sports illustrated: Weighty Debate

Vogue Italia weighs in on the debate over body diversity in the fashion industry with it's June 2011 edition. The cover lensed by Steven Meisel features three plus-size models; Candice Huffine, Tara Lynn and Robyn Lawley. Huffine, Lynn and Lawley appear in an accompanying feature editorial which celebrates the brazen sensuality, beauty and allure of plus-size models. What I appreciate most about this editorial is that it challenges the viewer to question his/her reaction to the images presented. There is no doubt that Huffine, Lynn and Lawley are extraordinarily beautiful, and I do believe that there is a place in fashion for women of all shapes and sizes. Why is it then that designers, photographers, casting directors, stylists and magazine editors continue to exclude a large section of the population, whose body shape does not conform to the rigid confines set by the fashion industry machine? One could argue that the problem lies within and that perhaps society itself needs to redefine its standards of beauty with a greater focus on healthy body image, state of mind and self-acceptance.