The Evolution Of Curves

by | Nov 18, 2019

The Beginning

The Curve movement isn’t a new concept; It started back in the 70’s, when Curve models were first starting to be represented by legitimate agencies and culminated in the late 80’s/early 90’s when the first recognized Curve boards were created by Ford and Wilhelmina. The creation of these boards legitimized plus size models as a commodity in the fashion world. 

But up until about 10 years ago we were on the local train; going from stop to stop, intermittently given opportunities for visibility and success. Then something changed, and we finally got on the express track and this whole concept has been gaining momentum ever since!

Susan Georget (who started Wilhelmina’s first Plus Size board) signed Emme in the early 90’s. Emme was the first plus size model who had high visibility. She put the Curve movement on the map when she graced the pages of People Magazine in 1994, twice in 1999, and was seen on billboards across the nation (among many other groundbreaking accomplishments). But what amazes me is how FAR Body Positivity has come, especially in the last 10 years. 

Emme broke the mold, as well as Kate Dillon who appeared in the 1996 Liz Claiborne campaign, American Vogue in 2002, as well as numerous other accomplishments. Crystal Renn then came onto the scene and carried the torch for years, being the first Curve model to appear in a high fashion campaign for Dolce&Gabana in 2006 as well as strutting her curves down the catwalk during Fashion Week for Jean Paul Gaultier, and landing magazine covers. 

These women lit up a path for other curve models to walk in and played a major role in paving the way for the future of Curves. 

Through the Years

There were also numerous pioneers in the corporate world who noticed the Curve movement was gaining popularity and wanted to capitalize and catapult it to a new level.

Companies such as Covergirl collaborated with Queen Latifah to create the Covergirl “Queen” campaign casting models of all sizes and ethnicities (I.E. Jordan Tesfay appearing as the face of the Covergirl campaign). 

Mode Magazine was launched in the Spring of 1997 as the first magazine that was strictly for women of Curves and graced newsstands for 4 1/2 years when the magazine unfortunately folded in October 2001. 

Lane Bryant brought Curves to the Catwalk starting it’s own fashion show in the late 1990’s but that unfortunately folded in 2003.

We live in a world where trends come and go, and the Curve movement was a trend that was supposed to hit it big in the late 90’s early 00’s but it didn’t. Companies, agencies, and models were doing their best, but the momentum and culture at the time just wasn’t there. People were still far too small minded to embrace the totality of this movement so at the time it did not gain the widespread recognition that it deserved. 

When I first thought of getting into plus size modeling I remember Emme, Kate Dillon and Crystal Renn being the only women that I can remember who somewhat resembled me; they had hips and curves! They gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the field as well. 

Fast forward 6 years, to 2009 when a picture from a forgotten photoshoot appeared in the September issue of Glamour magazine tucked into the back on pg.194. This picture featured Lizzie Miller and it started a media firestorm, going viral with 9 Billion worldwide impressions. 

Women were tired of seeing airbrushed, photo-shopped, stick thin women as their representatives in the media; they were starving to see someone who was beautiful, just like them. Letters flooded Glamour Magazine “I am gasping with delight, a woman who looks just like me! I love the woman on page 194!” The outpouring was incredible! This picture featuring Lizzie Miller went viral! Glamour Magazine had to respond, and created a plus- sized issue in November 2009 again featuring Lizzie Miller and several other prominent plus sized models: Ashley Graham, Crystal Renn, Kate Dillon, Jennie Runk, Anansa Sims, and Amy Lemons. 

This Editorial in the November issue of Glamour magazine was iconic as well, as it was the one of the first times a group of plus size models were featured in an editorial in a mainstream magazine. This editorial also went viral and was first revealed on the Ellen show. Glamour magazine, along with 4 of the Curve models from the shoot: Lizzie Miller, Crystal Renn, Kate Dillon, and Amy Lemons; secured a spot on the Ellen show to discuss body image and it’s effects in the media. This was a special moment for the Curve movement as it had never gotten the widespread recognition it deserved, as these editorials went viral we finally started a conversation about body image and the media. 

