The Plus Sized Model

I know I'm behind on this, I haven't been able to force myself to sit down and write, but I have to write about this. It's a big deal. It's a great thing.


H&M, a leading clothing retailer, used a plus sized model as their main figure representing swimwear. That's right, you heard correct, a plus sized model was the face of the 2013 swim collection.

Jennie Runk is the beauty modeling for H&M and is a role model for girls and women everywhere. She looks like the average American girl, average height, weight, and other features. She could be the girl in your class, or that you see on the train, or walking down the street––she blends in. Yet, she stands out as a model and face of H&M.

Some critics claim that using a plus size model promotes obesity, or unhealthiness.

BULLSHIT

Ms Runk does not look like she's obese or unhealthy. In fact, I see the complete opposite when I look at the photos of her. She looks happy and healthy! I think it's just shocking to some people (i.e. the fashion world and it's stick figure models) to see someone who is average. Girls and women need to see different bodies in fashion and marketing because everyone's body IS different. Everyone has their own size and shape and it needs to be recognized in mainstream media. It's sad that this is only noticed or mentioned once in a while. Yet the world so easily criticizes  anytime someone famous gains or loses a lot of weight. They are pounced upon and gossip rumors of depression or eating disorders or what-have-you filter through the news.

H&M Swimwear 2013



More recently, American Eagle Inc's brand, Aerie has pledged to stop using Photoshop or other touch-ups on their models. This is another great initiative, showing to girls and young women that it's okay to be yourself. I am all in favor of seeing natural looking models to truly reflect how clothing and other products will look on myself while shopping in stores or online.

Here is the message Aerie has posted online and in stores:

What a powerful message to send, especially for a lingerie brand! What woman doesn't want to feel good about themselves, especially when stripped down to their pretty panties?

Granted, this one decision may not have an effect on every single female, because everyone views their body differently, but it can certainly make a change of feelings for a lot of people. Since Aerie is aimed at girls in their teens through twenties, when we're just starting to figure ourselves out, it's important to have positive images and not feel "unreal".

Body image is a complicated thing, and everyone has their own thoughts, feelings, and issues with it, but this can be the start of a much needed change in the fashion industry. Let's hope the trend continues with other brands and other areas of media.