Love, Hate, Haters Issue // Modeling // Plus Size Models
Sizing Her Up!
Question: If 67% of the women in America wear a size 12-14, should “Plus-Size” really 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?!
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 plus-size or full-figured model grows. For one, plus-size 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 plus-size 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 plus-sized 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, do you think should plus-size be called “Real-Size?” Let us know!
Comment Below!
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"
I think is really awsome to have plus size models and i admired you tyra for making it posible for curvy girls to feel good and know there beautyfull inside and out and that they can also be models too not only skinny ... moreI think is really awsome to have plus size models and i admired you tyra for making it posible for curvy girls to feel good and know there beautyfull inside and out and that they can also be models too not only skinny girls can but curvy ones can too and knowing that they can have dreams too and make them come true. I myself im 19 and 5'1 and wear size 8 i would love to be one of the plus sizes models good luck to all the ones who are gona participate and it would show that we plus size also have pretty bodys and can show off our curvs and can be the next curvy TOP MODEL
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TRYA I MUST SAY THAT YOU ARE A WOUNDERFUL PERSON I LIKE UR STYLE.. ALSO I WANTES TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I KNOW KATE DILLION SHE WAS MY TUTOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK AND IT IS BECAUSE OF HER THAT I WANTED TO DO MODELING.. IF ... moreTRYA I MUST SAY THAT YOU ARE A WOUNDERFUL PERSON I LIKE UR STYLE.. ALSO I WANTES TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I KNOW KATE DILLION SHE WAS MY TUTOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK AND IT IS BECAUSE OF HER THAT I WANTED TO DO MODELING.. IF POSSIBLE WHEN U READ THIS TELL HER I SAID THANK YOU..
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Very inspiring women and all are very gorgeous!!! A side note lol there is a typo under Kate Dillion's pic "lest" instead of "left"... or i just don't know what "lest" is haha. Also i agree with a lot of you that comment ... moreVery inspiring women and all are very gorgeous!!! A side note lol there is a typo under Kate Dillion's pic "lest" instead of "left"... or i just don't know what "lest" is haha. Also i agree with a lot of you that commented and i think it is sad that so there are so many lables and categories to be put in, i just see it as healthy women are beautiful..
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I don't think that people should call plus-size models real-size models. Sure they are regualr sized for people, but why define someoen like that? Can't we all just say she is a model; healthy and strong just like the mo ... moreI don't think that people should call plus-size models real-size models. Sure they are regualr sized for people, but why define someoen like that? Can't we all just say she is a model; healthy and strong just like the model who is a size 2? Body types are just what is the norm of your family and if you try to defy it, your body will reap teh consequences. Why can't models just be models and not defined by size but by what they model?
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Speaking as on of the Majority (im a 14) i agree the it is more of a Real size then a Plus size.... But im also 5'11" (almost 6' lol) and people carry weight differently so it depends on the person and their body structu ... moreSpeaking as on of the Majority (im a 14) i agree the it is more of a Real size then a Plus size.... But im also 5'11" (almost 6' lol) and people carry weight differently so it depends on the person and their body structure not their pants size
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Hey Tyra im 14 and plus sized but im also 5' 10''. and was seeing what it took to be a model.
well tyra i love this idea of "PHAT" girls modeling. and i know that some people are mad because what about the girls who aint "PHAT" they dont get a chance but i see it as this can change the way alot of big girls see t ... morewell tyra i love this idea of "PHAT" girls modeling. and i know that some people are mad because what about the girls who aint "PHAT" they dont get a chance but i see it as this can change the way alot of big girls see themselfs. i know when i heard you talk about the "real size" model. i got happy. and i think that this is a great idea. thanks tyra.
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i think that these modeling competitions shouldn't be constrained to one "type." i think beautiful, healthy women should be showcased. whether theyre short, tall, and any healthy size. also, i am in between what would be ... morei think that these modeling competitions shouldn't be constrained to one "type." i think beautiful, healthy women should be showcased. whether theyre short, tall, and any healthy size. also, i am in between what would be a "mainstream model" and a "plus size model". there aren't opportunities for me. and the fact im average height for a woman (5'4'') doesnt help
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The plus sized modeling show is awesome, but i wish there could be a plus sized short, just like there is a regular short modeling competition. I'm only 5' 1 3/4' but if someone said i would be eligible for a competition ... moreThe plus sized modeling show is awesome, but i wish there could be a plus sized short, just like there is a regular short modeling competition. I'm only 5' 1 3/4' but if someone said i would be eligible for a competition i would definitely try out.
