Crystal Renn on The View

[HSG]

<br>When we first heard that Crystal Renn would be featured on <i>The View</i> today (Dec. 20), we felt considerble trepidation about how the appearance would turn out. But thankfully, the presentation was altogether successful, and free of any mixed messages. And it seems fitting that Miss Renn would appear on this show in particular, since it was <i>The View</i>'s scathing denunciation of the use of faux-plus models, several years ago, that helped turn the industry back towards using visibly curvaceous talent.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/cr/cap043.jpg"></center><p>The appearance was short, with Miss Renn discussing the ordeal of starvation and exercise-torture that she suffered, in conforming to the rigors of straight-size modelling. Her statements were utterly heart-rending--as similar admissions by Kate Dillon, Shannon Marie, and Charlotte Coyle have been. One likes to think that such revelations make even the most curve-o-phobic individuals realize that beautiful young girls should never subject themselves to this kind of physical torment.

Although Miss Renn dressed very conservatively for this appearance, the show treated viewers to several behind-the-scenes glimpses of a photo shoot (presumably a future campaign or editorial) in which the model was robed in a breathtakingly gorgeous dress--a dress so classically inspired, that it could have been taken directly from a Greek maiden in an Antique sculpture:<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/cr/cap009.jpg"></center><p>Adding to the sensuality of this photo shoot is its evocation of the "wet look." This, too, is an element of timeless beauty, as "wet drapery" is the term that art historians use to describe the sheer, gossamer dresses that adorn the figures of sculpted goddesses in Classical artworks.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/cr/cap007.jpg"></center><p>But the most captivating moments in this program were two brief video clips showing Crystal's unforgettable appearance in the Spring/Summer 2006 Gaultier runway show.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/cr/cap025.jpg"></center><p><i>The View</i>'s co-hosts emitted gasps of astonishment at these clips, and enthusiastically applauded the beauty of it all. (As well they should.)<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/cr/cap016.jpg"></center><p>It was a particular treat to watch that symbolic moment when Jean-Paul Gaultier, the archetypal Parisian fashion designer, kissed the hand of his unmodern muse, and in so doing paid homage to the timeless beauty that his industry has suppressed, for so long:<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/cr/cap038.jpg"></center><p>We hope to convert these runway vignettes into a short Web video, in the near future.

One must applaud the producers of <i>The View</i> for spotlighting a plus-size model on their program. Let us hope that many young girls will watch this episode, and that it will convince them that they do <i>not</i> need to starve, or kill themselves with exercise-torture, in order to become world-famous supermodels.

Perhaps Crystal's own renascence can help other young women to allow their beauty to bloom naturally, and to lead happier and healthier lives.<p>- <a href="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/crystal3.htm" target="_blank">One of two new Crystal Renn galleries</a>

[kirsten]

It's nice to see Crystal as a kind of "amabassador" for timeless beauty in the mainstream media. Her appearances will undoubtedly have a positive impact on young women.

Of the runway shots, I love the middle on in particular. She looks so joyous and graceful, much like a dancer from a classical painting.

[Kaitlynn]

I saw the episode, and was especially happy that it did not glamourize her straight-size modeling career. The pictures they showed from her underweight days were absolutely chilling. She looked like she was dying. I can't believe that anyone, anyone who saw the show could disagree that she look a thousand times better now that she has natural curves. It obviously was a true rebirth for her, and probably saved her life. The blossom-embellished dress she wore at the Gaultier show is like a visual expression of this. It's still a miracle that the first-ever appearance of a plus-size model in a major runway show was such a beautiful presentation, and not something ugly and modern.

But I wonder who this new "wet look" photo shoot is for? If the final photos are anywhere near as beautiful as these behind the scenes images suggest they will be, this could be some of Crystal's most gorgeous work.