La Belle Americane

Every so often there is an editorial that just gets under your skin - something that stands out in your memory as being completely flawless in its execution. La Belle Americane is one such edit for me. Shot for Vogue Paris by Patrick Demarchelier and styled by Carine Roitfeld, it really doesn't get much better in terms of creative talent. Add to this the fact that it showcases Ms. Crystal Renn, looking fierce in the hottest designer looks and you've got a recipe for perfection. If there were a high fashion plus sized monthly (and lets cross our fingers that one day there is) I would hope that this is what some of the content would look like. Until then I have my old issues of Vogue Paris and a big dream.


Thanks to Kasper & West Mags from tFS for the scans

Food for thought : I feel like I've seen more plus sized models in Vogue Paris per capita than I've ever seen in US Vogue with the noted exception of the shape issue and even then... Anyone else notice this? Whenever I can find a great edit featuring a plus model I'll post for inspiration but I feel as though (at least based on what I've seen) the majority of these pictures are in European magazines as opposed to American ones.

Crystal Renn & Hilary Rhoda in Vogue's Shape Issue

Before I launch into my full fledged critique of Vogue's annual Shape Issue I want to share this lovely editorial featuring two of my favorite models: one straight sized one plus. Crystal Renn and Hilary Rhoda are both gorgeous girls, who bear something of a resemblance with their matching Brooke Shield's eyebrows and classic features. In this editorial they both look stunning and healthy. Yes Hilary is a thin girl but she lacks the emaciated and vacant look of some of her peers, I don't look at her arms and wince. Crystal is amazing as always and it would appear that Vogue has not airbrushed off any of her natural beauty look at how statuesques and lush she looks in that black and white number.

Lovely images aside (and you can always count on Steven Meisel for that) I do have my qualms. I'm not exactly fond of some of the little descriptions on the sides wherein Hilary's lithe frame is described in glowing terms while Crystal's ravishing curves are something that needs to be "controlled" but all in all I appreciate this editorial. Granted, the visual style is typical Vogue fair and the styling is a bit contrived but something has to be said about the small positive changes going on at the worlds most influential fashion magazine. I seeing pictures of a girl who isn't tiny in full on Perhaps its it doesn't seem significant as the Shape issue always has its token plus model but just last month we got our first plus sized cover girl so I can't help but feel a little optimistic about the future. I most certainly plan on writing a letter to the powers that be about this edit.


Special thanks to Faith_Akiyama for the scans!

Crystal Renn for Anna Scholz S/S 07

Our girl Crystal Renn is featured in another campaign, this time for plus sized fashion label Anna Scholz's Spring/Summer 07 collection.I think she's looking great as per usual albeit a shade thinner. Can anyone ID the other model? She reminds me of a curvier Uma Thurman.



While browsing through the Anna Scholz line I found a few pieces I really liked. Its rare to see clothing designed specifically with plus sizes in mind that doesn't fall into one the two dreaded categories; dowdy or passé. For some reason designers seem to think that anyone larger than Kate Bosworth wants to wear sweatpants or worse yet velour. This line seems understand that plus size women want clothing thats just as modern and chic as what is offered to their peers. Possibly because the designer Anna Scholz is a plus sized woman herself. As innovative and influential men are in fashion nothing compares to the thoughtfulness and practicality of a female designer, across the board I think female designers create some of the most wearable clothing around simply due to the fact that they actually have to wear women's clothing. John Galliano notwithstanding most men will never really understand the unique annoyance of a dress thats hits in the wrong places or a top that squeezes the midsection. Women just have that added life experience that goes into their designs. And while not everything is my personal style its still refreshing to see that there are a few more stylish options available stateside while we wait for Elena Miro to cross the pond.

I'm particularly partial to these draped tops from the S/S collection. They look like just the sort of thing I'd pair with a blazer for work or throw on with some jeans. Very versatile and cute.




Check out the full S/S offerings at Anna Scholz.com

Crystal Renn in Harpers Bazaar

It appears our girl Crystal has landed the cover of Harpers Bazaar Russia! This is a huge thing as I don't think I have seen a plus sized model on the cover of a major international fashion magazine since Sophie Dahl way back when. To think I was just bemoaning Harper's Bazaar US's endless stream of dull celebrity covers on The Fashion Spot. Glenda Bailey and co. should take a Iesson from their Russian counterparts. I think this cover is stunning. I love that fierce look in her eyes. That is what we call attitude ladies and gentlemen!!



I am currently on the look out for a magazine shop carrying this treasure in New York so I can share the editorial with everyone but enjoy the cover and a stunning editorial with Crystal shot by the reknowned Ellen Von Unwerth for Above Magazine.



I love this edit because its a straight size model and a plus model together and its not shown as being abnormal or somehow astonishing. Its not "OMG! Look she is thin! OMG! She ISNT!", its "Look at these two gorgeous girls in Gaultier." I'd love to see more of that in fashion.