Plus-size models on . . . video

Posted by HSG on May 27, 2005 at 04:57:10:

Perhaps due to the fact that so many companies are now producing video segments to accompany their print promotions, the Ford agency has done something completely radical, and brilliant. It has added video clips of its models to the girls' online portfolios. And the videos are extremely enlightening. As one might expect, they make possible an entirely different accounting of the models' looks and abilities. For one thing, they reveal that some girls perform the "runway walk" rather better than others. For another, they demonstrate that some models speak much more eloquently than their peers. And finally, they provide a real sense of that je-ne-sais-quoi quality that some individuals have in greater abundance than others. Let's call it . . . charisma. Even in terms of a model's physical look, the videos reveal many qualities that their print images don't always show, such as the fact that some especially tall models are even less plus-looking on video than in still images. (No wonder customers complain about faux-plus deceit.) And in one particular model's case, her video is so remarkable, that it will completely transform your appreciation of her look and talent. But we will get to that in a subsequent post. As always, we only wish to offer praise on this site, not criticism, so let's single out three girls' clips which are superlative. First of all, Maiysha Simpson comes off very well in her video. She has a lively demeanour with a touch of mischief, a very clear speaking voice, and walks very smoothly. The clip also shows off her attractive figure in a way that Lane Bryant's photography has captured, but Pennington's, curiously, has not: Click here to view Maiysha's video Second, the fact that Liis has created a terrific video comes as no surprise. She often appears on television fashion programs here in Canada, and whenever she does, she steals the show. But what this video reveals, as Liis's print images do not, is just how gorgeous her figure is. Perhaps because Liis often models career wear, fans have never known how shapely she is, with a curvaceous midriff and beautiful proportions. Naturally, she speaks and moves perfectly: Click here to view Liis's video We also never knew that she pronounced her name with an "s" sound at the end, rather than a "z" sound. And she, or her stylist, chose the most attractive top of any of the models. The detail of cinching with a sash above the waist, and below the bust. was brilliant. And third, we come to a truly extraordinary video clip. In fact, we initially thought that this was the best video of all, until we stumbled upon another one, which is of an entirely different character, and is just as fascinating, but in a completely different way. But, as we said, we will get to that in a subsequent post. (You will never guess who it is.) In the meantime, this star performance comes courtesy of the amazing Crystal Renn. Crystal has a way of looking at the viewer, of tossing her hair, that is utterly thrilling. She rivets your attention. You absolutely cannot take your eyes off of her. Her confidence pours forth from the video screen. And perhaps Crystal owes to her previous career as a straight-size model the fact that her walk is the most captivating and professional of any model filmed so far. Click here to view Crystal's video Not all of the Ford models have released videos yet, and we are still eager to see clips from girls such as Victoria Lewis, Wende Gauthier, and Cathy. But we all agree that these videos are marvellous additions to the models' online portfolios, and a very effective way of showcasing their looks and talents.