By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Notification Show More
Latest News
Nature's Twist - size inclusive jewelry
Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands
Fashion+Style plus size accessories
Loud Bodies Bridal up through a size 10X
Loud Bodies Drops an Inclusive Bridal Collection up through a size 10X!
Plus Size Designers
Forever 21 x Juicy Couture
Channel Your Y2K Nostalgia with the Forever 21 x Juicy Couture Collection (Yes, in Plus Sizes!)
Plus Size Designers
453003050
Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters
Body Politics Shopping
You Oughta Know: Gia/irl, a Contemporary Plus Size LA-Based Brand
You Oughta Know: Gia/irl, a Contemporary Plus Size LA-Based Brand
Fashion and Industry
Aa
  • News
    News
    Looking the the latest plus size fashion and industry news around designers, influencers, and community happenings? We’ve got you covered with the latest happenings in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves!
    9 years ago
    nordstrom size inclusive
    What’s Missing as Nordstrom (and others) Takes Note of Us, the Plus Size Consumer
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    Loud Bodies Drops an Inclusive Bridal Collection up through a size 10X!
    5 days ago
    Channel Your Y2K Nostalgia with the Forever 21 x Juicy Couture Collection (Yes, in Plus Sizes!)
    1 week ago
    You Oughta Know: Gia/irl, a Contemporary Plus Size LA-Based Brand
    1 week ago
    The Rebdolls Spring Collection Will Make You Swoon and We’ve Found 10 Faves!
    1 week ago
  • Style
    Style
    Yes, plus size style options exist and we are here to share the latest style finds, news, updates, and plus size style tips & tricks…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    10 years ago
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    9 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands
    5 days ago
    The Rebdolls Spring Collection Will Make You Swoon and We’ve Found 10 Faves!
    1 week ago
    You Oughta Know: What Lo Wants, A Sustainable LA-Based Plus Size Brand
    2 weeks ago
    Need to Update Your Lingerie Collection? Crush by Cacique is bringing the Bold and Bright Newness!
    2 weeks ago
  • Beauty
    Beauty
    Looking for the latest beauty trends, products, and makeup tips and beauty advice for plus size people?! Check out the latest beauty articles on The…
    Show More
    Top News
    Wearing Make-Up To Work, A Bad Thing?
    10 years ago
    10 Products to Fight Chub Rub
    It’s Chub Rub Season—10 Products To Battle It
    6 years ago
    PrescriptivesCustom Blend Foundation
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Prescriptives!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    The Best 2023 Planners to Keep You Organized and Help You Reach Your Goals!
    3 months ago
    13 Last Minute Beauty Gifts Everyone is Sure to Love
    3 months ago
    TCF Gift Guide: 15 Beauty Stocking Stuffers to Wow and Amaze Your Loved Ones!
    4 months ago
    20 of the Best Beauty Advent Calendars That Will Help You Countdown to the Holidays In Style
    5 months ago
  • Wellness
    Wellness
    Let’s talk about self-care, self-love, body image, and related topics to wellness and life as a plus size person!
    Show More
    Top News
    Torrid's Feature of Tiffany from On The Fatwalk
    The Enabling of Self Loathers and Shame – A Facebook Observation of Torrid
    11 years ago
    Rescue Stress relief
    Finding My Own Rescue Remedy & Taking Better Care of Myself…
    6 years ago
    Plus Size Lingerie: Hips and Curves
    Confidence, Sex, and the Plus Size Woman pt.1
    11 years ago
    Latest News
    Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters
    1 week ago
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    2 weeks ago
    REI Sets a New Standard for Inclusive Fashion for the Outdoors
    3 weeks ago
    Save the Date for The BodCon Virtual Conference!
    3 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle
    There is so much more to a plus size fashion lover and we are highlighting the various topics from home, to dating and beyond in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Open Letter Tim Gunn
    An Open Letter: Dear Tim Gunn, Let’s Make It Work
    10 years ago
    2017 MTV Move & TV Awards, chrissy metz, plus size celebrity
    ‘I Wear What I Want, When I Want’: Chrissy Metz Slays In Red at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
    6 years ago
    Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    Plus Size Art: Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    6 years ago
    Latest News
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    2 weeks ago
    Beyond Plus Size Activewear: The Plus Size Outdoor Clothing & 5 Communities To Know!
    2 months ago
    Save these 5 Plus Size Halloween Costume Tips from a Few Plus Size Cosplayers!
    5 months ago
    12 Places to Shop for Plus Size Halloween Costumes & Our Faves!
    6 months ago
  • Culture
    Culture
    Yes there is a plus size culture and we are here to share and celebrate it from entertainment to movies, we are talking about it!…
    Show More
    Top News
    25 women of color e1615188552216
    25 Women Of Color Who Paved The Way for Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
    2 years ago
    Plus+ Coffee table book
    Because We Love a Great Book, Here are 30+ Plus Size Centered Must-Reads! 
    5 years ago
    Hulu's Shrill Reminded Me How Far Ive Come
    How to Make a Great Show Even Better: Here Are 5 Plus Size Brands That Shrill Could Have Used!
    4 years ago
    Latest News
    Get To Know The Big Grrrls Cast! The Plus Size Dancers Competing For A Spot On Stage.
    1 year ago
    6 Easy Date Ideas For Every Budget
    1 year ago
    The Unfiltered Brilliance of Ryan Ken Acts
    1 year ago
    Unlike Hollywood’s Latest Portrayal of Her, Stagecoach Mary was Not Skinny, And She Wasn’t Light-skinned
    1 year ago
  • Shop TCF
Search TCF
More
  • Events
  • Curvy & Plus Size Fashion Resources
  • About The Curvy Fashionista
  • Advertising
  • Contact
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Reading: Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….
Aa
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
  • News
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Culture
  • Shop TCF
Search TCF
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • Contact
Sign In Sign In
Follow US
  • Login
  • Community Guidelines
  • Style Star Ambassadors
  • TCFStyle Influencer Network
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
© 2008- 2021 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Culture

Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….

Marie Denee
Last updated: 08/30/2012
By Marie Denee 8 Min Read
Share

This has been heavy on my heart. I have sat back and read almost every article fashioned regarding the account of last week’s Project Runway “Fix My Friend” episode, still in a cloud of funk, disgust, disappointment, frustration, and despair. I have bounced around ways to write this: an open letter, a rant, or addressed to Terri herself… I have decided to make this a blend of all three.

Table of Contents
Dear Terri,Ven Budhu,Dear Project Runway,This situation does have a silver lining though…CHANGE is happening. And Project Runway only showed us WHY and HOW.

For those of you, who missed this episode, let me catch you up to speed (and then check out Nick Verreos’s Recap.) Last week, as with each episode of Project Runway, they have a “Real Woman” challenge in which designers are paired up with women like you and I, looking for an outfit for whatever the occasion or reason. THIS season, the already snobby Ven Budhu (who happens to be a Big and Tall man himself) was paired with Terri, who happens to be a size 12/14 ish. Magic made in heaven right? WRONG.

- Advertisement -

Okay, now that you are caught up, let me begin.

Dear Terri,

Terri from Project Runway's Real Women Challenge

I am going to start with you because you have been the unfortunate victim here. I want to hug you and tell you that YOU, ma’am are an amazing woman and definitely a BRAVE woman who has had to endure so much ignorance and rudeness, and for this I am so sorry. I want you to know that YOU and your enviable haircut are too fly for this despicable and deplorable treatment.

- Advertisement -

Please know Terri, that there is a community here to support and welcome you to the fabulous world of plus size fashion. There are DESIGNERS who cater to a plus size woman’s fabulous curves, there are bloggers who celebrate and challenge those unfortunate stereotypes, and there are resources and magazines that allow you to see YOURSELF in fashion!

