The rise of plus-size?

When 20-year-old model Lizzie Miller appeared on the pages of a US fashion magazine, un-airbrushed to show a small roll of fat around her stomach, the world went mad. Many championed it, others hated it – but no-one can deny it bought the plus-size issue well and truly to the fashion table. And now, V magazine have joined the debate by announcing their first issue of 2010 will be dedicated to plus-size models.

"Big, little, pint-size, plus-size — every body is beautiful. And this issue is out to prove it," says editor, Stephen Gan. Gracing the pages of the edition will be models, both in clothes and nude, photographed by the likes of Terry Richardson, Bruce Weber and Karl Lagerfeld (he’s obviously changed his tune since that “No-one wants to see curvy women” comment, then…)

How exciting! While the names of successful plus-size models may not roll off the tongue as easily as ‘Naomi’ and ‘Kate’ do, all the recent hubbub around the issue surely shows the tide is turning when it comes to their recognition in the industry. So, to get ahead of the curve so to speak, check out our run-down of the big names in the plus-size biz…

Crystal Renn
After having minimal success as a “normal” working model and developing an eating disorder in the process, Crystal embraced her curves and has gone on to become the most well-known and highest-paid plus-size model in the industry. She has appeared on the pages of top fashion magazines, walked for Jean Paul Gaultier, and fronted a campaign for high-street giant Evans.

Kate Dillon
The beautiful red head has three Mode covers under her belt, plus a clothing contract with Liz Claiborne and a cosmetic contract with Isabella Rossellini's Manifesto line. Like Crystal Renn, she withdrew from a (very successful) “normal” modelling career which included work in all the major fashion capitals, after developing an eating disorder. She was the first plus-size model to be shot by fashion photographer Richard Avedon.

Mia Tyler
The daughter of Aerosmith front man Steve Tyler and half-sister of Liv, Mia has fronted campaigns for H&M and Pennington’s in Canada. She has graced the pages of numerous magazines including high-fashion titles. She is currently working on an acting career.

Whitney Thompson
After winning the coveted title of America’s Next Top Model in cycle 10 of the reality TV show, Whitney Thompson – who was compared to Anna Nicole Smith during her time on the programme – became the face of Covergirl Cosmetics and bagged a spread in a major teen magazine.

Hayley Morley
Mark Fast caused a media storm at this year's London Fashion Week after he sent plus-size models onto the catwalk in his knitted bodycon numbers. And leading the strut in the opening outfit was 21-year-old size 12 model Hayley Morley. Having caught everyone's eye with her ice-blond locks, womanly curves and gorgeous cheek bones, we reckon she is definitely a face (and body) to watch.

Source: http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2009/12/14/the-rise-of-plus-size.htm