by Michelle Rene

The (Re)Define Real(ity) show was a benefit for the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness," featuring America's Next Top Model's first plus model winner, Whitney Thompson, and the fashions of Little in the Middle jeans, as well as Ed Hardy, and the new line Paco Chicano (by Christian Audigier).

Because this was a show that promised to embrace the beauty of women of all sizes, I welcomed the opportunity to cover this event for PLUS Model Magazine. Not only was I to cover this event as media, I was also walking the purple carpet as a VIP, and modeling in the show too! This was going to be exciting!

Castings and fittings took place the week prior to the show and it was at my fitting that I had the chance to meet and speak with Johanna Kandel, the founder and director of the "Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness", as well as Lee Ann Park, the creator and designer of Little in the Middle jeans. Lee Ann shared with me how she actually had started LITM to make jeans that fit her own curvy body properly, and about the "one up" system, meaning that the hips are sized one size up from the waist, which eliminates the dreaded "gap" that curvy women often find so annoying. Johanna and I spoke about just how important the cause of eating disorder awareness is, and that even plus models can often struggle to be a certain size and feel pressure to stay within certain size parameters, which can sometimes be very difficult.

I was fit by the show's stylist Daisy Llewellyn, gave her my comp card and had the opportunity to preview some of the hot clothing to be featured in the show, which was set to feature models of sizes up to 18!!! Did I say this was going to be exciting??!?

Later in the week I found out that I would be joined on the runway by some familiar plus models, including Maggie B and Ivory May (who I had just done the Love Your Body Day show with earlier in the week!) and plus models Jodi B, Lydia, and Shalon Dozier as well. The show would also be featuring celebrity models Maria Conchita Alonzo, Natalie Martinez, Gabby Villanueva, Kim Cole, and Sweetie Sherrie.

I arrived with at the venue, which was the fabulous Boulevard3 Nightclub on Sunset in Hollywood at about 2pm, along with Maggie, (who was also taking a turn as media for Curvy Girl TV, as well as modeling and walking the purple carpet.) We settled in and chatted with some of the other models who were starting to arrive, including ANTM's Whitney, who was both funny and charming.

After another brief fitting we ran through the show, and went to get started on hair and make-up. By this time, backstage was buzzing. The dressers were getting the clothing and the lineup in order and taping off the shoes, and the makeup artists and hairdressers were getting busy. And all the models, male and female, straight and plus, were laughing and talking, and grabbing a snack or a drink.

After models were hair and makeup ready, it was time for another quick run through, and then it was off to the purple carpet. PLUS Model Magazine photographer Inez Lewis was taking photos of the celebrity arrivals, and of all the behind the scenes action as well. Seventeen Magazine's Body Peace Treaty was positioned at the beginning of the carpet, and all of the celebrities were signing it upon their arrival, as a commitment to love their bodies, and to accept them as they are. (What a wonderful message!)