I was reading a copy of Vogue with Naomi Campbell, modeling’s model minority, lamenting about the dearth of black models in the industry. This an argument that’s old as time, so let me cut to the chase: Naomi, you just might have company.
Perhaps it won’t be next month, or the month after that, but I have good vibes about plus size modeling, and even doubly good vibes when it comes to the black women in modeling topic. As a black woman myself, it does strike me as odd to not see more models of color on the runways.
Is it going to be boiled down to a matter of buying power? I certainly hope not. This article, dated 2 years ago, gives some great information on what’s generally considered a “duh” concept: minoirty buying power is on the rise?
Marketers aren’t in the business for their health - they’re out to make money. Buying power plays into spending the way spending plays into modeling because it’s about enticement. We want to get people to purchase products, to spend money, but most importantly, to visualize themselves wearing, eating, drinking whatever we’re marketing at the moment.
The rise in buying power for minorities should trigger more exposure, in the sense that marketers should be using minorities in advertising. What better way to entice people to purchase items when the person in the ad looks similar to the buyer?
We’re hopeful, vocal, and excited about plus size modeling because the models look like we do. They have curves, perhaps broad shoulders, and love handles (I know I have ‘em, so I gotta make sure my ‘handles still look great rocking the latest sweater sets). We’re taking it to the economic level as well: we’re pointing out where we shop, how much we spend. The war hasn’t been won yet, but we’re still writing, talking about it, and sharing what we want for plus size modeling, and plus size fashion in general.
I want to see curves. Hips. Legs. Smiles. If they happen to be women of color, that would be a great step, but I need to see women that at least have the same structure I do. I can fully understand multiple angles of this argument - I’m a marketer myself.
I’m hopeful for plus size fashion because I think we can get a diverse runway while still celebrating the hips, curves, and all the other components that make us beautiful from head to toe.
On women of color & modeling (some links may be dated, but I think all are worth looking at:)
The Ugly Side of the Modeling Business
On Absence of Our Models - Use of African-American Models in Fashion
The New Face of the Supermodel
Links about buying power:
Minorities spending more on eating out, entertainment, research shows
Multicultural economy - America’s minority buying power - PDF
Minority buying power expected to rise
Hispanic movement from California, impact on other cities
Disney reaches out to Hispanic market with ‘Cheetah Girls’
A text file of 2004 statistics on buying power in American, divided on racial lines
I’m not a stranger to luxury bags — I received a beautiful Coach bag (black and grey, and authentic) from a special someone — but a girl can’t hold onto her purse forever. I’m madly in love with my Coach bag, but I find myself needing a stylish bag that’s, well… up to date.
Which brings me to the offerings from Juicy Couture. What says “luxury” better than a high end designer brand?
I’m still looking into Juicy Couture - the brand is definitely angled towards a “girly” look. If you don’t know Juicy Couture, think “jumpsuits”. Lots of celebs these days are wearing them, but Juicy Couture also makes nifty things that all women can relate to, like handbags.
I always keep an eye on mainstream designers — you never know what they’ll do next. Maybe we’ll see some plus size fashion pieces from them. Either way, they’re worth checking out.
Sarah Testa passed on the good word to me about her upcoming newsletter about women’s plus size clothing: Loving my Curves.
As far as I can tell, it’s free to sign up, and if you sign up before the newsletter actually launches, you can win a $50 gift voucher from IGIGI! I’m very excited about this - you can bet I signed up!
The newsletter provides another outlet for style tips and fashion guides for women, along with the latest news from the fashion industry. It’s sure to be something, so go ahead over to Loving my Curves and sign up today!
No affiliate links were harmed in the making of this entry.
Plus size women don’t need to wait until Christmmas to look their very best! For the next 12 days here at Deluxegrrl, we’ll be giving you the very best links to stylish plus size clothing, amazing plus size lingerie, and fantastic accessories to help you keep the summer sizzling!
As we go through the days, we’ll list all the links right on this post, so you won’t have to flip backwards and forwards.
I was surfing around the blogosphere and found The Pretty Pear. I don’t know if she’ll grace us with anymore posts, but she’s definitely got some great content for us plus-size women.
One link that she talked about was mejeans, a site that supposedly builds you a custom-pair of jeans, based off your measurements. I checked out the basic premise, and I’m impressed - they lay out a pretty comprehensive building process. I can have a better control over how my jeans look. The price tag is high (hey, it’s customized!), but I think it’s a resource that you lovely ladies should check out!
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dee·lux·GRRL n.An intelligent, dynamic female who isn't afraid to take risks, take time for herself, or create her own unique style!
Stores I Like:
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