PLUS SIZE: Fashion Segregation?

I just read a blog on fox news that posed the question:

Do attempts to do away with term 'plus size model' marginalize the plus size consumer?

PLUS Model Magazine (@PlusModelMag) and women's specialty fashion apparel retailer Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) asked via Twitter - We want know: What's wrong with the word "Plus"? Share your thoughts

I shared my views on the subject to the extent one can via twitter but I thought I would elaborate here.

I feel that the term PLUS SIZE marginalizes women and has always translated to me as 'not good enough'; in comparison to the ridiculous beauty myth our society spoon feeds to us on a daily basis via the entertainment industry AND the fashion industry. I find the term offensive, archaic AND counter productive.


V Magazine's CURVES feature 2010

Who coined the phrase or created the term PLUS SIZE anyway? The jury is still out on that one. Based on my research all I was able to establish was whatever the "average" size was when this term was put into use the women who exceeded it were considered PLUS ... so were the ones who did not considered MINUS? The "experts" cannot even decide what the "average" number is. Some consider PLUS to be over a size 6 or 8 in the Fashion industry, some a size 10 and even so far as a size 12.

We all know the facts; the average woman in the US is a size 14. So I guess the PLUS should start there? I know MANY beautiful women well past a 14 and feel terrible as they suffer at the hands of fashion segregation.

V Magazine 2010

I am a mother, entrepreneur, lover of fashion AND I LOVE my body! However I feel that the term PLUS has always separated larger women in a form of fashion segregation. For example: Go into a retail store there is the section for "regular" people (or Minus) but the PLUS section is always labeled ironically with BIG signs and segregated to a different section of the store. The clothes are also ALWAYS different than their MINUS counterparts as well. Why can't the jacket I like in sz 0-8go into a size 12, 14 or 16? one is banished to the plus section to salvage something that is semi stylish, but never the same. To take it a step further if you require a larger size you may even be segregated to a whole other STORE. There is nothing like going shopping with friends and have to make an extra stop so you don't go home empty handed. Don't get me wrong I don't subscribe to the herd mentality either, just because the others shop at store "A" does not mean I have to, but I would like the option. I have went into these "special stores" before with women I adore to hear things like "Off to the fat lady store" and other negative labels and statements. I have looked through the racks and am hard pressed to find anything I would wear. Much of the clothes I have seen are matronly, ill fitting and nothing like the cuts, colors or patterns seen in the store next door for the 'regular' or in the terms set forth above "below average" shoppers. They are also considerably higher priced then their smaller counterparts. I can only guess what the argument might be; "we have to use more material", in this world of foreign labour and mass production, I'm not buying it! "Above average" women are being exploited monetarily because retailers KNOW shopping options are limited.


V Magazine 2010

Every women regardless of her PLUS or MINUS status have different and unique body shapes, carry weight different and have varying features (longer legs, shorter arms, etc). I love being unique but segregated? not so much. Why are the smaller sizes not labelled MINUS with a GIANT sign and placed all in one section? You are a ZERO (size 0) so you go to this rack, etc. Funny enough most of the left over clothes, or the ones that make it to the clearance racks are of the "below average" variety (XS, S, etc.) You would think manufacturers would get the drift by now. I am happy to report that higher end design houses who used to be exclusive to the single digit crowd now are expanding their lines to include their double digit or PLUS size consumer - who buy the way are as beautiful and lovely. It was reported that the consumer will be able to find clothing larger than a size 14 at retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue by the likes of; Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, YSL, Alexander McQueen, and Prada. Marc JAcobs was the FIRST designer to 'unofficially' announce that his brand would be creating clothes bigger than a size 14 via twitter. I wonder if Sacks will make women go to a different floor or section for the +14 sizes like the lower end retailers?


Fashion segregation, I feel is actually counter productive to retailers. If I feel empowered, beautiful and fabulous I WILL spend more money and likely return. If I feel segregated, labeled and discouraged I will go home empty handed.


ELLE Magazine 2010

I think women are beautiful at any size, so long as they are healthy. We all know the multitude of health risks associated with being seriously overweight.

So WHY the plus size label anyway? Isn't reading the actual size of the garments label enough? Women know their size in a numerical form (2,6,10,13,14,18,20) so why the extra label of PLUS AND segregated sections?


