Curve Diversity

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It really is no secret that I love blogs, online content, fashion, styling, photography and body/racial diversity....  So when looking through my daily dose of Pinterest and Bloglovin' and thinking about what I should write on my blog it came to me that I have been a bit naughty and not really showcasing as much Plus size and Straight size model content as I would like.  Obviously the offering on the production on amazing Fashion editorials featuring such body types are rare, and when money is spent on a beautiful shoot the models are either styled as La Dolce Vita sirens, and half nude.  Curves are sexy for sure but they do not need to be overly sexualized to the extent as they are.  Think about the famous Vogue Italia shoot, though undeniably fantastic and needed, moving forward Plus size fashion content needs something new, they need to showcase that plus sizes are just like everyone and everything else.  I have gathered the following to show what I mean....

Soft natural lighting and bare to minimal makeup.  There is a lightness to these photos that are so beautiful.  I do not know why there aren't that many shoots that portray bigger girls in a glowing, softer air but there should!

Flirty dresses in candy colours are what I am getting at here.  I know many bigger girls who do not like to dress in these types of clothes as sometimes they feel it's playing dress up.  These looks are feminine and pretty but it is in the cut of the outfit that gives it an edge and cool about them too.  I think if more shoots would showcase this style more of bigger girls, especially younger ones in the teen market, then many would feel more confident.

Shoots that have a quirky narrative and featuring plus/straight sized models are few and far between.  These offbeat styles show playfulness and a whole lot of fun!  The artistic factor is prominent here, and I want to see more quirky chubby women on my screen please!

I bloody love a good print.  My style icons are Solange Knowles and Nicole Richie and they love a good floral or folk stamp.  The global fashion trend that is out now has been something second nature to a lot of Western second generation Asian and African kids like the Funk Berry girls.  I added this pics as "Curvy" plus Print usually conjures up big kaftans and mumus but it's definitely not that!

What gets me is that the trends and ideas of being described as Gamine, Elfin or Ingenue is what I have always wanted to be but because I was not an Audrey Hepburn waif or a Birkin daughter I thought "alas, tis not the life for me".  However as I have gotten older, I realized it is more the attitude of simplicity, chicness and a carefree aura that they possessed, is where the draw came from.  I personally love this look and even with my short legs and juicy butt try and pull this off, and in my own way I do sometimes.  

My hope and dream for the future (among many things) is that the portrayal of style, fashion and art is not merely through the narrow funnel of thinness.  I am not anti thin, not at all.  I find slender shapes beautiful, as I do many others.  However there is beauty, cool, style and quirk in all, and many women need to be reminded or convinced of that.  The division of size into different industries can tumble down too if I had my way, and that many campaigns and group scenes would feature multiple models of all races and shapes with out it being a big deal.  I wonder if I will see that in my life time.  Hope so.