Plus-Size Models are making progress in the modeling industry.
More plus-size models are becoming higher profile and are getting more jobs than ever before.
The latest report from DNA Info spoke with the organization ALDA. ALDA an organization that promotes size diversity in modeling. Members of the organization, a group of plus-size models, all signed with IMG a few months ago, and they said that there are more opportunities for them than ever before.
“I have literally gone on more castings in five months then in the last 10 years of my career,” model Ashley Graham said.
There is an increase in plus-size models. Demand for clothing size 14 and up increased 7 percent in the past 12 months, totaling $17.6 billion in sales, according to the market researching company the NPD Group.
But, a major change may come from the talent agencies, not from the fashion designers.
But as agencies push their plus-size models for jobs normally reserved for straight-size gals, fashion designers will be pressured to use them, according to Catherine Schuller, a former plus-size model who now runs fashion events that promote diversity.
But, plus-size modeling is not new. There has been a push for these type of models for several years now. The difference now is there is less attention given to smaller sized models. It is no longer a big story when a smaller sized model lands an opportunity to do high fashion for a major brand. Nowadays, when a plus-size model lands a job, it makes headline news and for good reasons too. They are breaking stereotypes and common industry standards.
But, before you jump to conclusion and think that the fashion world will be dominated by plus-size models, you must keep in mind that a plus-size model is not an average size person. Plus-size models are still “models” and conventional fashion models are usually thin. Plus-size models are women that are just larger than their size double-zero counterparts. Some of these models will not be found shopping at Lane Bryant stores.
What do you think is considered a plus-size model? Do you think more plus-size models should be incorporated into the fashion industry? Or, do you think showcasing larger size models promotes obesity? Do you think thin sized models promotes eating disorders such as Anorexia or Bulimia? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!
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