Sometimes, it can feel counter-productive to have size labels in the modeling industry. While so-called plus-size models do indeed wear larger dresses than, say, Gisele Bündchen, stunners like Robyn Lawley carry a heavy stigma simply for wearing sizes comparable to the American mainstream.
Which is why it's so refreshing to hear of a fashion business that's doing away with size labels entirely. Well, almost entirely. Fashionista reports that up-and-coming model agency Jag will represent girls of all sizes as their clients, shedding "plus-size" and "straight-size" casting distinctions.
The first agency of its kind in New York City, Jag's agenda is to expand plus-size models' work in the industry. Founded by Gary Dakin and Jaclyn Sarka, formerly of Ford Models' recently axed plus division, the new operation angles to promote a range of different body types -- even those that fall in the tricky area between the two labels. As Dakin tells Fashionista, "The goal is putting girls of all sizes on the covers of magazines, in advertising, and not stopping."
"The average size of the girls [we represent] is a 14/16 but there are 10s and there are 18s and if there's a size 8 or a size 6 that we fall in love with we'll take them on," Dakin continues. "We're not going to limit ourselves, because the industry shouldn't be limiting to anybody."
A noble mission. With any luck, gone are the days of plus-size models padding themselves to please a client. And gone are the struggles of audience resistance Dakin spoke of back in 2010 in The Times UK. Perhaps one size does indeed fit all.
Jag's getting their start representing H&M's legendary first plus-size model, Jennie Runk, and roughly 30 other models that fall along a body-beautiful spectrum. Read more about their inspiring mission over on Fashionista. Tell us: Do you think their broad mission statement will make a mark on the fashion industry?
Make way for more models like these:
