Loading ...
« Even More Fashion Scoop | Home | Designing Divisions »
Breaking News: Women Have Bellies!
By admins | September 12, 2009
Walter Chin for Glamour Marcio Madeira for Cushnie et Ochs
Yes, a shocking revelation (eye rolling) isn’t it ? Who knew the photo of a regular woman could cause such a media stir? In case some how you missed the big news, we’ll catch you up. In the September issue of Glamour magazine, the above photo was on only one page and measured a scant 3×3 inches. However, immediately upon its release Glamour magazine was bombarded with emails over the photo. Other news outlets quickly took notice and fashion blogs and magazines were instantly a buzz over this picture. It turns out that women readers were thrilled to open a magazine, and rather then a photo of another airbrushed celebrity or waif like model, there was a photo of a woman who looked like them. According to editor and chief of Glamour magazine, Cindi Leive, “The emails were filled with such joy–joy at seeing a woman’s body with all the curves and quirks and rolls found in nature.”
So who is that lovely lady pictured above? She is Lizzi Miller, a 20 year old softball player/belly dancer/model, that is a happy size 14. Not surprisingly Lizzi has been thrilled with all the unexpected acclaim from her photo shoot. Currently, in the midst of New York Fashion Week, we’re surrounded by the bony and angular models that the fashion industry is known for. So, it is particularly refreshing this week, to see a woman in fashion who does not appear to exist on lemon water and Tic Tacs alone.
With all the positive reaction to the image of a real woman in a fashion magazine, is this the beginning of a trend? Will fashion publications stand up, take notice, and give their readers what they are asking for? How do you feel about the photo above? Would you support magazines in the use of more average sized models?
Here is more related scoop;
Topics: fashion industry, models | 7 Comments » 
Email This Post
September 12th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I think it’s a pretty photo. But I find it funny that some people were gushing over how “natural” it is. Because, naturally, people suck in their bellies when they’re being photographed, even men! And some dudes flex as a bonus. So while I found her belly to be natural, I didn’t think the pose was at all. :-)
September 12th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I’m one of those women who loves this, and while its not natural to pose for a photo like that, what magazine pose is natural?
Frankly as a designer whose done missy and plus size it would be a big cost saver and more realistic image of our product if models fit our “sample” size. And by sample size I do not mean what PR and Fashion Media call sample size ie 0-2 but what we actually make as a sample size FIRST before any marketing requests for product ie an 8 for women’s wear.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I’ve always been a fan of plus-size models! There’s a great site with many images of plus-size models here:
http://www.judgmentofparis.com/
They’re all gorgeous.
The site’s forum also has thought-provoking discussions about body image and the media.
September 13th, 2009 at 2:13 am
So glad you posted this! I think there could be a great advantage for designers to show their designs on models that are not the typical skinny-as-hell size…bc most of us are not!
And so fabulous meeting you – let’s make plans to meet again!
XOXO MG
September 14th, 2009 at 12:29 am
It is refreshing, but I do agree that it would be costly and annoying for designers to have to make a whole range of sizings just for shows and essentially samples. However, it would be nice of the sample and runway size was more realistic.
September 14th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Would be so happy to see more of this, I know that is doubtful though.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I’d rather see magazines go back to more healthy looking supermodel types. The girls are so tiny now, it’s almost painful to see them on the runway.