By Larisa Laurel
Question: I am a size 8/10 and am
interested in modeling. Why am I considered plus-size when clearly I don't wear
plus-size clothing?
Answer: I recently offended a young girl
who is 5'10", size 10, 20 years old, and pretty as a button. I asked her if she
was interested in modeling and she responded back "well, yes, but I'm too heavy
right now" and I said "are you crazy? You're perfect for high fashion plus size".
She responded with tears in her eyes and said "but I'm not fat!". I, of course had to back pedal and
explain that plus-size modeling starts at a size 8 and that plus-size models
are actually not fat. Is it crazy that plus size starts at size 8 in the
modeling world? YES! Is it fact? YES!
First of all, lets dispel some notions
that just because you are a certain size, you can model. There are thousands of
women who are size 2, 5'8" or taller who never get their foot in the door. Same
goes for women who are a size 8 or larger who happen to be 5'8" or taller.
There are certain criteria that go into modeling that people forget about.
Now, before I dig a big 'ol hole...Yes, I
believe if you create your own opportunities almost anyone can model. However, for the more commercial,
especially high fashion modeling it really does go back to the basics like
height and bone structure.
The industry has become more embracing of
diversity; however when you put a small boned size 2 next to a large boned size
10, the size 10 looks bigger. It
has nothing to do with being fat or chubby or anything other than being a
thicker stock. Designers use women who are built like hangers to show the
architecture of their clothing design. Curves get in the way of that flow when
it comes to the runway shows. Plus-size models have curves and when you see
them in clothing not only are you noticing the clothing, but also the curve of
their hips or chest. In the designer's eyes (who do not design for plus size)
they don't want to detract from the clothing. Simple truth.
So in the industry, which is not the real
world we live in, a size 8 or above is considered plus-size. If you look and
feel healthy, it will come across. If you are not meant to be anything below a
size 6 or 8 because of your bone size, welcome to the amazing and sometimes confusing
world of Plus-size Modeling! That's what PLUS Model Magazine is here for; to
make it less confusing!! Embrace those curves or structure you were born to
have and rock this new world with it!
If you have a question for Larisa click HERE and email her and your question may be featured in a future issue of PLUS Model Magazine.
