6 CURVE Expressionists Substituting The Phrase Plus-Size Model w. Muse
Written By: Desiree Dossen
12/7/16
In lieu of the term model I prefer, Muse. A muse is artistic and symbolic where as a model is a walking business, that can seem machine operated or robotic. A muse is definitely self expressive in all aspects of life. Staying true to their individual sense of style as it portrays to a designers piece as both collaborate to serve up on message. A muse can offer creative direction and take the lead in building their own platform. Anyone who knows me knows that I dislike the term plus-sized. The term is attached to a negative message, in which it is understood that their are individuals transforming its meaning. The term Curve is sophisticated and defines the beauty of a woman in her natural state without being judged for being "unhealthy."
Thanks to social media we are able to discover gems "Serving Style Through Representation" being that many of these individuals I found on Instagram some may have handles instead of full names. Yet the handle would be easier to find who I am featuring in this post.
- Paloma Elsesser- Signed to Muse Management NYC. She has been in the legendary Beautyologist (Makeup Artist) Pat McGrathreal's latest influential campaigns. This is where choosing the muse rather than the model becomes evident. Paloma's throwback essential, natural, urban, soft, edgy, chula vibe is ethereal to the highest degree. I first heard of her after watch StyleLikeYou's Youtube video with her feature in the "What's Underneath" project. It's been almost two years and I cant get enough of her glory. Check Out her IG:@palomija and tumblr where the magic takes place
- K_Merica - Taking it back to the early 80's and 90's with highlights of earlier eras. Miss K_Merica on IG has fulfilled the epitome of "Pretty Woman." With a pearl necklace, wide brim hat, feathered eyelashes, and leather gloves to match. Oh yeah and a cropped moto jacket with powerful shoulder pads. Honey, if the 90s is what you would consider vintage, than this doll right here gives us life through her IG aesthetic. She has been in campaigns with Rue107 but why settle for a model when you can have the ultimate muse. She styles and models the total package. All of the girls chosen "Serve Style Through Representation" IG: @k_merica Tumblr
- Yasmin Moon - Another expressionist killing the ads and industry with her Mediterranean look. Natural beaute in a raw form. The industry can get superficial with non realistic expectations of models. Yet these muses are artists before models. Real life sculptures awakening the industry that has been sleeping for decades. Yasmin is signed to Muse Management NYC as well. I love the individual room for expression and to be yourself first that the agency allows their models. This is what the industry needs. Thank You Yasmin and Muse Model Mgmt. IG: @yasminmoonmoon
- LULU B- The youngins are coming out of left field with there grace and ethereal glory. Yes the modeling industry starts at an early age. Howver I am in awe of how these young expressionist are leading the pack rather than following. Embracing their curves and being casted of their individuality. The older generation could never do this. Stop telling little girls that they should lose weight at five. That same little girl could triple your salary in when she gets older. Rosey cheeks and luminescent blonde locks with a confidence that exudes art. Masterpiece she is. I thought I was a baby, I'm always the youngest among all of my friends with dreams that are universal. I love to see the younger generatio, not too far behind building platforms that the world can witness to be positive. Again I am not an advocate for slut-shaming, stop sexualizing curves and see the beauty behind the exterior.
- Diana Veras- It was my tumblr in which this New York native was gracing my dashboard. When American Apparel was life. That was then this is now. Who would've known TeenVogue would feature our Social Media sensations? Weird is allowed on tumblr. I would reblog the life out of MyNamesDiana's tumblr. Nonetheless my best friend's name is Diana and we equally loved her natural curls and style to match. I am happy to witness the growth of individuals that made it on tumblr and now are in international publications. Who said curve femmes couldn't do haute couture? Who said curves and editorial didn't match? I am here for it and loving that at only 20 Diana has accomplished many things that adults take their entire life to do. Being you gets you far in life. She is an example of that. Not knowing her personally makes the connection even more magical. It's like when your sister or best friend makes it into the olympics and you cannot stop bragging about them. That's how I feel when I see my favorite social media influencers working with large companies. Keep shining bright Diana, it's only up from here.
- Leah Abott- The Jamaican-Brittish Stylist that slays as if Missy Elliot was still in her youthful days. A day on youtube watching films and interviews I stumbled upon a sister that lives all the way in the UK. Herstory is still being written in which I am waiting to see her next move. Her steeze, her intellect, her platform is again not to be messed with. She slayed in Skepta's Shutdown video and has taken part in many projects. Leaders and influencers stay true to their craft. Expressing moods through garments and poses that mimic dances. The art of modeling can be found in the CURVE industry. Seriously, I get bored with the banal minimal editorial shoots models repeat. Yet these models listed above continue to bring the heat. I am a supporter of their work and will continue to shed light on the rest that is yet to come. IG: @leahabbott
Leah Abbott
By: NanaJr1 & SEZCHERIE