Karen Vermeiren

[HSG]

<br>Approximately a year ago, we posted a <a href="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/board/showthread.php?t=299" target="_blank">thread</a> about an extremely attractive opera singer turned plus-size model named <strong>Karen Vermeiren</strong>, who had just shot an interesting campaign for a Belgian retailer named Xandres.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/xandres02.jpg"></center><p>Karen's round face, and well-fed proportions, garnered considerable praise.

Then, a few months later, one of our readers <a href="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/board/showthread.php?t=487" target="_blank">posted</a> about a stunningly beautiful model at a different Belgian retailer named Kristina.be. Although readers expressed regret that the Kristina fashions were so formless, the model's steamy expessions, and the sensual fullness of her facial features, were greatly admired.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/karen03.jpg"></center><p>Now, Mr. Dirk Langenberg at Kristina.be has kindly informed us that the two models are one and the same. Karen Vermeiren, the Belgian soprano in the Xandres campaign, was also the model for last season's Kristina collection.

And better yet, Karen is now a career plus-size model, represented by a professional modelling agency (Ego's Models, in the Netherlands).

Ms. Vermeiren's Ego's Models comp card appears <a href="http://www.egosmodels.com/setcard.asp?modelId=87899&Category=1799" target="_blank">here</a>, and while Karen's portfolio images are not as gorgeous as those in the two aforementioned commercial campaigns (owing no doubt to photographers who fail to appreciate the plus look as well as the Kristina.be photographer did), the following image is quite dramatic, and features Ms. Vermeiren proudly showing off her generous curves.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/karen01.jpg"></center><p>This image, too, suggests the model's womanly proportions.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/karen02.jpg"></center><p>And those proportions are luscious indeed. Ms. Vermeiren's metric stats translate to a goddesslike 46-<strong>38</strong>-48, at just <strong>under 5'8</strong>. And although she is listed as a European size 46, Mr. Langenberg informs us that she is in fact an even-more-alluring size 48 (which is difficult to translate into a U.S. equivalent, as each European nation sizes differently, but her shapely measurements make her at least a 16, and more likely an 18).

We must thank Kristina.be for identifying Ms. Vermeiren for us, and we trust that the company will forgive us if we state that we hope to see Karen modelling more body-conscious, closely-fitted, feminine fashions in the future. Nevertheless, Kristina.be deserves great praise for featuring the model in their campaign at all, and for finding a photographer who could capture her soft beauty so well.

Let us hope that this voluptuous soprano's modelling career soon hits a high note.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/karen04.jpg"></center>

[klara]

When I saw this, I thought I had seen her somewhere, and here (http://www.zizzijeans.com/Default.aspx?ID=165) she is. It is a Danish store called Zizzi with plus-size clothing. It's available here in Sweden too, and I will have the thrill of testing them next time I visit my boyfriend.

Look especially at this (http://www.zizzijeans.com/Files/Billeder/zizzijeans/Collection/11_ev05_stor.jpg) picture. She's showing off a curvy waist, with no excuses whatsoever! I absolutely adore Zizzi for using this model in this outfit!

[HSG]

<br>Thank you for discovering the Zizzi site. You are absolutely right--this is a phenomenally size-positive image, and intensely sensual. It is one of the most daring and progressive photographs that the professional plus-size fashion industry has ever produced. Seldom have we seen a model looking so comfortable with her well-fed beauty, so relaxed and pleased with her own curves. Her pose suggests that she knows just how alluring her figure is--which is precisely how goddesses <i>should</i> feel about their generous proportions.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/karen05.jpg"></center><p>However, this has to be one of the <i>worst</i> locations that we have ever seen, for a plus-size fashion promotion. The model appears to have been shot inside a U-Boat.

If only that photograph had been taken in a more idyllically beautiful setting, the luxuriance of which would have matched the soft, pampered quality of the model's sumptuous appearance, it would have been a bona fide masterpiece. As it is, it is only a qualified success.

By contrast, regrettably shapeless as the kristina.be fashions may be, at least the company's photographer shot Ms. Vermeiren in such a way as to suggest the warmth and richness of the model's lush charms. The images have a tranquility and gentleness that harmonizes with Karen's lavish beauty, and the hairstyle is a little wilder and sexier.<p><center><img src="http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/karen06.jpg"></center><p>The comparison between the two sets of photographs shows just how important a photographer's contribution can be. An ideal campaign would have featured kristina.be's photographer, hair/makeup team, and location (or better yet, an Arcadian setting), but the more figure-conscious Zizzi clothing, with poses such as the Zizzi profile shot with the open shirt, featured above.<p><center>* * *</center><p>A fan writes:<p><blockquote><i>Thank you for the update on the absolutely STUNNING Karen Vermeiren! I should have recognized her when the pictures of the beauty queen in rags were originally posted. What an incomparable face and figure. Any further updates on Karen would be greatly appreciated!</i></blockquote><p>We will surely endeavour to keep track of the career progress of this voluptuous diva.

[M. Lopez]

I am especially pleased to see Karen attracting more campaigns as a plus-size model. It's part of a growing movement to use plus-size models with softer, fuller physiques - and it's about time, too.