V Magazine's high-fashion ode to plus-size models

Swanky fashion publication V Magazine isn't known for its inclusiveness when it comes to models' body types. Stated plainly, size 0s rule the roost.

But the glossy mag has dedicated its January 2010 issue to models with varying body types -- notably plus-size models (which we all know are really stunning 5'10" gals who wear a size 10/12.)

That aside, any step forward in the "diversifying models" department -- even if it feels a little gimmicky -- is a good thing, I say. And for "The Size Issue," V tapped a host of top-shelf lensmen to capture the girls, including Bruce Weber, Terry Richardson and (yes, the most famous fat-loather of all) designer-photographer Karl Lagerfeld.

On stands Jan. 14, the magazine prominently features plus-size model Crystal Renn, who wrote a tell-all book, "Hungry," based on her trials as a young model desperately trying to stay stick-thin. In the Richardson-shot editorial "One Size Fits All," Renn is juxtaposed with young-gun "regular" model Jacquelyn Jablonski, with both ladies striking the same pose in the same clothes. The effect? Maybe not as dramatic as you would think -- and maybe that's the point.

Renn, at 5'9" and boasting 36/31/41 measurements, is clearly the fuller-figured of the two (Jablonski is also 5'9", but with 32/24/34 measurements). But Renn looks so darned smoldering and, well, real, she easily pulls focus from the equally stunning super-thin model. We're simply not used to seeing bigger women dressed in hot designer clothes, looking super-confident. It's refreshing.

Let's hope V's endorsement of curvier shapes sparks more plus-size high-fashion editorial -- especially from magazines who consider tiny Scarlett Johansson to have an "alternative" body type (hint: rhymes with "rogue").

-- Emili Vesilind

Photo: Images from Terry Richardson's "One Size Fits All" fashion spread in V Magazine. Credit: V Magazine

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Comments

[Robert Voltaire]

Its about time!

[Lauren Roberts]

Yes, this may be a start. But what about a REAL plus size woman?
At least a size 18!!! Now that would be truly astonishing and bold.

[MG]

About time is right! Some like an hour glass shape. I like a 2-hour glass shape.

[Lizzie]

"Plus Size" means size 14 or over. I'm getting tired of seeing it applied to women who wear a size 6. Queen Latifa is plus size. The model above is not.

[socalsailor]

No contest! Crystal Renn by a knockout! :~)

[Kelly M Bray]

Renn looks like a real woman. The other look like a 13 year old trying on big sis's clothes. Ummmm......is Crystal Renn single? Just asking.....

[allaire8]

At first I thought it was the same person and they made her bigger in Photoshop in the second photo. Compared to an anorexic regular model, she may be larger but in no way "plus". I've always thought it was unfortuantely our greatest designers cannot, and are unwilling, to make women of every size perfectly and beautifully dressed. In my opinion, they're not doing their job.

[Michelle]

Since when is a size 10 plus size? Wasn't Princess Diana a size 10? This is ridiculous. The model above is normal size not plus size. No wonder so many of America's women hate themselves.

[Sharon C]

Seriously....Ms Renn is NOT a "plus size" model. She's still smaller than the 'average' woman !!! We're so used to seeing these size 0 and 2 anorexic waifs that a NORMAL woman is deemed "plus sized" ? Give me a break ! A 5'9" woman should weigh close to 150 lbs and at least wear a size 8 and maybe even a 10. I think these designers are the ones w/the self-image problems and are trying to project their highly 'warped' visions on the public. Thin is NOT attractive or healthy. I wish there were some REAL designers out there. Designers who actually designed clothes for PEOPLE, not these waifs who represent about 1/1,000,000,000% of the population.