Regardless of whether it's in reference to a model or the clothing itself, "plus-size" is a term that has no clear-cut definition — which is ironic, especially considering how often it's tossed around without much afterthought. But, rather than working to parse out a universal meaning, Australian model Stefania Ferrario is urging the industry to banish the label entirely.
According to Dazed Digital, the size 12 model (and current face of Dita Von Teese's lingerie line) has teamed up with Ajay Rochester, the former host of The Biggest Loser, on the Internet-wide call-to-arms using the hashtag #droptheplus. According to Ferrario's @droptheplus Instagram page, the mission isn't only to eliminate this "misleading label" for models, but rather to promote body confidence for women everywhere.
As she put it, "I am a model FULL STOP. Unfortunately in the modeling industry if you're above a U.S. size 4 you are considered plus-size, and so I'm often labelled a 'plus-size' model. I do NOT find this empowering." Clearly, others agree. Only a month after Rochester's original post debuting the hashtag, the movement is picking up steam, garnering hundreds of posts from both models and "real women" alike. #Droptheplus is only the latest step toward fashion's acceptance of "plus-size" women. Although Calvin Klein and Pirelli both quietly featured women who wear above the average size of most runway models in recent campaign without any fanfare — and we admire them for it — Ferrario and Rochester's campaign presents the message in a much louder way. (Dazed Digital)
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT