The Fashion Industry Through The Lens Of Plus-Size Models
Kamie Crawford
Who's That Girl:
Multi-Media Journalist & TV Host, Model, Entrepreneur & Former Miss Teen USA
Where You've Seen Her:
Target, Land's End, NYDJ
Her Thoughts On The Industry:
What I've experienced as a curvy, yet "in-between" girl in the industry, is that I get 1 of 3 responses when I share the fact that I am a curve model. Sometimes it's super supportive and appreciative of being a part of the change that this industry desperately needs. Other times, it's a "wtf?" kind of response. "YOU are considered PLUS-SIZED? If you're plus-sized, then what does that make me?" That response makes me sad more than anything, and it's the reason why I denounce the term, "plus-sized" and prefer to use the term, "curve" model instead. I don't want any woman to compare her size or worth to me or this industry. I also get the reaction that's like, "But you're not fat..." (Laughs) Well, thanks? Being bigger than a size 2/4 (industry sample size) does not equate to being fat or unwanted. If anything, I have just as many clients as those girls. I'm here for my check. Not for the size number in my jeans.
"Being bigger than a size 2/4 does not equate to being fat or unwanted. I'm here for my check. Not for the size number in my jeans."
I've been everything from a size 0 to a size 10, and have been healthy and happy at every size. I've learned to only judge my body against itself. We have enough pressures to look like everyone else, why not just focus on looking like the best versions of ourselves? It's more transformative for me as an adult woman to see women of all sizes in the media - and not just models either. I am inspired by real people, real everyday women just as much as the models. Of course there are some days when I'd love to have Zendaya's body so I can wear all the stunning, slinky dresses in the world - but that's just not my lifestyle! (Laughs) I rather see her kill it in those looks and I'll kill it in my own!
"I've learned to only judge my body against itself."
It's a sad and longstanding reality for women and men to not see themselves properly represented in fashion. I think it's only a matter of time before the curve industry turns fashion on its head. We are demanding representation and we won't take "no" for an answer. I think the media is more concerned with dollars than anything else. It's a business, and it is clear that they don't think that "bigger" can sell. The same way they don't think that people of color can sell. I think that often, the media and brands use people of other sizes and races as a marketing scheme to make dollars without actually giving a sh*t about representation in the first place. As both a consumer and someone on the industry side, it is easy for me to tell when certain moves are made out of genuine care and concern for our underrepresented communities.
"I think that often, the media and brands use people of other sizes and races as a marketing scheme to make dollars without actually giving a sh*t about representation in the first place."
There's a certain pride and power that comes with being a woman, just in general. To me, size is really just a number. I'm proud to have the body I have - every curve, every dimple, every stretch mark - but it doesn't define who I am. I'm happy to speak up for women regardless of their bra size or their waist-to-hip ratio. I'm just glad I get to represent a group of women that are often overlooked in fashion and beauty.
It's an honor to show all women that their happiness and self worth come from within so they can kick those scales to the curb and start focusing on their health and personal views of their bodies - rather than outside ones.
Click Next Page to read Diana's story:
Ashley McDonough is a writer and producer in New York City. When she's not busy writing or producing culturally conscious content, she is patiently waiting for Oprah and Stedman to adopt her. Keep up with her journey via social @Ashley_Milani or check out her work on www.AshleyMcDonough.org.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Chizi Duru Takes Us On Her Journey To Hair Repair With SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection
This article is in partnership with Shea Moisture
Black women and their natural hair is often a shared experience with one another, and SheaMoisture knows all about it. That’s why they have launched the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection. You have your days when your hair is flourishing, and you have your days when the elements in the air are causing an annoying amount of frizz. You have your days when you want to wear a protective style, and you have your days when you want to press your hair. And while there’s nothing wrong with switching things up, all the hair manipulation can cause damage to your luscious locks. This is something that beauty and wellness influencer Chizi Duru can relate to.
“The journey with our natural hair isn’t linear. Sometimes you fall in love, you fall out of love with your hair and I'm in a space where I want to love my hair in all stages. In an effort to revitalize these hair bonds, I'm trying out the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection,” she says in the video. SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is a 4-step system powered by HydroPlex Technology and is scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (compared to non-conditioning shampoo).
The collection’s formula is infused with Amla oil and AminoBlend, which are fortifying amino acids that strengthen the hair from root to tip and give you visibly healthy hair after just one use. Chizi shares her step-by-step process of using the collection and getting her hair health back on track. “Of course, we've got to remove any buildup, so I'm using the Bond Repair Shampoo, which smells incredible. I've had a sew-in for over two months. So yeah, we've got to get this scalp clean,” she says.
As a beauty content creator, Chizi is no stranger to giving the girls a lewk. From knotless braids to, more recently, a bouncy bob, she continues to showcase a variety of styles. Chizi highlights the ingredients used in the collection that were made to transform dry hair from heat damage, color in type 3 and 4 hair, and protective styles to soft, shiny hair. “So I've been playing around with heat, which, as you guys know, can damage the bonds in your hair,” she admits. “So I love that this line has natural and strengthening ingredients like amla oil and shea butter to help strengthen my hair. Then I'm gonna go in with the Bond Repair Conditioner, which helps strengthen and repair signs of damage in curly and coily hair.”
Last but not least is the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque. Using the hair masque will give hair the nourishment it needs as the last step to achieving ultimate healthy hair. “And for ultra moisture, I'm gonna use the Bond Repair Mask. One thing I forgot is the power of a good hair mask is gon’ revive what it needs to revive,” she says. “So join me on the journey of revitalizing my hair and enjoying every stage of it thanks to SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection.”
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex technologies that rebuild hair bonds.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This UltraMoisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine, allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image @chiziduru/ Instagram