Buzz
Is beauty defined by a size 0? Absolutely not! While many young people between the ages of 11 and 13 struggle with body image, statistics show that a staggering 80% of children from 3rd to 6th grade are unhappy with their appearance or weight. By the time they reach 9 years old, about 30 to 40% of girls have already tried dieting. This number rises to 80% between the ages of 10 and 16. Experts say that these feelings stem from the overwhelming cultural pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Young girls are constantly bombarded with these harmful ideals and need to understand that being beautiful doesn’t mean being skinny. Here are 10 fabulous “plus-sized” models and entertainers who prove that true beauty comes from within and can be found in all shapes and sizes.
10. Christina Schmidt
At just 19 years old, Christina Schmidt is a Canadian plus-size model and actress who has captured the spotlight with her striking beauty, powerful confidence, and undeniable talent. Her work has earned her accolades, and she has become a role model for a generation of girls who embrace their fuller figures.
9. Toccara Elaine Jones
Toccara Jones has graced the pages of top publications and worked with major brands including Ashley Stewart, New York and Company, Target, Essence magazine, Vibe magazine, King magazine, and Smooth magazine. She is also the current host of BET’s popular game show series Take the Cake. Additionally, she made a memorable cameo in Trina’s music video for the song 'I Got a Thang For You.'
8. Johanna Dray
Dray, a plus-size model based in Paris, gained recognition after appearing in John Galliano’s ‘Everybody is Beautiful’ Spring 2006 prêt-à-porter show. She later graced a French Vogue editorial featuring the collection, which included the best-selling dress of that show. Dray has also been featured in Elle France and Gala magazine. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with top European photographers like Nick Knight and Steve Hiatt and worked with renowned brands such as Marina Rinaldi and Giani Forte.
7. Charlotte Coyle
A plus-size model hailing from Derry, Northern Ireland, she has been featured in advertisements for Torrid and Marks & Spencer. Her presence was also highlighted in a U.K. edition of Good Housekeeping magazine. In addition, she appeared in a Channel 4 documentary titled 'Fat Beauty Contest,' where she spearheaded Britain’s first-ever beauty contest for plus-size women.
6. Crystal Renn
Renn, who previously battled anorexia, made a remarkable transformation to become a plus-size model after regaining her health. In a short period, she achieved tremendous success, appearing in multiple editorials for Vogue’s U.S., Italian, French, and German editions. She also made a notable appearance on the catwalk for Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2006 prêt-à-porter collection.
5. Maggie Yumi Brown
Maggie Yumi Brown rose to fame in November 2006 when she won 'Tyra’s Thick and Sexy Top Model Contest' on The Tyra Banks Show. As part of her prize, she received a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models, a $1,000 prize from Lane Bryant, and a photo shoot for Bombshell Magazine’s 2008 editorial. Following her victory, Maggie appeared on numerous magazine covers, including the December 2006 issue of Bombshell magazine.
4. Natalie Laughlin
She made history as the first plus-size model to have an advertisement showcased on a billboard in New York's iconic Times Square. This milestone was repeated four times through her client, Liz Claiborne. Additionally, Laughlin became the first plus-size model to appear in the U.S. edition of Glamour magazine.
3. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is a renowned musician, actor, and model who has made a significant impact in multiple industries. In addition to her work in movies, TV, and hosting her own talk show, she is a celebrated spokesperson for brands like Cover Girl cosmetics and Curvation ladies underwear. Latifah is one of only two hip-hop artists to earn an Academy Award nomination for acting (Best Supporting Actress for Chicago, 2002), alongside Will Smith. Quite the achievement.
Contributor: Tiffany H
2. Whitney Thompson
Whitney Thompson made history as the first plus-size model to win the reality TV competition America’s Next Top Model. She started her modeling career at 15 in her hometown of Florida, where she graced the cover of her local 'Jacksonville' magazine multiple times. Standing at 5'10”, Thompson identifies as fluctuating between U.S. sizes 8-10. At the time of her appearance on ANTM, she was just 20 years old. In 2008, she became the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Seventeen magazine, specifically the July issue.
1. Jill Scott
Jill Scott is a multi-talented American artist, celebrated as a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and poet, known for her contributions to R&B, soul, and jazz music. In 2007, she made her acting debut in the films Hounddog, where she portrayed Big Mama Thornton, and in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? Later that year, Scott released her third studio album, *The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3*, on September 25, 2007.
