Trends Forecasting Research Document TRENDS FINAL HAND IN FINISH | страница 10

Rise in Plus Size Models
Figure 8
Lydia Holland Trend Forecasting Research Document
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This year Sports Illustrated made headlines as they featured a plus size model for the first time on
its iconic swimsuit issue (Brazilian, 2016). Within the last few years there has been a rise in plus
size super models, including size 14 Ashley Graham and size 26 (Waterlow, 2016) model Tess
Holliday. These women could be named role models in whom they are an anomaly in the trend of
thinness in the media. In fact a study found that women are much happier now with their bodies
than they were 30 years ago, and experts have said that this may be due to there being curvier role
models in the media (Davies, 2016).

Tess Holliday is a 5 ft 4 inch size 26 model (Waterlow, 2016), which has recently been
criticised online via Twitter. A Twitter user photo shopped a picture of Tess in a black body suit into
a photo of her body mixed with that of a killer whale, saying, “I can’t be the only one who sees this,
right?” Instead of being put down by this Tess shared this onto her Twitter profile, replying, “I hope
not. Whales are majestic as f**k.” Her fans immediately praised her for the positivity. (Siebert,
2016)

Ashley Graham is a rather outspoken body image campaigner and also a plus size
supermodel that recently came under attack for appearing to have lost weight. One fan said on
Instagram “I knew it you did lose a lot of weight! I am no longer a fan of yours you betrayed a lot
of people! So I’ll find another plus size beautiful woman bcuz your full of s**t!!! #Damnshame
#justliketherest.” Ashley spoke up to all fans body shaming her “But at the end of the day I’m good
enough for me. Angles will make anyone look bigger or smaller and I just happen to know mine.”
(Tempesta, 2016). In September Ashley also walked in New York fashion week, showing her new
line of lingerie for Addition Elle. Along side her walked Sabina Karlson and Kylie Jenner’s friend,
Jordyn Woods. (Siebert, 2016)
This demonstrates that no matter what we do we will always be critiqued. Plus size models such as
those mentioned are standing up for all women in general and telling them to be proud of their
bodies no matter what. This does relate to the previous key driver in that these women aren’t fake,
they are true to themselves and others. They provide women with confidence and a general sense
of having self-respect and admiration. They are leaders in pulling women together to feel confident
and powerful.