Why Curvy Women are Needed in the Plus-Size Modelling Industry

Today, curvy women are in high demand for plus-size modelling openings, and there are some good reasons for this.

The average 21st-century woman is curvier and larger than the women of a century ago. And as big plus-size women have become more style-conscious and open to trendier clothing designs that were traditionally exclusive to slimmer women, the rise in demand for stylish outer and innerwear is also on the rise.

Undoubtedly, the fashion industry is in on this and realises that there is a need to promote more plus-size models, but have they taken advantage of this tremendously lucrative market? Not near enough as many believe.

More fashion designers need to wake up to the fact that big full-bodied women wear fashionable clothes too and will wish to see more of such apparel on the fashion runway.

These are some of the reasons why the plus-size modelling industry has opened its doors wide to curvy and fat female models.

Models of the 20th-Century

Models have not always been this. In the first half of the 20th century, models were curvaceous with small waists and wide hips. The baby boomer generation will remember this.

As early as the late 30s to the early 40s, what today’s fashion designers consider as ‘fat’ was the desired shape. Women had curves in the right places, and fashion models employed by U.S.-based clothing manufacturers were shapely and even buxom.

Initially, the models of the time didn’t appear on the catwalk but rather, featured in brochures and catalogues for bigger-sized clothing.

Sketches and artistic illustrations were the only means of displaying clothing manufacturers’ products, but by the mid-forties, photographs of curvaceous women graced the fashion catalogues, thanks to the evolution of printing technology.

By the 1960s, the bias against fat and big-sized women subverted the concept of modelling apparel for the benefit of those referred to as too fat. This was kept out of the general public’s eyes until the early nineties.

Though it may appear that many fashion designers are yet to embrace plus-size clothing designs, as far back as the early 21st century, the renowned fashion designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier employed the services of curvy women to model some of his designs in the Spring 2006 showings, in Paris. Perhaps, this is probably what heralded a greater awareness and appreciation of the big curvaceous woman nearly two decades after.

There is definitely a great economic sense in employing fat models, and now, top modelling agencies sign on full-bodied young girls and women for regular showings and fashion campaigns.

These plus-size models are not only engaged in modelling apparel wears. They also provide modelling services for jobs that are not strictly related to clothing.

For instance, curvy women aspiring to become models also engage in photography and advertising of so many products that range from footwear and fashion accessories to beauty and cosmetic products, household products, jewellery, home décor, and pharmaceutical products.

Plus-Size Modelling Industry is Changing the Way Bigger Women Dress

The modelling industry has helped make more full-figured women aware of their femininity. It is like an awakening because big women are now paying more attention to how they look and appear to the outside world. And as more curvy models strut on the fashion runway, it will not only continue to have a positive impact on the way they dress, but it will also boost their confidence and self-esteem.

As full-bodied models now regularly showcase plus-size designs at Fashion Shows, there is the assurance that being fat and curvy is also beautiful. This will certainly make curvy women feel more of a partaker in the trendy fashion and style scene.

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