French ELLE Magazine Cover

I know that there are many women who will argue with me and are happy to be segregated and have the opportunity to shop at a "special store". I'm glad the term PLUS is not as offensive to them as it has always been to me. With our mastery of the English language one would assume that the industry could come up with alternative language or even a different labelling system all together to include everyone and their body shapes and types. I'm a size ME, no PLUS no MINUS ~ just ME. I'm happy that more magazines are using 'above average' models on their covers and in their pages. It is a step in the right direction toward health, positive body images and self acceptance for many of the world's women.


Amber Riley (of GLEE) SAG Red Carpet 2011

CELEBRATE yourself no matter what your size or shape. Don't be discouraged as you try to build your wardrobes. You are each beautiful at any size (PLUS or MINUS) ~ Confidence is the BEST accessory and is always in FASHION!

WOMEN: Who Inspires You?

In honor of International Women's Day I was thinking about women and how we all serve to inspire one another. Today I honor Women: the survivors, the contributors, the trail blazers and risk takers, entrepreneurs, mothers, creative thinkers and the bold women who never take NO for an answer! I hope today serves as a motivation to many to make their mark in the world, by creating something, helping someone, or just making a contribution of some kind to society or even your own home! XO Make it happen sisters: The time is NOW.

I wanted to take a moment and honor a few women who have inspired me personally, to various degrees and for various reasons.

Mexican Painter FRIDA KAHLO ~ Frida lived her life on her own terms and through her physical suffering and personal torment she was able to produce some of the most intriguing art of our time. She was a passionate woman who's perseverance has been very inspirational to me.

Singer/Songwriter - Entrepreneur: ANI DIFRANCO ~ Ani started with a guitar and a dream. After being cast aside by al the "powerful" mainstream record labels she started her own (Righteous Babe Records: http://www.righteousbabe.com/ )
After becoming a success on her own she gave the large record labels the middle finger (because of course they came knocking when they saw her profitability and talent). She has recorded 26 albums and released 12 official bootleg Cd's of her LIVE shows. I read somewhere she performs over 180 live shows a year. She is a mother and has fostered unique artists under her record label who often join her on her tours. I appreciate Ani's honesty in her lyrics and her eccentric approach to making music.

The Mother of all Model turned Moguls; Entrepreneur, ~ Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou
Kimora overcame her humble beginnings and racial ridicule to become one of the most recognized faces in the Fashion business. She was a trail blazer in women's Hip-Hop fashion and build the Baby Phat brand starting with a single t-shirt in a Phat Farm fashion show of her then husband Russell Simmons. She then built an empire of fashion, fragrance, books, accessories and now has started her evolution into skin care and re-invention of the KLS brand (http://kls.com/). She has accomplished this while being a mother of three and wife. What I love the most about Kimora is her no-BS approach to business and life, her message and sincere belief in female empowerment and unity. She dontates her time and resources to several causes that help a great deal of women and children like "Make a Wish Foundation" (www.wish.org) and "Dress for Success" program for women (www.dressforsuccess.org),

Singer/Songwriter ~ P!NK (Alecia Moore) She overcame her past to create an amazing musical future. She is a no-nonsense, straight talking, real deal woman. A breath of fresh air in the homogenized, generic, plastic institution we call the music industry. I love her honesty via her lyrics and her compassion when it comes to the love of animals, being vegetarian and her work with PETA.

Artist/Activist ~ Yoko Ono
Her unwavering quest for PEACE and UNITY in this world and carrying on the dreams that she and John started in the late 1960's is nothing short of amazing XO

Animal Activist ~ INGRID NEWKIRK Her tireless work on behalf of the millions of voiceless animals is astonishing. Although their methods are controversial PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, she gets the job done!


Comedian, Animal Activist, Talk Show Host - Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen inspires me for living her life on her own terms. She is forever seeing the positive side of life as I'm sure she could laugh her way through anything. She is funny, witty and kind. The way she uses her influence and resources to help others always brings me to tears when I see her generosity through her show. She uses her show as a platform to address important issues (EX: animal rights, non-violence) and gives people a chance by having them on her show. She really knows how important it is to give people a chance at a break or a new start. She is a lover of animals and is vegan; her compassion is infectious.