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i think its shocking how woman at a size 10 or 12 can be branded a plus size model, as size 10 and 12s are slim and are the average size of an american woman although here in britain i am not sure what the average size i ... morei think its shocking how woman at a size 10 or 12 can be branded a plus size model, as size 10 and 12s are slim and are the average size of an american woman although here in britain i am not sure what the average size is. I think every woman is beautiful in there own way and should not be told they can not model just because they are too big or too small.
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Is there a category for just normal? What if you are not skinny but definitely not a plus size either?
Very inspirational as I am a size 14! And it's good to read that these models are multi-talented! I see nothing wrong with being called plus size-there's always going to be phrases that some agree with and some don't. I' ... moreVery inspirational as I am a size 14! And it's good to read that these models are multi-talented! I see nothing wrong with being called plus size-there's always going to be phrases that some agree with and some don't. I'm just glad that young girls have a variety of role models!
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i think they need to change the title from plus size to real size. As a chubby girl it kinda makes me feel segregated in a way because everywhere you go you see skinny models advertising EVERYTHING and at one point in t ... morei think they need to change the title from plus size to real size. As a chubby girl it kinda makes me feel segregated in a way because everywhere you go you see skinny models advertising EVERYTHING and at one point in time i wanted to be a model but amung other things, the weight issue was always what held me back from even ATTEMPTING to even try. hey, just a thought,probably someone mentioned this to you before but, what about having a plus size season of top model, now thats something i'd definately love to see=] <3
-Jenn<3
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OMG I am so glad I came across this...this has given me a boost of energy and drive to GO FOR IT!!! I desire to be a model but to represent plus size girls, teens, and women. Gaining weight through out the years for me h ... moreOMG I am so glad I came across this...this has given me a boost of energy and drive to GO FOR IT!!! I desire to be a model but to represent plus size girls, teens, and women. Gaining weight through out the years for me hasn't been all BAD..its given me thickness and shape I'm proud to be a size 16-18 and able to wear a two piece out in public. because I care about my shape (also my skin) God has given me a glow and a thought that I want to be this girl....If I don't get any response by posting this comment...I'm just glad that it's a category worthing leaving a comment on.
Love, Mannie
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Yes, it is the real size of most woman. Yet, being a model is a career, something someone is good at. And if the modeling criteria changes and accepts a greater 'plus size' clientele, then won't we be turning those out o ... moreYes, it is the real size of most woman. Yet, being a model is a career, something someone is good at. And if the modeling criteria changes and accepts a greater 'plus size' clientele, then won't we be turning those out of jobs. Those women who strive to keep their weight at a minimum and who learn to embrace the angles of their bodies, will be pushed aside for those who don't try to stay about societies average looks.
Yes, it is a little bad to portray america's beauty as someone who is rail thin, and it causes a lot of young girls too get eating disorders, but modeling is a career.
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every one can not be thin or everyone is not expected to be.Thats y i adore tyra for also makin cycle 13 ANTM for petite models.12-14 is a very okay size considern the fact that 12-14 is of 67%.so where are the real size ... moreevery one can not be thin or everyone is not expected to be.Thats y i adore tyra for also makin cycle 13 ANTM for petite models.12-14 is a very okay size considern the fact that 12-14 is of 67%.so where are the real size people(8-10),probably 20%.that suld not be real size.totally agree...with tyra
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i remember Tocarra
Tyra Wow You Picked My Brain Plus Size Modles Shouldnt Be Called "PLUS SIZE" They Should Just Be Called Models. Modelin Shouldnt Be About What Size Your Clothes Are Like Someone Said Befor It Shouldnt Matter What Size Or ... moreTyra Wow You Picked My Brain Plus Size Modles Shouldnt Be Called "PLUS SIZE" They Should Just Be Called Models. Modelin Shouldnt Be About What Size Your Clothes Are Like Someone Said Befor It Shouldnt Matter What Size Or Colour Yo Are =) But Tyra I Know You Get What I Mean xx
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