The groundbreaking cover that’s making headlines for all the right reasons.
Women’s Running magazine is earning praise across the world today for its August edition, which features plus-sized model Erica Jean Schenk on the cover.
Schenk, who is signed with the Wilhelmina models – the same agency that represents Robyn Lawley – told E! that she had no idea the magazine would feature her on the cover.
“I was initially stunned.” she said. “I thought it would be a big deal but it turned out to be a MUCH bigger deal than I thought it would be!”
It’s the first cover for Schenk – who wears size 18 – who hopes that the cover will empower women.
“I’m over the moon that all these people see me and can relate. I hope I make an impact in women’s body acceptance.” she said.
The magazine’s editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor has said that it’s important for people to recognise that runners come in different shapes and sizes.
“There’s a stereotype that all runners are skinny, and that’s just not the case,” Sebor told Today.com. “Runners come in all shapes and sizes. You can go any race finish line, from a 5K to a marathon, and see that. It was important for us to celebrate that.”
“This cover proves anyone can run,” Schenk said to People. “Don’t be afraid to be curvy and do what you love. You are not alone.”
These are the covers we’re used to seeing on the Women’s magazine.
What do you think of the cover? Do magazines need to do a better job in representing different body types?
Like this story? Try these…
11 ‘plus-size’ models changing the modelling game.
All of these women are ‘plus-sized’ according to America.
In an industry that retouches even supermodels, this cover deserves a round of applause.
Top Comments
Can you provide a bit more detail on what exactly we are supposed to be celebrating here?
if this issue of running sells more copies than previous months, then you can bet Erica will be on the cover again and again. we have been reading mamamia long enough to know that magazine covers are to sell magazines.