You have such tremendous support and people behind you to help you through this interesting time. I know that you have reached out to Project Runway who has met you with such dismissive behavior, but KNOW in this digital age, love, we see you and we see them. I have read your letter; call out for help, and your facebook page. We stand behind you darling in this wronged situation.

PS.  Michael Costello? YOU are amazing offering to design a dress for Terri and I really hope you do! Suede  from Season 5, and Peach have all stepped up to design looks for Terri!!

Ven Budhu,

Sir. First of all you should have two seats. Where do YOU get off telling the camera how “very disappointed” you were in having to deal with a “Real Woman?” Don’t you watch Project Runway? Don’t you know every season the designers are challenged to rock this challenge? Or did you think you were exempt?

- Advertisement -

Ven Budhu Who Bullied Terri from Project Runway

You claim that Terri had an attitude from the jump? No sir, you were the one who judged her the second you saw her. The incessant digging and demeaning of Terri was not lost by your peers, some who have “Lost all respect for you.” The fact that you were “in shock” and kept referring to Terri’s curves as “wide waist and hiplines” shows how detached from reality you truly are. The fact that you said her “before” photo is “definitely a NIGHTMARE?”  WHO DIED AND MADE YOU GOD?  Who ARE YOU?

You checked out before you even started. And then to suggest that she wear all black for a “Slimming effect?” Boy, you obviously are lost on fashion and the plus size consumer. Once this show is over, I suggest you do a bit of research about the State of Plus Size Fashion, a 17 billion dollar industry.

NEWSFLASH: Most of the women- your future clients that you will meet don’t or will not look like models.

Good luck sir in trying to remove this stain from you perfectly coiffed and pleated designs… Your name will always be associated with your contempt for the female form. More so, after your ignorance hit the twitter stream and you had the gall to blame editing, Terri, Project Runway and anyone but YOURSELF, (Funny how you have since deleted all of your tweets regarding this, but you can see all of them here) Ven, check yourself; your ignorance and pompous behavior is showing.

BUT WAIT? I love how Kim, Gunnar’s Client fashioned a nice note, detailing JUST how cruel and unusual your treatment was… so sir, it wasnt Terri and it wasn’t editing. In fact Kim said the editing did you a FAVOR!

Good luck trying to make a great name for yourself after this.

 

Dear Project Runway,

I have had love for you since season ONE. As the times have changed, social media has evolved, and how vocal consumers are, to sit by and not take a firm stance on bullying, ignorance, or rude behavior only tows the line of  your acceptance for it. You already had one controversial situation many seasons ago in this “Real Women Challenge” before the advent of social media and before situations went viral, why even open the door again, when so many were done with you after that season?

Not only do I have issue with the lack of care here, but THIS challenge was about the client. Yes, the fashion. But even more the CLIENT and her makeover.  Only by default you kept him in the bottom, but as with any other challenge, if they did not fulfill the challenge AND the garment was hideous, then VEN should have been sent packing.

Because of your actions, there are now fans going after your advertisers, a petition has been formed, and well, depending on how you look at it, people are talking…

 

This situation does have a silver lining though…

How Marie?

Well, I see this as the chance to positively affect change and to show the designers, retailers, and fashion fans that plus size women NEED more designers who understand, recognize, and demand fashionable options. NOT, a way to cash in, but a true desire to create for those of us who want better.

Ven’s actions show us the reasons why I BLOG, why Plus Model Magazine exists, why Vogue Italia’ s Vogue Curvy exists, why Marie Claire’s Big Girl in a Skinny World exist, why Full Figured Fashion Week exists. And sooo many other Blogs, magazines, and resources are becoming readily available.

CHANGE is happening. And Project Runway only showed us WHY and HOW.

I could say so much more but, I’m Done.