It’s been 10 years since these iconic pictures went viral, broke the mold of the modern magazine world, and sparked a conversation about body image, mental health, happiness, and advertising that is still blazing today! 

A lot has gone into creating this movement, it has been a group effort from every person that has contributed in the Curve industry; but it wasn’t until 2009 that we finally started gaining momentum and visibility that was here to stay. 

Happy 10 year anniversary Glamour! A decade ago these groundbreaking editorials were produced and flipped the fashion world on it’s head! 

Here is the timeline that contains highlights from the “The Evolution of Curves” over the past 10 years: 

**DISCLAIMER: Please note that not everything is listed for space/publishing purposes. **

As information was gathered it was amazing to see that curves have been featured so regularly now that it was nearly impossible to get every event down, but I did my best and selected 3 highlights from each year.  If you would like the full detailed list I compiled, please message me on any of my social platforms.

From Then To Now

  • *Sept. 2009 Glamour magazine editorial on body image and mental health with Lizzie Miller goes viral, inspiring an even bigger editorial the following month. That also goes Viral. A “Cover try” was shot w/Lizzie Miller & Crystal Renn but the celebrity who had secured the cover spot months ago wouldn’t budge. The Cover try is used as an editorial instead of making the cover. This would have been the first plus girl on a cover if it had made it through. 
  • *November 2009 Glamour Magazine produces an editorial featuring all curve models: Lizzie Miller, Ashley Graham, Crystal Renn, Kate Dillon, Jennie Runk, Anansa Sims and Amy Lemons. 
  • * Fall 2009 Mark Fast Fashion Show: Uses Curve models Camilla Hansen and Crystal Renn for the first time. #CurvesontheCatwalk for one of the first times in years starting a trend that crosses all catwalks throughout the years. 
  • *January 2010 L’Uomo Vogue Lizzie Miller editorial marking one of the first times the magazine used curves inside of it’s pages. 
  • *January 2010 “The Size Issue”  V Magazine sees the trend of curvy models has started and does an editorial spread with Marquita Pring, Candice Huffine, Kasia P. ,Tara Lynn, Michelle Olson 
  • *April 2010: Elle France Puts Tara Lynn on the cover of it’s magazine
  • *June 2010 Glamour Mag Cover: Alexandria Ambrosio, and Brooklyn Decker and Curve model Crystal Renn grace the cover of Glamour magazine. 
  • *February 2011: Lane Bryant stages it’s first fashion show in over a decade; models like Lizzie Miller and Ashley Graham headline in it’s Las Vegas debut.
  • *S/S 2011 Levi’s ‘Curve I.D.” Campaign featuring models: Ashley Graham, Sabina Karlsson, Marquita Pring, Mckenzie Raley, Ana Lisboa 
  • *June 2011 Vogue Italia puts 3 plus models on its cover: Robyn Lawley, Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and shoots an editorial with these ladies. It also features Marquita Pring. Shot By Steven Meisel 
  • *December 2012 Lane Bryant Jeans Campaign billboard in NYC: Lizzie Miller, Ashley Graham, Candice Huffine, Marquita Pring, Tonya Pittman
  • *April 2012: Cosmopolitan France Casts curvy model Laura Catterall as it’s Cover model
  • *2012: Ralph Lauren casts Robyn Lawley as the first Curve model to be in their campaigns 
