“Between the recent launch of the Vogue Curvy site and now French Elle’s first plus-size issue, it gives more validation that plus-size is making its way into the high-fashion world. These significant steps show the acceptance and praise of plus-size women and we believe that even more U.S media will catch on to this ever-growing trend and continue to view beauty through real women,” said Nancy LeWinter, Editorial Director of OneStopPlus.com Group Division.

We recently had the privilege of interviewing Ms. LeWinter about the revolution that we are witnessing in the high fashion world since they have begun to include plus size women in their magazines and on their websites.

Q & A with Nancy LeWinter, Editorial Director of OneStopPlus.com

The Fashionable Bambino (TFB) – It has been an interesting revolution these past few months to see Vogue and now, French Elle feature plus sized models in their magazines. I find it refreshing. Did this come as a surprise to you?

Nancy LeWinter (NLW) – This recognition of the plus size category is both refreshing and long overdue, since it represents the majority of American women. Glamour and Marie Claire have been making significant contributions to the new sensibility and acknowledgement, so further media attention is likely.

TFB – What are your thoughts about how this revolutionary change in the high fashion world has come about?

NLW – Often, a poor economy and other influencers can cause traditional fashion to look for new market opportunities. While the plus-size market segment has always existed and always been ready to be as fashionable as their thinner counterparts, many fashion companies and magazines did not have the need or desire to validate the segment until the necessity became a business reality.

TFB – I recently read an article that said something to the affect that statistics show that consumers are more willing buy products from models closer to their own size . I found that interesting and am not sure that I agree. What about you, what do you think of that? I wish I could reference that article for you…

NLW – I would think the article was about finding it far easier to achieve credibility when the consumer can identify with the person or company selling them products. Credibility is also based on having a true knowledge and authority on the subject matter and OneStopPlus.com’s consumers consistently say that we “understand” them…what they want, how they live, and how they want to look, and that makes all the difference in their purchasing behavior.

TFB – Do you really think the general public will be accepting of this change from super thin models to plus size?

NLW – In the best of all worlds, there will be models of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, since that would be truly reflective of the population and both inspire and motivate women to know they desire to be treated as equals.

TFB – Do you think that since big name magazines like Vogue and French Elle have chosen to be pioneers in marketing plus size women that all of the other magazines will follow? Or do you see them waiting to see how this venture goes before they get on the band wagon?

NLW – Most of the fashion magazines have been doing small features about “Dress your Size”, “Look Great at Every Size” etc. for a long time. The validation by Vogue and Elle might well prompt other magazines to do more.

TFB – I am pleased with the changes I see happening. However, I am somewhat skeptical of how long the shift will last. I would love for it to continue so that little boys and girls growing up now will grow up seeing a variety of sizes in mainstream media, rather than the super thin models. What about other plus size women, what is their general response?

NLW – I think we all feel as you do…it is a freedom to be who you are and feel great in your own skin, without the world passing judgement. Our children have learned an extraordinary lesson in democracy this past year, and it would be wonderful if there could be a true “Size Democracy”, without the judgements and preconceived notions, and where everyone has the equal opportunity to have their fashion needs and desires fulfilled.

TFB – Has One Stop Plus seen any noticeable differences due to this shift in the fashion world?

NLW – We have definitely seen increased empowerment for all women. It is so exciting when fashion icons like Vogue and Elle say that everyone is invited to the fashion party…now we just need the perfect outfit…and that’s where OneStopPlus.com comes in. We work very hard to really listen and respond with selection, convenience and community, and getting back to that credibility, we find that women really trust our thousands and thousands of customer reviews.

Thank you, Ms. LeWinter, for taking the time to speak with us via email. It was a pleasure to discuss this revolutionary high fashion shift with you.

Photos Credits:

http://www.elle.fr/elle/Mode/Dossiers-mode/La-top-qui-donne-envie-d-etre-ronde/Tara-rayonne/%28gid%29/1200043%20and%20here%20http://www.elle.fr/elle/Mode/Dossiers-mode/Pulp-Fashion

Other Resources:

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/03/18/plus-size-models-in-ads-cause-low-self-esteem-study-claims/