being impressed with David ogling the more voluptuous catwalk models, who are still only a size 12ish I might add. Chico confirms that the models used are from a plus size agency which just shows how out of context the modelling industry is.

Size Zero Debate resumes with London Fashion Week

Last year, the death of an anorexic model in Brazil was the catalyst for world wide debate on size zero. This prompted the introduction of minimum BMI requirements at fashion Weeks in Milan & Madrid. The continued spotlight on the size zero debate has since seen a number of highly publicised deaths caused by eating disorders in the modelling industry.

Despite this, London was refused to follow suit and has not banned underweight models from the catwalk.

In an article by a member of the British Fashion Council - the organising body responsible for the staging of London Fashion Week - I found attempted justification. The article explained that 'size zero' is not a real term in the UK and is only used for effect in the media. The author further justifies that by banning a BMI of under 18 it is patronising these girls, who would be being treated as if they were brainless pieces of meat, unable to think for themselves.

It is true that size zero is not UK sizing, it is actually the equivelant of a UK size 4. However the author herself goes on to say that you cannot really find a size 4 on the high street anyway. Isn't that the point? Aren't we setting unrealistic goals for young women?

In my opinion these young models feel the same pressure as every young girl, but to a much greater extent. If they weren't lead to believe that being unhealthily thin is the norm by the industry that has adopted them then yes, maybe they would have the strength of character to freely decide against it. At the moment they have two choices - move down a size or find a new job.

Maybe the term 'size zero' has captured the imagination of the UK public. Is this a bad thing if it highlights the serious issues surrounding this argument? Whether you call it a size zero debate, the fight against the death of anorexic models, or the unhealthy portrayal of the female form to young girls, the issues are the same.

I will concede that it is a step in the right direction that new guidelines have been set out in a voluntary code of practice discouraging use of underweight and overly-young models. However I feel that these will be followed as loosely as possible by many designers who feel that clothes hang better on stick thin girls. Maybe an outright ban is not the best way forward, maybe it will take strong figureheads in the industry to lead the change. Some large brands such as Topshop are already pledging they will not use super-skinny models in the future.

The increase in acceptance of all sizes in the fashion industry, including the rapidly growing plus size sector which is now catered for in many high street stores, plays its part in raising awareness and acceptance of the female body in all of its beautiful forms.

Real Curves Win Again

J-Lo has been voted best butt in Hollywood, yet again proving that stick thin just isn't in!! The sexy Latina topped the poll even though recent photos show that her bottom has succumbed to cellulite, further proof that au natural is the way to go.

Coming in close on JLo’s heels - In second place is the ‘Bootylicious’ Beyonce, reports The Sun. It seems Justin Timberlake has a good eye for the perfect derriere as third and fourth places are taken by current and ex love interest. Third - Jessica Biel and fourth - Cameron Diaz.

The list for the top 10 ‘Best Bottoms In Hollywood’, as per The Sun is:

1. Jennifer Lopez
2. Beyonce
3. Jessica Biel
4. Cameron Diaz
5. Fergie
6. Halle Berry
7. Eva Longoria
8. Kim Kardashian
9. Tyra Banks
10. Mariah Carey

Although none of these gorgeous creatures are plus size, neither are they size zero waifs. It gives me great joy that healthy looking role models make up this list. If you now feel inspired to show off your fab behind try plus size clothing specialist Curvety.com, who always have fab and sexy items in sizes 16 to 36.

Lily Allen feels media pressure to be thin

Lily Allen is always up for a celebity slanging match, but it seems recent comments from Cheryl Cole and Amy Winehouse fans have thrown the normally stable singer off kilter.

Lily reports - 'I used to pride myself on being strong minded and not being some stupid girl obsessed with the way I look. I felt like it didnt matter if I was a bit chubby cause, im not a model, I'm a singer . Im afraid I am not strong and have fallen victim to the evil machine . I write to you in a sea of tears from my hotel bed in Seattle , I have spent the past hour researching gastric bypass surgery , and laser lipo suction'.

In a later post Allen said Cole's jibe, coupled with the constant comparisons to supermodel Kate Moss as they launched rival fashion ranges was what pushed her over the edge. It seems Lily soon recovered from her moment of self pity and apologised to (and thanked) her supportive fans.

Reading through the replies to her blogs I am glad to see that her fans are of the same opinion as me, which is that Lily is a gorgeous woman who is an excellent role model to teens of today. Most female celebrities portray the image that thin is happy no matter what the cost and until now Lily has been anti this size prejudice. Dress like Lily with a selection of fab dresses from Curvety.com

Plus sizes wanted for Mika''s new video

Mika is releasing a new song which is anti size zero. The song is called 'Big Girl (You are beautiful)' and he is looking for a number of plus size men and women to be a part of the video. If you want to take part the casting is tomorrow!!

Here is the press release…

Calling all REAL Men and Women - Would you like to be in the next Mika video? Popstar Mika (of Grace Kelly fame) is desperate for real men and women who are anti size zero to appear in his next video.

Date: Saturday 19th May 2007-05-17
Time: All Day (TBC)
Location: Central London Park (TBC)

If you are interested please contact; info@jaynecollinscasting.com

State your names, mobile numbers and email addresses of all those coming (Feel free to bring partners, just let us know who’s coming) We will then contact you with all the details.

They are promising a great day out to all who attend so get your glad rags on and enjoy a pro curves celebration day. Need a new outfit?? Try Curvety.com.

How refreshing that Mika would use his position in the public eye to campaign for healthier views on body image!!

War of the sizes - Fat V Skinny

The Daily Mail has recently asked two women to pose for pictures, one is a size 0 (UK size 4) and the other is an 18, in the hope of raising awareness of the increasing weight issues in the UK today. So - Is media coverage of size zero celebrities directly responsible for the increase in eating disorders in young girls? Or is the steady rise in obesity a far more worrying problem?



Both women appear to eat a healthy balanced diet but nutritionist Fiona Hunter believes that the size zero model - Sasha Larner is eating less than half of the recommended daily calorie intake, and the majority of these are made up of biscuits & alcohol. Fiona had higher praise for the well balanced diet of Mikyla Dodd of Hollyoaks & Celebrity fit club fame.Both women claim to be happy with their weight, although Mikyla has recently slimmed down from 19st 2lb to 15st 7lb, losing 44lb when taking part in Celebrity fit club.



She says: "I am perfectly content with my lot. If I never lose another pound, I will be happy. I am a desirable woman. I've got great boobs and my last boyfriend said I had a nice bum. I've certainly got no inhibitions when it comes to the bedroom. I know for a fact that you don't have to be slim to be sexy. I feel much better now that I've lost some weight - but I'd never want to be a size zero. Pictures of people like Nicole Richie in her swimwear are so worrying. They are all skin and bone, and look as though they might snap."



Read the full article here



If you're happy with your curves then dress to impress in the sexy maya chiffon dress from igigi. It can be purchased from UK plus size clothing store Curvety.com