''Curves are in vogue'' (article)
 

I just wanted to share an article that I found at an Australian news paper. It's short, but it notes how the fuller figure is becoming ever more popular, and how this reflects a real social change:

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.a...255E911,00.html

The best section is:


"THE swizzlestick figure has had its day and curves with "apple bottoms" are, delightfully, in vogue . . .

Cosmopolitan editor Sarah Wilson says the return to curves reflects the opulence of the 1950s and '80s.

"Today's young women are feeling comfortable exploring so-called traditional notions of femininity," she says, meaning etiquette books, ladylike looks, make-up and more voluptuous curves."


I like how the author ties this appreciation of the fuller figure to a love of "opulence," and I ESPECIALLY like the association of "more voluptuous curves" with femininity. Because it's so true - the more generous the curves, the more womanly a girl becomes.

I think androgyny is so over, and young women are really enjoying being feminine again.

That's actually not the reason to buy this issue...
 

As someone who has read the article mentioned in the above post, I am disappointed to announce that all those size-positive comments were NOT part of the actual article in the February 2006 issue.

But the real reason to buy this issue of Australian Cosmopolitan is for the full page article regarding Crystal Renn with its accompanying shot of her in her beautiful Gaultier gown. The contents of the article are more genuinely size positive than the article about curvy bottoms.

Cosmopolitan prides itself on featuring larger sized models in its editorials - here is a picture of the gorgeous Natalie C who featured in Cosmo's November 2005 issue...at 5'5", she has a lot more to offer than some of her taller counterparts!

Re: ''Curves are in vogue'' (article)
 

Thank you for submitting these images. The page about Crystal is commendably positive, and delivers an unambiguous message of size celebration. And that message is as clear as day: weight gain = beauty gain, and increased curves yield increased attractiveness.

If only the plus-size industry would make this point more often, millions of young girls would feel better about themselves.

The juxtaposition of the ugly black-and-white image, in which a sickly-looking Crystal is dressed in androgynous slacks, as opposed to the photograph showing her in vibrant colour, and in an ultra-feminine gown, is especially persuasive.

The article further underscores the destructive effects of exercise-punishment on young women. Hopefully, many girls who read this article will feel more comfortable about avoiding the pointless agony of gym torture, and will instead spend their time in a more enjoyable manner.

And as for Natalie C. (so lovely in the "skirt" image, above), how nice to see another example of career success for a plus-size model at a smaller height. The notion that models must be tall is nothing but a product of straight-size industry thinking, which favours the gaunt, reedy, vertically-stretched look. But the plus-size aesthetic seeks the exact opposite--the fuller and more visible the model's curves, the better. And a smaller height is such an asset in exhibiting curvy proportions.

The most popular full-figured models have invariably been those who are less towering than their faux-plus, Amazonian rivals. Shannon Marie, Valerie, and Lorna Roberts are 5'8, Kailee is 5'6 ½, and 5'5 is approximately Christina Schmidt's height as well.

Also, how encouraging to see the word "Soft" in one of Natalie's pretty tear sheets. If there is one single word that encompasses the essence of the timeless feminine aesthetic, it is "soft."

Here is Crystal's Australian Cosmo page, courtesy of Ms. Jefferys. You may click on the image to view it at a larger size.