Imagine going in for a casting for a modeling competition and daring to be one if only of the few who dare to strut a beautiful size 14+ only to be told you were not what they were looking for. It happens quite often, however the reason for not being chosen is not what you think.
Something funny is going on down under in Australia as they began casting their contestants for Australia’s Next Top Model . The show’s judge, Charlotte Dawson, ignorantly affirms there is not plus size modeling industry, AND that while she is judge, no plus size models will win while she is on the show.
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Australia Top Model Judge Charlotte Dawson Makes a Bold Statement
(Charlotte Dawson with the microphone in the black suit)
EXCUSE ME.
WHAT?!?!
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According to NineMSN, Dawson spewed her disdain and lack of support in the Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne’s southeast at an audition for the sixth series of the show.
“There is no market for plus-size models in Australia…. it would be tokenism to put a plus-size girl through just for the sake of it,” Dawson told ninemsn. To back up her claims, Dawson continued saying, “I would like someone to name a plus-size model in Australia because I can’t”
And if the powers that be did crown a plus size model in Australia, Dawson continues on her disdain for the industry stating, “We could have a plus-size model win the competition and she would end up doing catalogues for Target.” She continues defending her position with observations like, “there is just not enough work for them in Australia.”
Is this Charlotte Dawson lady for reals?
Unfortunately…
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YES.
But to counter-attack her ignorance, enter in the lovely Darrianne Donnelly, director of the plus-size modeling agency BGM Models. Donnelly shared her “disappointment” of Dawson’s frustratingly insensitive remarks. “For Charlotte Dawson to say there is no plus-size modeling industry in Australia is untrue…I have models out there proving it every day,” Ms Donnelly stating, to correct Dawson’s comments.
The tug of war of plus size fashion begins as plus size fashion is more in people’s face. Some battle with acceptance, the reality, and the beauty plus size modeling has to offer, but Miss Dawson, you have so much to learn about the progress of plus size modeling, no matter how minute you think we are!
It is so disturbing to hear over & over how plus-sized women are unneeded or unwanted, perhaps disdained for just simply being. I’m so disappointed in this woman & her ignorance. I thought the industry had become more open-minded since the days of Janice Dickinson’s ignorance on ANTM but apparently there are more coming out of the woodwork. Perhaps one day they will wake up & realize that we are here & we are not just target/wal-mart shoppers. And we want to see high fashion plus size models.
Sigh. Both Charlotte Dawson & Alex Perry who are judges on this show make my skin crawl and I wish both of them would just disappear from public life. They push a ridiculous thin ideal constantly and it’s so damaging considering so many young girls watch the show. Sigh again.
Alas, until something changes they are going to get away with spewing this kind of garbage. “Fatism” is the last socially acceptable “‘ism” out there.
In point of fact, most of the “plus sized” models are simply NORMAL sized women. They are taller than average, and have average shapes (sometimes even better than average). The “average” woman in the US (I doubt Oz is different) is around 5’4″ and weighs about 145lbs Hint, fashion industry, that AIN’T size 0! Probably closer to a 10/12, maybe even 14. So wake up and smell the coffee.
They will wake up when they get hit in the pocket. If a designer you like doesn’t make clothes that fit you DON’T BUY THEIR OTHER STUFF. No shoes, bags, scarves, makeup. Let them know WHY and how much you just spent at their rival who DOES make clothes for you.
I buy most of my clothes from Talbots. I’m probably older (over 45) than most women who read this site. I design jewelry so I like a nice classic look that shows off the goods.
I make sure I let them know when they do something I like (they have recently started carrying dresses in plus size, which they never did before) and also something I don’t like (some of the more fashion forward pieces are only available in Misses–albeit, their Misses goes to size 20). I spend a fair amount yearly there. They have a rewards program, so they know exactly how much. SPEAK OUT. MONEY talks!
Who is Charlotte Dawson???? Exactly. I am not disappoint nor surprise at her statement; I do not care about her and the “Janice Dickinsons” of the world; they are not worth my time and undivided attention. To my lovely, fat, plus size, curvy, or
whatever euphemism you want to use….Please continue to move on in your life and LOVE yourself and focus on having a fulling life!!
May all your dreams come true 🙂