The picture is lovely because . . . well, because it's Kelsey, and because it shows her in daring attire. Her expression is, of course, stunning, and the hairstyle is romantic and pretty.
But as Kaitlynn's comments suggest, the image also indicates that there is still a way to go before the plus-size industry produces a calendar to equal a
Sports Illustrated publication.
We discussed the calendar concept in
this thread a few seasons ago, and the issues have not changed since then.
Consider the image above. Attractive as it is, it would have been even more captivating if it had been shot in a romantic setting. And does
Sports Illustrated drape jackets over its models? Of course not. That would defeat the whole purpose of its calendars, which is to
reveal its models' figures.
And while Miss Olson's expression is lovely, the photographer could have posed her in a more alluring way, instead of simply requiring her to stand in place, in catalogue fashion.
When organizing a plus-size calendar, the creators should consider their market--i.e., what the aesthetic is of the people to whom they expect to target their publication.
If a customer purchases a plus-size-model calendar, it is because he is attracted to full-figured beauty. He
wants to see the model looking curvy. If he were ambivalent about feminine fullness, he would buy a skinny-model publication instead.
But if, for whatever reason, the calendar-makers
cannot conceive of a wholly pro-curvy aesthetic, then they should consult those individuals whose tastes
do run towards size celebration--particularly when it comes to selecting images.
Case in point: A reader recently sent us the following heart-stoppingly gorgeous image of Miss Olson--a behind-the-scenes photograph from the
Flawless shoot:
One cannot imagine a more intensely sensual image of Kelsey ever being created. Her golden tresses cascade down her back in romantic waves. The red garment presses gently into her neck. And nothing in creation could be as irresistible as the soft curves of the model's back, highlighted by the thin red strap wrapping across her person. Her features are fair. Her expression is warm and endearing. The softness of her demeanour matches the softness of her figure. Her persona is that of a gentle, yielding girl to be protected and treasured.
And yet, seductive as the picture is, it is also quite innocent--a "G rated" image that is far more captivating than a more overt display might be. For as
this post explained, a bare back can be the most attractive of all features on a full-figured goddess.
Plus-size models have curves in places where waifs don't even have places. It is those extra curves, those visible signs of soft fullness that are unique to opulently proportioned goddesses which make them appealing to their admirers.
And that's why this snapshot is far more sensual than the actual
Flawless poster. Just imagine it uncropped, and shot in an idyllic setting, and it would be a perfect representation of timeless beauty.
And
just the sort of image that a goddess calendar should include.
* * *Mind you, the suggestions provided above are merely tips for future projects, and are in no way intended to diminish any enterprises to date, including Flawless. The organizers deserve praise for assembling such a calendar in the first place, and for making the images available to the public.
Hopefully this is a precursor to a future enterprises that will include more Judgment of Paris favourites.
And in the meantime, Kelsey fans, enjoy your posters . . .