Yanderis: Swim goddess

[HSG]

<br>In our review of the May/June <i>Figure,</i> we mentioned that we would give Yanderis's swimwear image a separate thread. Said image is actually part of a series of photos that Yanderis created for stock photography, and the current post exhibits the finer results of that shoot.

We have encountered select outtakes from this series before, but now that a larger selection has been made available, it is clear that this series constitutes some of the finest plus-size swimwear photography yet created.

First, here is the complete version of the photograph that was cropped for the <i>Figure</i> page. It exemplifies the ideal approach to plus-size-model photography: an effort, on the part of the shooter, to emphasize rather than diminish the model's distinctively plus features. Yanderis's most curvy attributes are her generous waist and womanly hips, and this image exhibits the full beauty of her figure.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim01.jpg"></center><p>This stunning image--worthy to be deemed the plus-size equivalent of <i>Sports Illustrated</I> swimwear photography--takes the same approach, playing up the <i>rondeur</i> of the model's midriff. No waif could ever look as alluring in a bikini as does a voluptuous vixen.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim02.jpg"></center><p>This, the most size-positive and gorgeous image in the entire series, celebrates the soft curves of the model's back, and her generous contours. Without hyperbole, one can say that this image--like all of the best pictures in this series--matches even the finest of <i>Mode</i>'s legendary swimwear editorials.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim03.jpg"></center><p>If the above image is the most attractive in the entire series, then this one is by far the most alluring. Note how steamy the model's expression is--worth of a Victoria's Secret model--a quality that is reinforced by the stray wisps of hair falling over her face. The swimsuit conforms to the Classical curves of the model's figure, defining its soft beauty.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim04.jpg"></center><p>Another stunning entry, this image again plays up the attractions of the model's generously-proportioned figure, and the effective angle endows her with a buxom quality.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim05.jpg"></center><p>Contributing greatly to the allure of these images is the lush, tropical setting (another <i>Mode</i> element), which endows the series with the sensation of an idyllic vacation, a tranquil retreat from the workaday world, an escape into an environment of pleasure and sweet self-indulgence.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim09.jpg"></center><p>This ambience is greatly reinforced by the relaxed and easygoing demeanour of the model. This series also constitutes some of the best work of Yanderis's career from a strictly modelling perspective. She seems to be comfortable with her own beauty as never before, responding agreeably to the idyllic environment--and inviting the viewer's admiration.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim10.jpg"></center><p>Note the brilliant detail of the flower in the hair, in the above image--although the relaxed, flowing style in the image below is actually the most attractive "do" in the series.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim06.jpg"></center><p>Bravo to Yanderis and to the photographer of this series for a bona fide <i>tour de force</i> of plus-size beauty, one that shows the model looking both gorgeous, and genuinely full-figured, by playing up her visibly plus (and therefore, most beautiful) features.

The next time that someone contemplates creating a plus-size-model swimwear calendar, they would do well to reference this series (as well as Barbara Brickners' legendary <i>Mode</i> tears) for an aesthetic ideal to emulate.

If this level of visual quality can be realized in such a project, the world will soon acknowledge that no androgynous waif can ever look as gorgeous in swimwear as plus-size goddesses--past, present, and future.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/swim08.jpg"></center><p>- <a href="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis3.htm">Yanderis gallery</a>

[M. Lopez]

This swimwear series by Yanderis is incredible, especially the first four pictures. Perhaps her best work ever. Yanderis is one of those models who can be one of the curviest, most gorgeous girls of all, but it really depends on the photographer.

I think the industry is slowly beginning to allow plus-size models to showcase swimwear, bikinis included. Debenhams in the U.K. recently launched a plus-size line called "Gorgeous" (good name), and the landing page features a plus-size model in a bikini:

http://www.debenhams.com/images/espots/markimg/womens_gorgeous_btm.jpg

The trouble is (as the image shows) that the model just isn't full-figured enough to make the picture as subversive or beautiful as it could be, although at least she has a softer waist that typically skeletal bikini models.

However, if Debenhams had featured Charlotte Coyle, Christina Schmidt, Kelsey Olson, or Barbara, this campaign would be the talk of the world, and would more richly merit the name "Gorgeous"...

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_60753_-1

[HSG]

<br> Fans of Yanderis may wish to know that most recently, she has appeared in a series of Goody's flyers. Goody's is a fine client, and often employs popular plus-size models on the junior end of the spectrum, including Kailee and, several seasons ago, Valerie, and it's a pleasure to see that for this promotion, they took Yanderis out into the open and photographed her in some natural locales.

Here she is adopting a marvellous pouting expression, in an image that suggests the non-waif nature of her figure.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/goodys05.jpg"></center><p>And for a different demeanour, here she in a cheerful mood, relaxing in the shade. Cute earrings.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/yanderis/goodys06.jpg"></center><p>Generally, though, Yanderis's more serious expressions <i>far</i> surpass her smiling looks, which is another reason why the swimwear photographs, above, are so unique--because they represent a host of smiling shots by Yanderis that really worked. Perhaps it's because she put an extra something into those smiles--an additional element of sensuality, even outright sex appeal, that significantly enhanced those expressions.

This element of unrestrained allure, couples with the size-positive nature of the photography, make it an extremely successful series.

As one reader noted, it's a shame that <i>Figure</i> didn't run more of these images in its last issue . . .