  • *Spring 2013 Aerie launches it’s “Aerie Real” Campaign using models of a variety of sizes and ethnicities including Curve model Iskra Lawrence. They also didn’t airbrush these ads as well in hopes to promote a healthy body image. 
  • *Summer 2013 H&M used Jennie Runk in their ads 
  • *2013 Robyn Lawley and Ashley Graham both launch fashion lines with high visibility brands. Robyn launches her swimwear line with Bond-Eye swimwear. Ashley launches a lingerie line in collaboration with Addition Elle. 
  • *March 2014: Cosmo Australia Robyn Lawley is on the Cover 
  • *June 2014: Elle Quebec Ashley Graham is on the Cover 
  • *Fall 2014: Fashion Brands like Chromat, and Zana Bayne incorporate Curve girls into their fashion shows during fashion week marking the first time a brand had done that in many years. 
  • *Spring 2015: Lane Bryant’s “I’m No Angel” campaign covers billboards and busses across the country. Featuring models: Ashley Graham, Precious Lee, Marquita Pring, Justine LeGault, Candice Huffine, Elly Mayday 
  • *2015 Pirrelli Calendar features Curve model Candice Huffine
  • *Spring 2015 Sports Illustrated: Robyn Lawley is the first curve model to be featured in Sports Illustrated
  • *Spring 2016 Sports Illustrated Selects Ashley Graham as it’s covergirl marking the first time a curve girl has been on the cover of the magazine. 
  • *Summer 2016: Nike uses curves models in their more inclusive campaign featuring Paloma Elsessler. 
  • *2016 Wet n’ Wild Beauty Campaign Casts Curve model Alexandra Garcia. 
  • *2016-now Beauty Campaigns such as Glossier, L’Oreal TrueMatch, Fenty Beauty, Sephora, Bare Essentials, Fenty Beauty and Wet n’ Wild among others start using curve girls as the faces of their campaigns. 
  • *2016-Now : Fashion designers such as Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, Sophie Theallet, and Chromat among others continue to use Curve models on their catwalks.
  • *January 2017 SELF Magazine features Curve Model Iskra Lawrence on the Cover. 
  • *March 2017: American Vogue puts curve model Ashley Graham on the cover alongside Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Adwoa Aboah, Liu Wen, Victoria Ceretti and Imaan Hammam 
  • *December 2017 Harper’s Bazaar Netherlands puts curves on the cover with model Danielle Von Grondelle 
  • *2017-2019 Sports Illustrated : Curves continue to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated: Ashley Graham, Tara Lynn, Hunter McGrady, Tabria Majors, Myla Delbasio name a few.. 
  • *September 2018 Savage X Fenty Displays women of ALL shapes, sizes and colors making it one of the most diverse fashion shows at Fashion week to date.
  • *July/August 2018 Vogue Arabia Cover with Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsessler 
  • *August 2018: Olay launches it’s “Face Anything” Campaign and features a diverse cast of models including Curve model Denise Bidot. 
  • *Winter 2018 V Magazine editorial with Paloma Elsessler and Ashley Graham 
  • *Spring 2019 Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya Fashion Show features 10 Curve models including Marquita Pring, Anita Marshall, and Precious Lee to name a few.. 
  • *June 2019 Nike Plus size Mannequins are made to cater to all sizes
  • *2019 Pantene Pro-V casts Hadassah McGrew in the new campaign 

