Thin, gaunt and vertically endowed models no longer have the whole runway to themselves. Today, plus-size, thick, and horizontally endowed models are also strutting their catwalks fiercely. The birth of the plus-size industry actually marks the return of idea of Classical beauty, where being voluptuous and full is attractive.
Yes, it is back-the beauty of being large. This Classical idea of beauty which refers to round hips and lesser waist-to-hips ratio is depicted in old sculptures like the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” and in paintings like the “Birth of Venus”. Until the 20th century, this type of body proportion was considered the desirable body shape.
The comeback of this idea was propelled by the increasing number of women who demand plus-size clothing. This demand, in turn, also affected the modeling industry with the creation of a division for plus-size models. These models wear garments larger than the standard size 8 in America.
Popular fashion designers are beginning to consider the plus-size industry and the potential earnings that they can gather by serving customers who need plus-size clothing. Some fashion designers have already taken the step by using plus-size models for their showings.
Many magazines and advertising campaigns show plus-size models as women who represent the return of the voluptuous, Classical ideal of what beauty is, shown in the old sculptures like the Venus de Medici and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. This is the type of beauty that was popular in the West until the 20th century.
Many fashion designers and modeling scouts recognize the big potential of this modeling industry as a way to market plus-size clothings. In addition, it has positively impacted the society by stimulating debates on body image, eating disorders and self-esteem.
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
