First of all, I must start this entry out with a little education about the plus size modeling world.

The funny thing about working in this industry is that there is a wide variation of women who are considered "plus" and can actually work as models.  On my boards, at Ford, Wilhelmina, Click and Dorothy Combs, as well as at Hughes, Brigitte, and Egos in Europe, the variety of girls is astounding.  They range from 5'8" to 6' tall, and a size 6-8 to 16-18.  Seriously!  So, when you see the title of the article about  "plus girls on the runway," one almost doesn't know what to expect! 
 
In straight size (skinny) modeling, the girls MUST be the same- they are meant to be coat hangers for the dresses.  Curves are NOT welcomed!  The girls are all at least 5'10" and a size 2, maximum.  They prefer a size 0.  If you can imagine that Claudia Schiffer weighs about 115 lbs and is nearly 6 feet tall- and is considered "curvier" than the others, you can imagine what a designer thinks when they work with plus girls.  I'm not knocking the regular models- I jsut think we need some variety!

Which, I think, is the beauty of our industry!

The last time I checked, round hips, breasts, legs, arms were all a sign of health.  They are a sign of femininity, and, to a basic fashion, fertility.  Why shouldn't designers work with a few curves?  I mean, why don't they just hire a bunch a 15 year old boys, put some bags over their heads, and strut THEM down the runway, if that's what they really want!

One important factor on the runway does NOT translate to all the girls- I've walked runway before, but, at 5'9", I'm pushing the short side.  They really want girls closer to 6', and a size 8.  I am a size 12.  American catalogues and websites want a size 14-16.   There are several completely different markets within the industry!  Confused?  Me too.

Well, this post was about an incident in fashion week London last September.  Apparently, the stylists WALKED OFF set because they were forced to work with these fatties.  Can you imagine?  heehee.

I laugh because I now love this designer.  Anyone who knows Plus models know that we squeeze ourselves into the tightest clothing possible to SHOW OFF the curves!!  No caftans in our group!  So... this knitwear is really perfect for the girl with breasts and booty.

Check it out at the Daily Mail:

The Fast and the furious: Stylist at London Fashion Week resigns over designer Mark Fast's decision to use size 14 models

By Kate Loveys

Preparing for his London Fashion Week slot, knitwear designer Mark Fast decided to challenge the obsession with size zero models and use curvier women to showcase his creations.

It was a bold move - and one which nearly led to his entire project unravelling.

When he told his design team that his figure-hugging outfits would be paraded down the runway by size 12 and 14 models, two of his people were apparently so angry they quit.

Fuller-figured: Curvier women were used to model Mr Fast's 'bodycon' dresses. In 2007, a Model Health Inquiry was launched in response to the death of several 'size zero' models. It failed to set out any firm industry guidelines

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Last note:  How gorgeous are these girls??!!