Size Lies

Words and photography: Shirlaine Forrest www.shirlainephotos.co.uk
Hair and makeup: Sarra Slimane www.sarrassmakeup.com
Models: Nina Blakemore wwww.ninablakemore.com,
Daniella Flanagan www.liquidmodels.co.uk

In issues 11 and 12 of Chimp we did our best to explore the portrayal of women in the media, focusing on the ethics of airbrushing and the damage caused by eating disorders.

Take this final set as a celebration of real women, embracing curves and acknowledging that beauty lies in any shape and size.

The year 2010 has been billed as the year of the ‘pro-curves’ which, in itself, hopefully represents an ongoing acceptance of all body sizes rather than marking a passing fashion trend. Curvier models such as Ashley Graham and our very own Nina Blakemore have been landing higher profile work and it’s something which has been openly embraced by the public.

It seems we’re finally seeing reflections of ourselves in these models rather than the aspirational ideal we tend to be inclined to strive for from childhood.
In casting for this shoot I discovered that any model at a UK size 10 and above are classed as plus size by the fashion world. With the national average a size 16, this is hardly voluptuous, however larger models are coming to the fore.

We may find it easy to cast the blame squarely at modelling agencies, who are responsible for scouting girls for designers, advertisers etc. but they are simply fulfilling the requirements of their own clients. When the idea for exploring the portrayal of women was pitched, Manchester’s premier agencies, Boss Model Management and Liquid Models both fully supported the idea and were extremely helpful in casting. Perhaps it’s not just us as viewers who are looking for a fresh take for the future?

What these plus sized models so effortlessly express is the need for more of us to regain confidence in ourselves; we all have our own beauty, and if it doesn’t conform to the homogenised, pageant-friendly, production-line standard, airbrushed image on the cover of the latest glossy, so much the better!

Every woman is different and every woman’s body is different, so let’s accept and embrace our true selves, no matter the shape and size. It’s our individuality which makes us all so interesting; a strength which should empower us, and that’s definitely something to be celebrated!

Shirlaine Forrest