Fashion Designer ~ Gabrielle Co Co Chanel She was a pioneer in womens fashions with designs and visions WAY ahead of her time. She forged her own path in the industry starting with a line of hats. she has paved the way for many creative female designers and created a fashion signature (The Chanel Suit) that is still relevant and CHIC today!

Media Mogul ~ OPRAH WINFREY ~ Although at times I don't share the same views as Oprah is there is no denying the level of success she has attained out of utter poverty. She left a traumatic childhood behind to become one of world most successful women. She has helped hundreds of thousands of people along the way through her philanthropy, her Angels network and though various other avenues. Her story and success reinforces my belief that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.



There are SO MANY others that inspire me I could never possibly contain them all in this blog. MOTHER'S around the world no matter what their circumstances are a huge inspiration. It is most difficult and rewarding experience and/or role. My vintage hat off to anyone with children, children with special needs, step-children or adoptive children. In the wise words of Oprah; "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother". It is love, hard work, selflessness, dedication and perseverance that does. Many women this minute are battling illnesses and disease, losing job's, reinventing themselves, being abused by a loved one, trying to feed their children, enjoying success, getting educated, serving others and making a difference. I am inspired by all of these women all around the world. The women who lead by example and actions, who try to stay positive and forge onward in the face of adversity and negativity, who view NO as a motivational word instead of a detrimental one. It is a great day for reflection on what women have endured and accomplished, how far we have come and how far we still can go.

Be PROUD today of all you have endured and accomplished. You HAVE grown from where you were to where you are and there is still time and room to do so!

Today we also celebrate each other’s achievements, strengths & passions! We should stand together united and assist each other in making our dreams a reality ... We've come a long way baby! but there are still many suppressed and impoverished women around the world! XO EMPOWER & INSPIRE each other this and every day XO

WHO INSPIRES YOU? AND WHY? PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT!

A Look at the "Pin Up"

Artist: Marty Parker, Pencil on Bristol Board. "Ziegfeld Girl"

Depictions of women in various forms of undress date back to almost the beginning of recorded history with Greek Mythology and Roman influence. Although forced underground by the catholic church (surprise) what has evolved into the "pin up" still emerged to be some of the most powerful imagery of the 20th/21st century. Such images have been celebrated on walls, lockers, cells and even in war zones in both photographic and artistic forms.


"A pin-up girl is a woman whose physical attractiveness would entice one to place a picture of her on a wall. The term was first attested to in English in 1941; however the practice is documented back at least to the 1890s. The “pin up” images could be cut out of magazines or newspapers, or be from postcard or chromo-lithographs, and so on. Such photos often appear on calendars, which are meant to be pinned up anyway. Later, posters of “pin-up girls” were mass-produced." (Source: http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/pinupart/)


The iconic "pin up" photograph of Betty Grable, 1943 (during WWII) was one of the most popular and mass produced.


Rita Hayworth

By the 1920's pin-up became popular in magazines and calendars. The screen sirens of the time have forever been immortalized in poster and calendar form.

In 1953 a then unknown publisher Hugh Hefner brought the calendar pin up photograph of Marilyn Monroe to the forefront for his first issue of Playboy.

This photo shoot took place in 1949 in Chicago. This was not the photo run in Playboy's first issue but it was from the same shoot.



Some pin up art has been present in the form of the photograph, some by an artist hands and contemporary pinup art is a mesh between photography, hand drawing/painting and airbrushing techniques to create photo realistic fantasy.

One of the most famous contemporary pin up artist is Oliva De Beardinis (who deserves a blog feature all of her own).







http://www.eolivia.com/


ARTIST PROFILE: MARTY PARKER

Artist Marty Parker has made pinup art part of his artistic repertoire and puts pencil to paper in a retro celebration of the female form with his signature "Circle Series". What I personally love about his pin up art is the juxtaposition between the colored circles and the black and white image. It is very striking and unique perspective.
Marty grew up in Northern California and said he has been doing art for as long as he can remember. I had a chance to ask Marty a few questions about his artwork and inspirations.

LISA: What/Who have influenced you?

MARTY: I was heavily influenced by Norman Rockwell, The Beatles, a couple of fantastic and innovative high school art teachers, one great college one, and my folks.




