The March Issue // Modeling // Fiercely Real Models
Sizing Her Up!
Question: If 67% of the women in America wear a size 12-14, should "Plus-Size” (aka Fiercely Real*) have to be a special division at modeling agencies? We think not, but we’re surely grateful for the agencies that do have these stand-out divisions. The fashion, publishing and advertising industries are slowly getting a clue.
Of course, America’s Next Top Model has definitely been doing its part to put full-figured women on the map. Um, can you say Toccara (BTW: Tyra says she fought hard for her to stay on, but was outvoted by other judges who didn’t feel as strongly), the fabulous Robin Manning and Whitney “Winner” Thompson?!
*Tyra is calling for all of us to banish the words "plus size" from our vocabularies by calling these models what they really are- fiercely real!
Kate Dillion
Kate Dillon, one of Tyra's modeling friends from "the Paris days" left modeling--twice--to pursue higher education. Her first degree is in International Studies (makes sense!) from the University of Texas. After graduating, she returned to modeling, but recently lest again to earn a Masters in International Development from Harvard. Ilani remarked that, "Kate has the special power to follow her other dreams, leave the industry, return--and she is still in demand."
Lizzi Miller
Lizzie Miller is the gorgeous model in Glamour's now famous nude photo recently featured in the mags "Confidence" issue."I'm not saying a size 2 isn't normal," she said on the Today Show." It just isn't my normal. This is my normal. I'm healthy, I workout and this is my size." Lizze wears a size 12-14, the size of the average American woman. "Lizzie has been modeling for a while, but since Glamour, she's been working everyday," notes Ilani.
Tocarra
Toccara works it. She is the bubbly, gorgeous personality from ANTM's third season who won "CoverGirl of the Week" five times! She has worked for clients like Ashley Stewart and Essence magazine, served as television host on BET ad has cool video called Toccara's Fabulous Workout for Real Size Women.
Anansa
Smart girls rule. Anansa has returned to modeling after leaving the industry to earn her MBA at Trinity College. She is the daughter of legendary model Beverly Johnson, who was the first African American model to don the cover of American Vogue in 1974.
Julie Henderson
Plus size favorite Julie Henderson (and friend of Tyra's friend!) dreamed of being a fighter pilot when she was little, has studied the Kabbalah for seven years, and once earned a full basketball scholarship to Notre Dame. She started modeling because, well, she can rock that too! That's a fierce to contend with!
Whitney Thompson
Initially considered the "pageant girl" on ANTM, Whitney proved herself a standout when she blazed past the stiff competition to earn the Top Model title! In 2008, MSN voted Whitney one of the Top Ten Most Influential Women of the Year.
Elizabeth Seifu
Elizabeth is unique to say the lest. For one, she's Ethiopian and Puerto Rican. Beyond that, this is your do-it-all type of girl. She's a triathlete. She sings gospel and has travelled all over the Caribbean with he choir. All that, and she still manages to represent for client's like Levi's and Marimo.
Sage Salzer
Sage has the kind of infectious personality that makes you wish you were a redhead too! Aida Brigman from Click says," Sage is interesting because she started as a "regular" model in her teens and 20's. But she is happier as a plus model. You believe her confidence."
Johanna
Johanna was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 19 and was told her prognosis wasn't good. But she wasn't hearing that. Many moons later she is a successful model hired quite often for print. "Johanna photographs beautifully, which is so important." She has flawless, amazing skin and she radiates positivity. The camera loves her," boasts Brigman.
Muslimah
Muslimah grew up in Alaska, fishing, hiking and camping, doing the Alaskan tomboy thing. Now she is grown in New York, doing the hot model, hip fashion thing working with clients such as Baby Phat (Hey, Kimora!), Torrid and Ashley Stewart.
Larissa
"Larissa gets an excellent response from commercial clients and catalog. They love her; she has that girl next door thing," remarks Brigman. Maybe, but Larissa is more than another pretty face. She also bravely enters medical trials to help find a cure for Huntington's Disease.
As more and more models that represent the average American woman in size emerge, the need to dispel the myths about what it means to be a full-figured model grows. For one, fiercely real models are not just pretty, “thick” girls. Proportion, shape and tone are really important in getting booked—if not more so than for traditional models. "We make most of our money in lingerie in this division", says 8-year modeling agency veteran Aida Brigman, director of Plus Size at Click Models. "Let me tell you something, most plus-size girls have flat stomachs. They eat healthy and they work to stay in shape. Just like the size 2 and 4 models have to stay in shape, same for plus-size girls."