TAGGED: body image, project runway
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
30 Comments 30 Comments
  • Sherrie says:
    August 30, 2012 at 9:53 am

    Great piece Marie! I missed the original airing of the show but saw your tweets and couldnt wait to see it.Mr.Big & Tall should have seen this as a wonderful opportunity to show the beauty of this gorgeous woman and her curves.If she was such a nightmare at a size 12/14 I’d hate to see how he would’ve reacted to my 18/20 frame.It took everything in me not to throw my shoe at the tv.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      August 30, 2012 at 10:58 am

      Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your shared frustrations!!!

      Reply
  • Curvy CEO says:
    August 30, 2012 at 10:09 am

    *stands up and applauds*

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      August 30, 2012 at 10:58 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Kim St Clair says:
    August 30, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Marie, Thank you so much for your kind words to Terri and to me, Gunnar’s client, Kim. I would love to work with you to continue this campaign since my measurements are also considered Plus Size. Hope to hear from you. [email protected]

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      August 30, 2012 at 10:58 am

      Thank you so much Kim for stopping by! I really appreciated what you did for her! What did you have in mind?

      Reply
  • ichoosethesun says:
    August 30, 2012 at 11:37 am

    *joining Curvy CEO in her applause* Thank you, as always Marie, for putting into words what so many of us are feeling. Please remind me to give you a hug when I see you in Vegas 😉

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:35 am

      Ooohhh! Yes! Let’s hug it out!!!!

      Reply
  • Margaret M. says:
    August 30, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Thank you for this!! My husband and I watched that episode and we were both thoroughly disgusted at how he was acting. Whether the girl was plus size or not, she was his client! In the end, clients is what gets you paid! And what made it worse was that the judges decided to keep him! I was in utter disbelief. We curvy girls have come too far for this mess!

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:34 am

      Tell it! Toooooooo far!

      Reply
  • Terri says:
    August 30, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    Thank you so much for your kind words and loads of support. I can’t express how much your letter truly lifted my spirits today. I am grateful for receiving such a beautiful letter. <3 Terri

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:34 am

      Terri! I am sooo sorry you had to endure what you did, BUT I applaud your bravery to stand up after the fact! You could have retreated, but you let it be known who you are and for that I commend you!

      Reply
  • Over Dressed for Life says:
    August 30, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    Well done, Marie! This guy won’t get far with his spoiled brat attitude. Terri is a beautiful woman and deserves so much better; I hope Project Runway has done something to make up for this outrage. Cheers from Over Dressed for Life.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:33 am

      If not project runway, Plus Model Magazine will!

      Reply
  • Tiffany McGuire says:
    August 30, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Thank you so much for bringing this up Marie. My heart BROKE for Terri. BROKE! Any one else would have hooked her up! but noooo…the ever so slim Ven didn’t even try. Her shape was perfect to show SERIOUS talent as a designer (how many designers that we know would have given her pure design…something benefiting the beautiful and hardworking woman that she is).

    I’m so glad you’re bringing this further into light. It’s a very unfortunate thing that a body can’t get a little dressing up because those who are supposed to be talented possess minds smaller than the waists they prefer. I hope Terri feels the support she has and knows that we have her back!

    -Amazon

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:33 am

      OMG you just said the best line ever!
      It’s a very unfortunate thing that a body can’t get a little dressing up because those who are supposed to be talented possess minds smaller than the waists they prefer. Brava!

      Reply
  • Tanesha Awasthi says:
    August 30, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    PREACH honey! It was horribly sad and shocking to see a plus size man discriminating against the very group of women he will be designing for: non-models! I assume he himself has gone through discrimination, being a full-figured man/designer in the very industry that shuns plus size people in general… perhaps he was taking his own issues out on Terri? Regardless of why he said and did what he did, it’s very unfortunate that he will forever be associated with ugliness and sizeism due to his poor actions.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:32 am

      You summed it up perfectly! 🙂 But yes, it is sad…

      Reply
  • FortyTude says:
    August 30, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    Marie,

    I too watched this episode in total disbelief and disgust. In the end, though, I don’t know with who or what I was more upset with, Project Runway overall, or Ven’s ignorance. To feel that the competition was “unfair” because you were “stuck” with a full-figured woman as your client shows just how much he don’t know about REAL design for REAL women. Nevermind the fact that Michael Kors who designs for and sells to full figured beautiful women sits on the panel judging your designs, behavior toward your client and attitude.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:31 am

      Right!!!!!