I found a quote that best sums up my philosophy as an artist and a person. This says it perfectly, in my humble opinion:

"Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower planted, you're there. It doesn't matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away. The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching, he said. The lawn cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime."
From "Fahrenheit 451"
by Ray Bradbury

Marty Parker

LISA: Why the "Pin Up"?

MARTY: I love the variety - Pin Up can be Campy, Sexy, Playful, Erotic - so many choices and I always seem to find something different I want to do. And I love women!



LISA: What inspires you?

MARTY: Fellow artists, writers, musicians...but really, anybody with passion and vision. And beautiful women.



LISA: How do you select the images you create and/or re-create?

MARTY: Often I’m trying to find a very specific image, especially for my Circle Series. If I want to do a Farrah, for example, I’m looking for a “definitive” image. But half the time when I’m searching for that “definitive” image I come across one I’ve never seen or considered before and grab that one. I also like to stay open to ANY image that catches my eye. Often the random ones you stumble upon (like the Cocktail Lounge Girl) are the most fun!




LISA: Where do you see your art evolving? Any special projects on the horizon?

MARTY: Right now all I know is I want to keep evolving as an artist, and that the art will take ME to wherever it wants to go. No special projects on the horizon but like all my work, that could change at any minute.





LISA: Where can my readers buy your art work? or contact you?

MARTY: Still working on a website but for now folks can contact me on my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/martyparkerart). And if anyone is interested in buying original or prints of my drawings we can always arrange something. some of my art is available on T-shirt as posters Via: http://www.rule-32.com/




PRICE: Giclee Prints are $100. Originals vary depending on the drawing,but usually from $200 - $400




SIZE & MEDIUM: All of Martys originals and prints come in size: 11" x 14", Originals are Pencil on Birstol Board.


My FAV's are his John Lennon portraits!!

The Beatles, Music and Sports icons are also part of Marty's portfolio.

Tori STUNNING ... and other Oscar Fashion

All eyes are on the Academy Awards for the celebration of the best in cinema but the red carpet fashion has become as important as the winners of the actual awards! (more important to me personally)

Honestly the Red carpet was to me this year was in a word; UNDERWHELMING. I saw nothing over the top glam, minimal jewels, half done hair and no real sparkle and shine that we all have come to associate with this gala red carpet event.


However; I must give a standing ovation and a round of applauds to Tori Spelling for expressing her signature style in a Vintage GLAM look. The dress coupled with he hair, red lip, cocktail ring, clutch & shoes were that of a PROfashional! It takes a lot of Maven Moxie to wear vintage to a red (or in her case cream) carpet event. Especially because the press is so generic in their reporting when it comes to fashion in my humble opinion. Tori dresses for FASHION not for trends or what a stylist says. I have re-dubbed her Tori STUNNING XO




Was the dress from my eBoutique Evolution Vintage? YES (http://www.evolution-vintage.com/)

Did Tori "knock it out of the park" regardless where the dress was from? YES YES

So all the bias aside her look was my FAV! Tori, you get the LisaG PROFashional Oscar Award this year!

Honorable Mentions Go To:

Jennifer Hudson in VERSACE
*I loved the color and it is an actual modern twist on a GOWN ~ appropriate for an Oscar red carpet*

Natalie Portman in Rodarte*I loved the colour and the draping of this dress ~ a prefect silhouette for a mom-to-be*

Hailee Steinfeld in custom made Marchesa

*Totally age appropriate and what fun to be able to helps design your Oscar dress with the ladies at Marchesa, it's every girls FASHION DREAM at 14 ... and 21 .... and 32. I also loved he Vintage inspired shape and length for her*

A BIG BRAVO to Rachel Zoe (who styled all of Anne Hathaways looks) - Here are my FAV's

Anne Hathaway in Givenchy Couture

Anne Hathaway in Lanvin tuxedo & Brian Atwood jeweled shoes

Anne Hathaway in Oscar de la Renta

After Party Fabulous:

Kate Beckensale in Julian McDonald

Charlize Theron in VERSACE

There is always next year girls. Talk to your stylists about trying something new or old. Give Vintage a try, an unknown designer or something from a high end designers past collections. Be unexpected and BOLD. Who will be sassy enough to snag the LisaG ProFashional award for 2012's red carpet?