Jon Ilani, Director of W ten/20, Wilhemina's plus-size division, notes that the size range for what constitutes plus-size is typically anything from 10-18. Wilhemina has been at the fore in the world of fiercely real models, boldly leading the way with their distinctive roster of beauties. But it’s not an easy task to find the perfect combination of beauty, size and personality. We asked Ilani what his biggest challenge is. "Finding new talent,” he said without hesitation. Apparently it’s all worth it. Ilani’s been on the hunt for fiercely real models for five years now and if there’s one pay off, it’s this: “What I’m doing is working with a part of history." ~Joicelyn Dingle
THINK ABOUT IT: Knowing that the majority of women in America wear a 12-14, what do you think about calling "plus size" girls "fiercely real" instead? Let us know!
Comment Below!
i think plus size should be called normal,lol.i mean alot of women are not a size 2 i was surprised that a size 8 was considered plus sized.I would love to see a normal healthy girl on the cover of teen magazine once an ... morei think plus size should be called normal,lol.i mean alot of women are not a size 2 i was surprised that a size 8 was considered plus sized.I would love to see a normal healthy girl on the cover of teen magazine once and a while at least for all the teen girls out there who cant seem to be a size 2,to reach out to more than just the skinny girls but to reach every girl,i bet more teens would read it.
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I think the term plus-size should never be used for sizes 12-14! If more than half of the women in America are those sizes then it should be called most-size! "Plus-size" is the real size of women and the phrase just mak ... moreI think the term plus-size should never be used for sizes 12-14! If more than half of the women in America are those sizes then it should be called most-size! "Plus-size" is the real size of women and the phrase just makes us feel bad when someone tells us that we are plus size because we are a size 14. It makes us think we are bigger than most when in fact we are just like most of the women out there! I don't understand why most modern stores don't carry "real" sizes when they could be making more money with the extra 67% of women buying their clothes. It doesn't make any since! ='[
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Yes, I feel Plus-Size should be the new Real-Size... Im a Plus-Size teenager && I LOVE my weight.... Im 15 years old && I wear a size 13-14 && Im 'Happy' about it....
Thank you! This section is the real deal of women!
How bout "av-us" for average us size? The term "real-size" could easily offend sizes 11- & 15+ who may perceive the term "real" as a marketing ploy that makes them feel either too thin or too thick to be considered "rea ... moreHow bout "av-us" for average us size? The term "real-size" could easily offend sizes 11- & 15+ who may perceive the term "real" as a marketing ploy that makes them feel either too thin or too thick to be considered "real". I think size is just size; it's how you feel and display yourself when the tags against your skin that makes you beautiful regardless of how much fabric it takes to cover your butt. A confident size 16 can rock it triple over an insecure size 2, flip it too. Fierce&Love-A
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Tyra I got to say that I love your idea of making this contest about young plus size girl it's very awesome, and inspiring, but Tyra, please Tyra make a contest were girls under 18 and size 12 can join to. It has always ... moreTyra I got to say that I love your idea of making this contest about young plus size girl it's very awesome, and inspiring, but Tyra, please Tyra make a contest were girls under 18 and size 12 can join to. It has always been my dream to be on your top model show, but I don't wanna wait until I am 18, I am 13 right now with a long way to go.
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I agree with the Real Size, Just cause us girls who do wear a 12 - 14 doesnt mean we are Fat or Plus sized. Honestly. the reason i wear a 13 is cause i got thunder thighs and some big ol hips. also a i gotta butt thats g ... moreI agree with the Real Size, Just cause us girls who do wear a 12 - 14 doesnt mean we are Fat or Plus sized. Honestly. the reason i wear a 13 is cause i got thunder thighs and some big ol hips. also a i gotta butt thats gotta fit too. so i think Real Size would fit better because some girls may get offended by the word PLUS SIZE. :))
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dear tyra theres two things id like to comment on one im a plus size girl and ifeel people that can modle in our sizies are amazing and actually know true beauty people define beauty as a skinny bing but a true aveage wo ... moredear tyra theres two things id like to comment on one im a plus size girl and ifeel people that can modle in our sizies are amazing and actually know true beauty people define beauty as a skinny bing but a true aveage women isnt always gona be a skinny mini i mean look at me im a size 13 and socitey makes people that are overweight feel bad when in reality there really nothing wrong so rock on with plus size modles and two im a big fan of james st. james ive read his book seen his interviews i litteally idolize this faboulous man and id hope one day in this lifetime i get to know him
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Tyra first I wanted to let you know hat your show is amazing. The comment I would like to give you about women and young girls that are a size 12-14. I have two of the most beautiful girls ages 19 and 13 my 19 year ol ... moreTyra first I wanted to let you know hat your show is amazing. The comment I would like to give you about women and young girls that are a size 12-14. I have two of the most beautiful girls ages 19 and 13 my 19 year old is in the size 12 has always battle with her weight but I have to say she has the most amazing smile and beautiful face and when she takes a picture she is even more amazing. My 13 year old has no trouble with her weight she also looks amazing for her size of course she is a size 2-4 and also takes great photo. Thank you showing us beauty comes in different sizes.