      Reply
  • PCFashionista says:
    August 30, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    I just watched this episode last night and did a blog post on it… i almost had to stop watching cause i was so dang mad at how he treated this beautiful woman. She did absolutely nothing wrong and he treated her like gum on a shoe. Thank God that she has a friend who was willing to take up for her no matter what. I think the part that really pissed me off is after he was almost kicked off, he felt no remorse about the situation.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:31 am

      Can you share your link?

      Thank you for stopping by! And you are right, thank God for friends!

      Reply
  • lesley ann says:
    August 30, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Hi
    I would like to thank you for this post. I watched that episode and was beyond speechless. I just could not believe Ven’s behaviour, truly disgusting. I read his tweets and was even more upset as I did believe maybe it was all in the editing of the show. I do hope Project Runway fixes this issue and does the right thing. thanks again for the post and your blog.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:31 am

      Thank you Lesley! BEYOND … my jaw was dropped the whole time! I doubt they will fix… but the negative press may just do so…

      Reply
  • Ingrid Harrell says:
    August 31, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Wow MD, Just saw the repeat yesterday and I wanted to SCREAM! Well, I was actually screaming at my tv! I was just sitting there, literally smh. What is wrong with people? And what gets me is…HE’S PLUS SIZED! I was at a loss when he wasn’t sent home. I’m just amazed that we’re still being discriminated against when in all actuality, we’re the MAJORITY! Good job with the article. I couldn’t have said it better myself. (Without going to jail that is….) 🙂

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:30 am

      Thank you kindly ma’am!

      Reply
  • Melissa Lowe says:
    August 31, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Ven Budhu should have been sent home….

    Reply
  • Melissa Lowe says:
    August 31, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Marie..I’m trying to find a designer to put together a personal fashion line for me….Can you send me some suggestions.

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      September 3, 2012 at 8:29 am

      I have links at the top for resources 🙂 http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/plus-size-fashion-resources/curvy-designers/

      Reply
  • Mary L Maes says:
    January 4, 2022 at 11:22 pm

    I completely agree. Ven’s treatment of Terri was disgusting. He should have been kicked off the show immediately. After this episode I couldn’t look at his designs with anything but contempt. I would never consider buying anything he put together.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

Nature's Twist - size inclusive jewelry
Fashion+Style

Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands

- Advertisement -

You May Also Enjoy

Curlycurvydiva on IG - B Bellies
Body Politics

The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
10 Ways to Embrace Your Sensuality
Wellness

10 Ways To Embrace Your Sensuality Beyond Valentine’s Day

Team TCF By Team TCF
plus size boudoir photography by Anete Lusina- DIY Boudoir photography tips
Fashion and Industry

Try these 4 DIY Boudoir Shoot Tips for a Little Self-Love this Valentine’s Day!

bricarrington By bricarrington
5 tips to help you combat diet culture
Body Politics

5 Tips to Help You Face Diet Culture In the New Year

mcgillmaggie By mcgillmaggie
Therapeutic Tools To Help You Through the Holiday Season
Wellness

5 Therapeutic Tools To Help You Through the Holiday Season

Rachel Otis By Rachel Otis
Three plus size women laughing happily
Wellness

Ask The Reader: If You Could Write a Love Letter to Your Favorite Part of Your Body…

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Reading: Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Follow US

© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·

Removed from reading list

Undo
The Curvy Fashionista Logo
Welcome Back!

Please Sign in to Your Account

Lost your password?