Open up almost any fashion magazine and you will usually see a much smaller than average sized woman posing on just about every page. This is why when plus-sized model, Lizzie Miller, posed nude in Glamour magazine recently people noticed. Glamour was soon inundated with letters from readers praising them for being brave enough to feature an average sized woman.
People found Miller's photo to be a refreshing change from the norm and rejoiced that they could finally relate to a model's figure. Lizzie Miller discussed her decision to pose nude for the magazine. Miller said, "I remember when I was younger, looking through magazines, and I would feel so out of place and so self-conscious because I didn't see anyone who looked like me."
It is no wonder the size zero models are difficult for us to relate to when, according to an ABC News article, an estimated 41 percent of women are larger than a size 14. So why do retailers seem to cater to tiny figures when most consumers have a much fuller figure? It doesn't make sense that retailers seem to be turning their backs on literally millions of consumers.
The fact that Miller's photo caused such a stir proves that we are ready to see this kind of change in our magazines and advertisements. Miller talked about this change when she said, "The fact that this picture caused such a frenzy, it says that this is obviously, something that people need to see. I'm not trying to promote obesity, and I'm not obese, but I'm also not stick thin."
What do you think of plus-sized model, Lizzie Miller, posing nude for Glamour magazine?
Do you think more fashion magazines should feature larger women models?
I really think they should feature larger women on many magazines, that is a good idea not only because people would get motivated to love their body as it is and try to work on themselves to feel better but also because those skinny girls on the magazines just makes us( larger women, size 11 like me) feel bad..
emac79::
on Sep 07, 2009
I don't like that she has been referred to as PLUS sized. Is she a size 18 or more? If so, then yes, she is plus sized, but if she is the average size 14 or 12, then let's not refer to her as PLUS. That term grates on my nerves as an average size girl. I am in no way PLUS, I am how I am supposed to be.
I am glad a magazine decided to post her pics, and would love to see more of it. I don't think it is such a risk, as the blog states, but more of a good business maneuver. You want people to buy, you have to appeal to them.
curleytop::
on Sep 07, 2009
I think it is wonderful that an average size woman posed for a magizine. There should be more doing this. We want our daughters and granddaughters to go up loving themselves and their bodies. We have to prove to them there is nothing wrong with being average size. Good Job Glamour Magazine I praise you for doing this. Please do it more.
MarieVonLove::
on Sep 07, 2009
I'm glad that they put an average size woman on the magazine. It's not fair to say that a size 00 woman is the only thing that is perfect when all women come in all shapes and sizes. We shouldn't have to compare our bodies to someone in a magazine which is clearly airbrushed.
JBallantine::
on Sep 07, 2009
The thing is that Glamour had this posted WAY in the BACK of the mag with just 2 small pictures. It wasn't something they featured.
The full story is here http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32538061/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/
Irasemayanezz::
on Sep 07, 2009
They call it a PLUS size model because what they think is a perfect model is either a 00 or size 1 and thats what most of the magazines feature. Why doesnt anybody make a poll of what men prefer either a size 00-1 or a size 9-11??? Im almost 100% sure what the % would be!
Pepperjune::
on Sep 07, 2009
I was really proud of Lizzie,she is a confident and lovely young women,and seeing her picture made me FEEL good about myself,that she was real and I am also real.
Suddenly the 10 pounds I have put on in that last year,didnt seem like such a big deal.
She loves herself,so why cant I?
Stephbff::
on Sep 07, 2009
In terms of the way women should be represented by the media, Ms. Miller's apperance in Glamour was a baby step. We should be represented in a realistic light; in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Ms. Mller looks like she is an average sized woman not a plus size woman. If Glamour really wants to break down barriers they should do a feature story on a woman who is a size 18 or larger. Even better, do a feature on average sized and plus sized women. Moreover, make a promise to their readers that they will begin representing women realistically by using models of all shapes and sizes.
jeanelley::
on Sep 07, 2009
I think the fact this story has become such a hot topic, just tells us that there is a real problem in this country. Far too many superficial people who seem to care too much about what other people do with their time. Worry about your own health, your own family, and your own life and the world will start to revolve in a much less pressured way.
thebutlerdidit::
on Sep 08, 2009
JBallantine, thanks for posting the link to the story and photos. I totally agree that this was a baby step for the magazine. Not so brave of Glamour to bury these tiny photos. I am so surprised by their surprise at the positive reaction people have expressed to Glamour. Now I wonder - do they not believe us when we say they would like to see women who look like us in magazines? Or do they just not listen? The "Campaign for Real Beauty " from Dove makes me very happy and very comfortable relating to their products because I can see that they are appropriate for women like myself. Sorry Glamour, but I can't exactly picture myself wearing the fashions displayed in your magazine.
Also - BOO to She Speaks for referring to this model as Plus Sized in the heading for this article. She is not. She is average, healthy, and gorgeous. The fact that she is normal and the fact that a normal woman appearing in the magazine is causing a stir is really funny when you think about it.