This momentum of Body Positivity has been steadily moving forward and gaining strength over the last 10 years. We’re finally at a point where curve girls are now being cast everywhere and it’s no longer making national news when it occurs, this is TRUE progress! 

Well done ladies, we’ve come so far, and still have a ways to go, but I feel confident in saying that this is no longer just a “trend”. My sisters of the Curve are here to stay, and SLAY! 

Nice to meet you!

by | Dec 1, 2017

For those of you that know me, and those that don’t, I am a model in the plus size industry and an advocate for Body Diversity. I am currently on a mission to find others like me with strong minds and big hearts, interested in bringing about a new beauty revolution. The greatest way to influence change is to do something about it! It’s time to take action.  All the lessons I’ve learned through friends, romantic relationships and the industry are my fuel to inspire a new conversation. The lessons we learn in life will either make or break you… and they broke me for a bit… but now, 3 years later, I’m turning it around.

We find out at a young age that first impressions are defined by how we look. I have to agree that first impressions are important, but that shouldn’t be the end all. Being in the fashion industry has forced me to take an in depth look at these superficial ideals and at myself.  I have come to the conclusion that in order to have any sense fulfillment in life we have to learn to redefine what beauty IS . We should always look deeper at a person’s character, actions and behaviors. Wouldn’t that provide us with a deeper sense of connection? We won’t stand a chance if we are always judging each other and ourselves! The judgment can stop with one person at a time changing a negative thought or idea.

Being a model I have personally struggled with the issue of people making assumptions about me solely based on my looks. I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love, but the career path I have chosen does comes with a price. I have seen too many girls and guys, including myself lose their sense of identity.

It’s time for me to take all of my experiences, and the tough but important lessons I have learned, to share and grow with other people who can relate and be inspired by my journey. I feel honored to have the opportunity to encourage change and instigate a rebellious conversation about beauty. Accept my invitation to join me on this quest!

#CURVYCLIQUE

by | Jun 27, 2014

Welcome to the #CurvyClique! I always think of that Kanye West, Jay-Z song “Ain’t nobody messin’ with my Clique-clique-clique.”  A while back I decided to create my Curvy Clique, a community of people that gather together to lift and inspire one another. I’ve been on a personal journey developing myself as a woman from the inside out and it’s been quite the adventure! I figure if I’m going through these emotions, personal, and physical developments, then other people must be too. The only way I’ve been able to survive this roller coaster of personal and physical growth is with a community of family and friends. But what if you don’t have a supportive community of family and friends? That’s where #CurvyClique comes in. Curvy Clique is not just a community, but more of a family of Hopeful Hearts that want the best for themselves physically and emotionally. The relationship we have with ourselves influences every aspect of our outside lives, especially our relationship with others. Through personal growth and development with body image, improving the relationship with oneself, we allow ourselves to be open to the positivity the universe brings. No negativity allowed! The world has enough haters in it, and even worse we all have our own “inner hater” we have to deal with on a day to day basis. It’s time to talk about the frustration people have with the media’s, and the world’s unrealistic expectations of beauty and the effects it has on us all!  Women AND Men! Every person has curves; some are smaller and some are bigger. EVERYONE is welcome into the #CurvyClique because as humans we all basically want the same thing: to feel accepted, loved, and to be a part of a compassionate community. 

Healthy Mind + A Healthy Body= A Healthy Life

by | Mar 18, 2014

Okay, I’m a plus size model. Not exactly breaking news right? But I’m amazed at how many people are confused by what that means. Some people think that I’m all about “making friends with fat”, or promoting obesity, or in some other way supporting the idea that being overweight is a good thing. That’s not my message nor is it my life at all. What I care about more than anything is being healthy. We all have different bodies, different builds and different weights at which our bodies naturally do best. I’m 5’11” and a size 12. For me, that’s a healthy body shape. I know its healthy because I get annual checkups, get blood tests, have my vital signs examined… the whole nine yards. And my body is running well, thanks to a healthy diet and lots of exercise. If I wanted to be a “straight size” model, I’d have to do very unhealthy things to my body to get there. So guess what? I’m not a “straight size” model and that’s OKAY. No use trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. That’s a total recipe for frustration and ruining my self-esteem. No Thanks! There are plenty of other things to work on in this lifetime! I’m sure you’ve heard this before: accept your body as it is, don’t fight it, and make it the healthiest you can! I always knew I’d never look like Kate Moss, but at my healthiest I can strive for Beyoncé! And I’m perfectly happy with that. Find a REALISTIC goal for yourself. That’s the healthy mind part of the equation; you have to think in a realistic way in order to steer yourself in the right direction with your physical health. That’s the lesson I live by. It starts with your mind and a healthy mind IS a healthy body, they go hand in hand. But accepting my body and that I’m not a size 0 doesn’t mean that I’m in favor of sitting around eating food filled with junk. But don’t deprive yourself either! If you want a cookie have one, just not the whole sleeve!  In other words, my message is, eat healthy in moderation, exercise sufficiently and let the chips (not potato chips) fall where they may. It’s so simple, why do we complicate it?!