I read a fabulous article about Ralph Lauren hiring plus size model Robyn Lawley for their next clothing campaign. Now I say fabulous, not because the article itself was a piece of mastery in literature, or because this hallmarks some revolution in the idealization of the female form, but because it’s another small step.
The article critiques the move by Ralph Lauren as a publicity tactic and not some grand shift in the thinking fashion industry elites. While that may be true, and I am always highly suspect of a companies motives in anything they do, I do applaud the move none the less.
True, plus size models are still perfectly proportioned, and photoshopped to elicit an unattainable female image of perfect skin, teeth, and hair, just like the article claims. But I argue that the revolution to change female ideals is a process. It’s won one battle at a time. I consider this a win.
Sure, she’s gorgeous *unattainbly so* and still small *I would hesitate call her “plus size”* but she is a step away from the waifish prepubescent girls we see gracing the covers of magazines. And I can get behind that.
Aubrey
October 13, 2012I am floored that she is considered plus size…but I am glad that a company is getting behind a little bit of a more "normal" size.
Well actually, I think normal is a wide range, so I guess I am just glad to see a little more variety than just the stick figure girls that most women will never be. I would love to see all kinds of beautiful out there!!
Anonymous
October 13, 2012Well, we certainly aren't making much progress if we're calling her Plus Size. if she wasn't labeled Plus Size then I would think she's just a regular model.
This should just be a regular ad about the new gorgeous RL model. Turning it into "wow look at this Plus Size model! We are taking a turn in the right direction!" is so ass backwards.
Joanna
October 13, 2012@anonymous – agreed that the rhetoric is not helpful, but what is helpful is exactly what Aubrey says – that this model in this campaign allows us to see just a little more diversity of body images.
Tabetha
October 13, 2012I agree with you 100%– no progress will be made if we keep saying that it only counts if they do it with a level of sincerity that some people judge to be appropriate. Who cares why they are doing it– the fact they are is what counts. Its a small step, but its in the right direction! Nothing will ever change if we keep saying a company or person's motives have to meet "x" level of purity in order to consider it valid!
Anonymous
October 13, 2012but the point is she ISNT plus sized. She looks like shes a size 4.
Joanna
October 13, 2012@Anonymous – yes, I agree that I wouldn't call her plus sized myself. I believe that the point still stands that she is more relatable and a step in the right direction than the industry standard.
I think that's also what all the ladies here are saying as well.
Thanks for commenting!