Elle France
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I am a full-on fashionista. While I love seeing what graces the runway every season, I know what styles work -- and won’t work -- for my fullish figure. Unfortunately, at least 93 percent of high fashion simply doesn’t fit my curvy body.
So imagine my giddiness at the bodaciousness of plus-size supermodel Tara Lynn gracing the cover of Elle France -- not to mention having “The Body” stamped in bold beneath her, a moniker previously belonging to Sports Illustrated bikini deity Elle MacPherson. Lookie! Lynn's thighs are even rubbing together! And she looks hot.
This isn’t Lynn’s first big break. In May 2010, Elle France also featured her in an awe-inspiring 20-page fashion spread. Lynn is the current face, er, body of H&M’s new swimsuit line, BiB, Big is Beautiful, which will make its U.S. debut this spring. Hopefully, America will catch up to what the Europeans seem to be already embracing: Real women have curves -- and we deserve more moments in the sun.
Lynn is shining as the new Curvy Queen, and not a moment too soon. Back in 2005, when plus-size beauty Crystal Renn strutted down the Jean-Paul Gaultier runway in a nude, hip-hugging, floral-cascading tulle gown, I was agog. For the first time ever, I saw me in high fashion. But now Renn looks like just another couture clothes-hanger, with glass-cutting cheekbones and ribs to match. While I hope the former bulimic is healthy but still Hungry, Renn has lost her appeal to me.
Even Emme, the first plus-size supermodel and my original sHero can’t help gushing over Lynn’s gorgeous cover: "If there is a ‘Body’ to represent millions of women around the world, Tara Lynn's is certainly one to admire. Today, Tara and a select few are breaking down walls of stigma and false beliefs that top-tier plus-size models can't attract an audience. In fact, quite the opposite is true.” Using her web site EmmeNation to promote size acceptance and female empowerment, she stumps for fashion reform: “The industry needs to change so models can be healthy and work; not push for young women to reach an unhealthy size or weight.” Amen, sister.
