Jezebel has an interesting take on V Magazine’s “One Size Fits All” photoshoot, in which a series of identical outfits are modeled by Jacquelyn Jablonksi (a “regular” model) and Crystal Renn (a “plus-sized” model).
As model / blogger / Jezebel staffer Jenna writes:
The way the entire shoot is structured to encourage the reader to compare Renn to Jablonski — as if that’s what we women need, to decide the age-old battle between plus-size and straight-size models, once and for all! — just makes me want to barf. The point shouldn’t be to focus on the differences between these women and decide who looks better.
I’m afraid I shared Jenna’s reaction to the shoot — it’s virtually impossible not to compare the two women (both of whom are beautiful, by the way) when they’re juxtaposed side-by-side like competitive beauty pageant queens. But isn’t that an innate human impulse — seeing two similar things, and automatically (perhaps even subconsciously) assigning superiority to one of them?
If that’s the case, my reptile brain is selecting Ms. Crystal Renn as the clear winner. No contest.
(Photo via V Magazine)
I’ve always been a fan of fuller-figured models. There’s a great site with many images of Crystal and other 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.
Cool site, Marcie! It’s really interesting to read about how notions of beauty and femininity are socially imposed — and very fluid. For example, the popular “heroin chic” of the mid-90s (i.e. Kate Moss) emerged in direct opposition to the rosy-cheeked athleticism of the late-80s / early-90s (i.e. Christie Brinkley). Fashion definitely swings in cycles.