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Tyra, What about Crystal Renn? Her story makes a lot of sense to me. It shows her life and the Fashion industry. It also let us know how she become a very successful plus-size model from a teen model who tried to fit in ... moreTyra, What about Crystal Renn? Her story makes a lot of sense to me. It shows her life and the Fashion industry. It also let us know how she become a very successful plus-size model from a teen model who tried to fit in with other 'thin model' and how it affected her life as well as her life. Her book-'Hungry:A young model's story of appetite, ambition and the ultimate embrace of Curves' should be introduced because it shows us the affection of trying to change yourself to 'fit in' how important it is to be yourself. I think she'll be a very good role model for all of us.
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yeah i totally agree they should be called "real women", there not aliens of course there real women, they have feelings, thoughts, and are the same but different to other women. if you can understand that lol and if the ... moreyeah i totally agree they should be called "real women", there not aliens of course there real women, they have feelings, thoughts, and are the same but different to other women. if you can understand that lol and if they are bigger than the rest then the pics get edited and thats not right because that means they want them to be something there not, and thats not good. for noone and not for there self esteem either... x
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What i don't understand is when i see a plus size catalog but they don't have plus size women wearing the item. We need to see what the outfit would look like on a plus size woman. I had a bf once who looked at the siz ... moreWhat i don't understand is when i see a plus size catalog but they don't have plus size women wearing the item. We need to see what the outfit would look like on a plus size woman. I had a bf once who looked at the size of my clothes when i wasnt looking. I moved on!
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All of these women are beautiful and splendid models, but that being said, I don't see them as plus sized. They are the average size. When Whitney won ANTM, it was kind of bitter sweet for me as a size 22 girl. Everybody ... moreAll of these women are beautiful and splendid models, but that being said, I don't see them as plus sized. They are the average size. When Whitney won ANTM, it was kind of bitter sweet for me as a size 22 girl. Everybody was all "ooh a plus-sized girl won!!!" and I just felt that if she's plus size, what am I? Whale-size? That being said, I love average body types like this being represented in fashion, but I wish there was room for the 200+lbs girls like myself in the modeling industry. The best I've seen is Velvet D'Amour, who is beautiful!!! We need some more like her too :]
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Hi Tyra I feel that it should be considered as a size period for modeling and everything else because all people are different shapes and sizes. God made us all Fearless and Wonderfully Made. Hey Now LOL
I do think it should be called "Real-Size". The majority is a 12-14. Only some women are skinny.
Hey Tyra I do think plus size is real size. All my teenage life I felt like I had to be thin to be pretty and cute but I was making myself sick. I am still small at 140 lbs but I'm toned and healthy now and I look grea ... moreHey Tyra I do think plus size is real size. All my teenage life I felt like I had to be thin to be pretty and cute but I was making myself sick. I am still small at 140 lbs but I'm toned and healthy now and I look great. I am not plus sized but if I ever got there I know that I am a real woman with real curves and I have you to thank for that.
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I think 'PLUS SIZE' is a bit ... gay. But like, "Real models" is also ... not that great, cos anyone could just say .. Real models are thin models too. So I think it should be called something along the lines of "sized-u ... moreI think 'PLUS SIZE' is a bit ... gay. But like, "Real models" is also ... not that great, cos anyone could just say .. Real models are thin models too. So I think it should be called something along the lines of "sized-up models" or "curvacious models" .. or something nice. "Plus sized" is a bit stink ... you mind as well call it Extra large models. IDK, those are my thoughts. x
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heyyyyy tyra its sherretta ayers and i think ur great for doing this thik girl contest iv always been called big booty judy beacause of my but or people sing she got a donk 2 meee it gets a lil old after a while and i wo ... moreheyyyyy tyra its sherretta ayers and i think ur great for doing this thik girl contest iv always been called big booty judy beacause of my but or people sing she got a donk 2 meee it gets a lil old after a while and i would love 2 show those people how curvalacous people arnt only beautiful on the outside but also in the inside 2
sherretta ayers[14]
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I'm really excited about the plus size teen modeling call but what about us a little older plus size aspiring model...I think that would a great idea an all plus size top model season!!!!! I will be 1st in line
Go tell it on the mountain sister! I think they should change model to the 12-14 and the 0-6 size start calling them "meth size models"