Terry Richardson already brought the hotness with plus-sized model Crystal Renn in the upcoming “Size Issue” of V Magazine, and now another one of my favorite fashion photogs’ pictures have been pre-released for gawking/discussion. Solve Sundsbo shot “Curves Ahead,” a spread of bigger babes styled by Nicola Formichetti.
Plus-sized models, models without airbrushing, and “normal-looking” models are always generating controversy and this editorial is no exception; its already garnering tons of comments over on NYMag. Among the more intelligent comments are people stating the obvious: that the outfits aren’t that great (sorry, Nicola) and that V is just generating hype. Indeed, dedicating a whole issue to size draws attention to the call for models of all sizes, but ultimately isolates/phenomenizes (I know it’s not a word but I don’t care) it, and works against its acceptance into the mainstream; as opposed to say, sneaking in some editorials featuring diverse models.
Either way, the pics are below. I don’t enjoy as much as the Richardson shoot but the stylist probably did not have much to work with. When it comes down to it, there are just not that many truly fashionable options for larger women (or men for that matter*).
* Last week when I was home for the break, I was upset by a conversation with one of my brother’s friends. We were discussing fashion, and he very earnestly told me he wanted to try out different styles and update his wardrobe to be more modern, but that he was just too big to fit into any “cool” clothes. To be fair, this man is not really even thaaat big. He is probably a size 48/50 jacket. But for once, I was at a loss. I was dismayed at the embarrassment he must feel when he tries to buy something he likes and they don’t have it in his size. I gave him some pretty pathetic advice like accessorizing or investing in some custom shirts, but the reality is I really didn’t have any good advice for him.
