French Elle goes Supersize

The French edition of Elle magazine has caused uproar in France- and just about everywhere else- by featuring a size 56 (US size 18) model, Tara Lynn, on its cover. For a country famed for its emphasis on cutting a svelte figure, this has been deemed a controversial move (though the magazine has admitted to digitally retouching the images- is that not missing the point of dedicating an issue to 'real women'?). It's been headline-grabbing stuff over here in the UK, following on from the furore caused by Mark Fast's decision to use curvier models in his catwalk show for London Fashion Week last year. It seems that while we're tiring of emaciated teenage models parading around in designer gear, we're not sure what to make of larger ladies doing the same either.

So, what do you think? Is there a place for plus-size women in the fashion industry? Is it progress, or is it a publicity stunt to attract more readers- and morever, do these readers want to see it? How would you react if US Elle did the same? And how would you feel if a magazine like Chaos used models the wrong side of a size four?

Here's what The Times has to say

Kay Weston

Curves Are In

Finally, there is a designer brave enough to feature models who are bigger than your average catwalk model.

Mark Fast, a Canadian designer, put his knit designs on models who ranged from size 12-14 in his show for London Fashion Week.

The international world of fashion is abuzz over Mark Fast's concept of what size model is acceptable on the catwalk.

One report said it sparked a behind-the-scenes row that ended with Fast's stylist walking out on his show because of the new look. But the designer has now apologies for making room for regular women with serious curves, reported CBC News.

"I think it's time really, there's such beauty out there and it's unfortunate that it's only representative in one size...so it's just a new celebration of all women," said Fast.

The model in the picture above is a size 12 and I think she looks fabulous!

-Erin Jones