Curves in the USA- A question

I’ve touched on this a couple of times in my blog – first how US plus-size retailers do not advertise on TV to their demographic – as if they are ashamed to do so. Up until the new Lane Bryant ad, I have NEVER seen a plus-size retailer advertise on TV in the US…think about. Why not? I’ve talked to other bloggers outside the US and their stores do. How can magazines begin to accept plus size models, if the stores that cater to our demographic don’t? It’s incredibly disappointing. Stores like Lane Bryant and Torrid (which are large chains!) don’t reach out to the blogging community, while Evans, ASOS, and City Chic do – just another example of the difference between the US and elswhere.

Secondly, even when a US magazine has shown a plus-size model (ie the new glamour spread) she is incredibly photoshopped. I found unretouched pictures of Crystal Renn from the Glamour shoot, and she looks NOTHING like she does on the cover. Why can’t they show her how she REALLY is? I am thrilled she is in the magazine, but it’s not quite what I would have wanted/expected.

I think eventually the US will be accepting of plus-size fashion, models, and bloggers, but right now we are ridiculously behind the times – it’s actually an embarassment in my opinion.

This is a great topic of conversation Marie. It seems the U.S. is always slower in embracing change. Personally I don’t understand why when other publications have been so successful when celebrating the curvy fashion bloggers and plus size models. Could they be scared to be the first in the U.S.? Still, this should not stop you or any other bloggers from continuing to try to break that barrier. Think about where we all were 5 years ago. None of us would have imagined this revolution taking place. Staying positive, focused and supportive of our “curvy” community is the only way we will be celebrated as a money making industry here at home.

Hugs,
Maddy

the good ol u s of a is and always will be for a lack of better summation, behind the curve.

here in america everything is about money, especially money made from fashion, is made via illusion most of the time.

it is not widely thought of here that fat is sexy..that fat sells unless its for diet pills or programs..

to answer your question re a US Spread, i would have to say that i and not sure. no one wants to be seen as jumping on the bandwagon and after the almost air of backlash when plus size models were showcased in some of the mags, there might be even more hesitance.

re bloggers and mag acceptance/respect..honestly i hope that the bloggers are not seeking this as a goal..i love the almost grassroots feel of blogging..the set your own terms, follow your own direction of it all..

but if this is something that bloggers are aspiring to, i think that sure a few will get hits here and there in the mags…afterall…a little jumping on the bandwagon DOES sell…
.-= Goody´s last blog ..TOPSHOP Debuts Make Up Line =-.

I do think one problem in the US is the fashion industry, including publishers of US fashion mainstays, still believe plus size women are more interested in becoming thin, at least smaller, more than they’re interested in buying clothing, & sad to say, there is an element of truth to this. Of course i am preaching to the choir when i say there are many who are interested in high end (or any end for that matter, lol!) plus fashion, but there are sadly many waiting to reach a ‘goal size’ before purchasing.

You are so right, there seems to be a distinct difference when it comes to what the main stream considers “valid sources” as it relates to fashion in this country. We have always looked to international designers to set trends in fashion and give us inspiration. Because there is a more abundant amount of fatshion journalist online today, it is so much easier for them to feel the pulse of the US by a mere google search and tap into an untapped market.

The US needs to embrace the majority of its own popluation. Designers here need to begin to set trends and bring it to the runways of Paris and Milan. The US perspective will always be distored if we continue to chase someone elses perspective.

Thank you for sharing this with the readers of Daily Venus Diva! Continue to be the voice of reason….

Cassy
News Editor, Daily Venus Diva.com

I think the International “counterpart” described here is not entirely true. Yes, many magazines have featured large sized models, but it’s a “trend” and not an ongoing thing. It’s not as if the US is terribly behind, but I do remember there being a nude picture of a “plus sized model” (she was a size in Elle or Harper’s Bazaar (can’t recall because I subscribe to both) and it was a BIG DEAL in the US. People complained about her stomach, about how “gross” it was…if you google it I’m sure you can find it but it was not nice to read and if I were the beautiful model who didn’t look large at all I’d be super depressed.

…My point is that THAT is the reason why there are no plus size models featured. The feedback is terrible.

I am a petite but I share the same point of views. It is hard to find, be it off or online clothing store for plus sizes. What we can do is to be positive and accept our own body and mix and match .

We dont have to be skinny or tiny to go for fashions.