by JASMINE GARNSWORTHY
That headline is enough to make your head spin. More on that in a sec. Let’s start with some good news.
Size 14-16 model, Robyn Lawley, has proven yet again that gorgeous women come in every size in a catch-your-breath-gorgeous swimwear shoot for Cosmopolitan Australia this month. The eight-page spread features Lawley on location in the Cook Islands and it’s divine.
Kudos to Cosmopolitan. How refreshing to see some diversity in a swimsuit shoot. MORE PLEASE. She’s also been Australian Vogue‘s first ‘plus-size’ covergirl, Ralph Lauren’s first ‘plus size’ model and the face – and body – of Boux Avenue, a British lingerie line.
If she were here we’d high-5 her.
Take a look at Lawley’s shoot for Cosmopolitan Australia and keep clicking for more candid and professional shots:
And now for the bad news. While Lawley’s success is an exciting indication that the fashion industry, both internationally and at home, is moving in the right direction (hurrah!), it’s still a little baffling that this 23-year-old Sydney model is considered ‘plus size given that the average Australian woman is a size 14-16.
Wouldn’t that make Lawley “normal sized”. Anyone? Anyone?
For an industry that earns it’s keep on selling women clothes, it’s sure taking a while for the industry to change their view of ‘plus size’ and ‘average size’ and to make room for all types of female beauty. A little hint: women are more likely to buy clothes when they appear on bodies they can relate to, but you can read more about that here.
If you’re a size 14 plus – like most of Australian women – you should know we stock the 17 Sundays label (on sale here on Mamamia Shopping ) and Sirens Swimwear’s seriously flattering swimwear here. Flick through the gallery for a peek at what’s available now:
Top Comments
Hi I love the idea that size 14 to 16 is average, but I have to say it still does not instill any confidence in me because I feel that people look at me (I am a size 14 to 16) and they are thinking god she is so over weight (I hate to admit but I am 5 foot 2 and I weigh about 70kgs). I find I normally wear clothes that are to big to just hide myself away. I have a beautiful 18 month old baby girl and I hate to feel that she will be treated abnormally because of the way she looks, she is currenlty a very petite little one but still, it scares me to think she will be treated the same I wish that society would stop this pre ocupation with size and appearance!!
Our perception of what is healthy is way out of whack. There are so many different body shapes on women l think only you and your doctor really know if your healthy. l'm 27 was about 60kg, 1.65cm with a healthy BMI before l fell pregnant, but if l walked out on the beach in a bikini most people would say l looked fat and needed to lose weight even though l could play a 90min game of soccer.