Just Call Me a Model

Australian model Stefania Ferrario has started a movement on social media using #DropThePlus

We've seen an increase in a variety of sized models in the last year, bigger and more booty-full women are getting their place in the spotlight. While these more average body sizes are finally getting recognition, they are still underrepresented in the modeling and advertising industries. There have been a few women who've made headlines in recent months for breaking the norm, now one is taking it a step further.

While Ferrario is pleased that bigger or average sized women are getting more attention, it's still not right. These women want to be recognized for their profession, which is as a model. There is no need to label them 'plus size', especially when you take into consideration the fact that anything over a size 4 in the industry is considered 'plus', the average 'plus size' model is between an 8 and 10, and the average American woman wears between a 12 and 14. Plus size is often associated with being overweight and has generally been associated with sizes over 12. Now it seems anything over a sample size (0-4) is plus. That sends the wrong message to someone who is at a healthy weight for their body type sitting somewhere in the middle.

Ferrario captioned a photo of herself on social media with "Unfortunately in the modelling industry if you're above a US size 4 you are considered plus size, and so I'm often labelled a 'plus size' model. I do NOT find this empowering. I’m NOT proud to be called ‘plus’, but I AM proud to be called a ‘model’, that is my profession."

It's full steam ahead for the movement that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It's time for the fashion industry to take a cue from the public. Deeming someone 'plus size' when they are an average, healthy weight is detrimental to young girls. It's long been known the amount of criticism and pressure girls and women feel because of the stick-thin and lengthy models covering every magazine, TV screen, and advertisement. There is this notion that if you don't fit into those ideals, you are not beautiful. The staggering numbers of girls and women with body image issues and eating disorders is frightening.

It's been all over social media and news outlets, and other media outlets have taken note that it's time to empower women. Women need to be accepted and treated the same, no matter their difference in appearance.