Going beyond conventions - plus size models

Together with main fashion trends of previous years, an issue stands out as a reflection of major shifts in cultural standards. While catwalks slowly get closer to real life, the bodies of real women, in all shapes and sizes, become more acceptable in fashion industry. Not only designers embrace new standards in creating high fashion pieces (taking it as a challenge, not as an obstacle), but media and publicity overall begin to take off the seal of shame from women with curves. While some models still eat napkins to bluff their empty stomachs, faint from starving and get eating disorders as occupational hazard, the majority of fashion connected branches reconcile with reality and celebrate all forms of beauty.

The true pioneers of plus size acceptance are certainly women who didn't hesitate – today, we call them plus-size models. (I am certain that in the future, due to political correctness, this term will be abandoned as rude and offensive). Among them, Ashley Graham was the true star – beautiful women with unbeatable self-confidence made her way to front and inner pages of leading style magazines. Moreover, the lingerie commercial she starred in was too hot for America. Anyway, it was the proof that personality is what makes the woman hot.

Another curvy model who captured the attention of fashion industry was Tara Lynn. Fighting with weight until early twenties, she finally came to accept her body as it was, and even more – to make the best of it. This courage was life-changing not only for her, but also for millions of girls who has to deal with weight prejudices every day. Tara covered Elle Spain and France (which called her The Body), was H&M's model for Big is Beautiful campaign, Torrid and Lucky Brand... To be continued.
There are many more faces that appeared in recent few years – like Denise Bidot, Marina Bulatkina, Nadia Aboulhosn or Jennie Runk. All of them prove that beauty can't be found in strict industrial rules, fashion moldes and grievous eyes of starved models; beauty is here to celebrate life, feelings and senses; and of course, to put on some rags.