What you wanted to know about a plus size model
"I grew up seeing a lot of women with 'perfect bodies' and wished I was like them, but then I realized that mine is too. My body is perfect for me and that's more than enough."
From what size someone is considered plus size? We could waste a whole day defining this since, obviously, what is considered large or plus size for someone, is going to be normal for another.
The plus size modeling industry is evolving rapidly and is perhaps at its best. Models like Ashley Graham were among the most important in 2016 after her appearance in the edition of sportswear for swimming in Sports Illustrated.
Fashion designers such as Ricardo Tisci, Stephen Gan, Rick Owens and Katie Grand have also worked with non-traditional models, and there is even talk of the cover for Vogue Italia with a plus size model by Steven Meisel as iconic for the brand.
Have we reached the point where the modeling industry is embracing all sizes and shapes of the human body? Not yet, but we are much closer.
We spoke with Aura Rubí Ortega, a 26-year-old Venezuelan plus size model, about her experience in the world of modeling and the challenges she faces today in the Latin industry.
VICE: What requirements do you need to be a plus size model? Aura Ortega: I would say almost the same as for a regular size model: attitude, confidence and love for yourself and what you do. You must know your body to the maximum, since in this way you will know which are the angles that favor you the most. You have to try to get along with everyone, be a little outgoing and leave diva attitudes aside.
I would also add the good handling of heels —catwalk—, education and an excellent command of the word. You must be prepared to do public relations every day, since you never know who may hire you to make an announcement, host an event or anything else that requires your good speech. An America's Next Top Model marathon or some such program would be an excellent idea to learn more about the world of modeling.
Is there a lot of demand to be a plus size model? In Latin America, unfortunately, it is very little. Entrepreneurs' minds are still blinded by size S models or anyone on TV. However, due to all the revolution that characters like Oprah, Melissa McCarthy, Ashley Graham or Tess Holliday have caused on this subject, the eyes of Latin America are beginning to open to give way to women with whom most of us can feel identified, "real women" as some would say.
Brands and stores are already leaving behind the use of such thin women in their campaigns because they are realizing that the consumer is looking to identify with what they see in ads and on social networks. There are countries where they are beginning to apply sanctions to brands that use models that do not seem healthy. For example, in France - one of the cradles of fashion - it is no longer allowed to put up billboards with models that are too skinny.
What do you think about the stereotype of the body that has always been sold to us? I have no bad opinion about it, I only respect and admire these women since we are "the same" physically, only that some of us have centimeters more or centimeters less. I grew up seeing many women with that "perfect body" and wished to be like them at some point in my life, but then I understood that mine is too. My body is perfect for me and that is more than enough.
#inspiration How to Define Your Personal Core Values: There are a lot of things in life that people just don't... http://t.co/2HA1LnkesZ
— Pedro Cordeiro Thu Jul 02 06:02:46 +0000 2015
Is there discrimination with XL models compared to XS models? Of course! Starting with the models themselves, who release phrases like: "you will never be like me", or between models and businessmen who simply do not believe in any other type of beauty other than what they have seen in magazines for all these years.
Using the phrase "real women" hurts some people too, but as a brand you can't just please everyone, and yet many have tried their best, and that's respectable.
Are there any necessary measures to be a plus size model? It is something strange and unreal, I explain: for the fashion industry you are plus size if you are more than size S or size 5 but, instead, for the world population you are plus size if you are more than size M or size L.
On the other hand, there is the fat fashion industry, where they usually prefer their models to have an "hourglass" figure because they assume that clothes look better on women who have that type of figure. However, it's all about attitude. You have to know your body and your angles until the photographer understands or connects with the model.
Have you received any kind of negative comments because of your measurements and your body? Always, but I like to focus on the bright side of things. I still try to get the good side of those negative comments since I can't deny that some make you improve and understand more about what I do, because I'm also in the public eye.
What does a healthy body mean to you? Neither extreme is good, but I think the meaning of having a healthy body is having a body that you feel good about. A body that gives you peace of mind and that does not affect your health in the short, medium or long term. There must be a balance between body-mind and mind-body, and this has nothing to do with the saying "you are what you eat".
Do you do any type of diet or physical exercise? I don't like that word (diet) because I feel that it is enslaving. I like to eat my three meals a day and be able to treat myself to a good cheat meal whenever I want without any regrets about it. Currently, I do not exercise. I left that routine for work reasons, but I am about to go back to swimming since it is the sport that I like the most. I also understand as exercises when I go dancing all night in a club with my 12 centimeter heels or when I have sex.
What are your measurements? 90-60-90 No, lie! Bust 122, waist 105 and hip 132.
Have you ever wished you had fewer measurements? At one time in my life, yes. Also for a moment I thought I had more measurements than I really did. But when you understand and learn to love yourself, measurements are not part of what makes you happy since they are just numbers and do not define you as a person.
Originally posted on VICE.com
