Posted on February 03, 2010 by Glen Johnson

Hundreds of plus-size fashion stores and more Ultimate Plus-Size Shopping List!

One of the great things about doing what I do is encountering great people who have fantastic ideas.  Recently through twitter I was introduced to 100% People a UK based size acceptance community.  They are launching a campaign to increase awareness in the fashion industry particularly in the modeling realm were we all know that emaciation is the order of the day.

Kathryn Whatton and company have launched the Real Bodies Unite a global campaign to raise 10,000 signatures to show fashion houses they should use realistic bodies on the runway and in advertising.  Additionally, Real Bodies Unite is appealing to all those women fed up of being bombarded with images of super-skinny, emaciated models.

They have a simple goal, to get realistic imagery in every field of the fashion industry. The campaign needs over 10,000 signatures to present to the fashion houses to prove the perspectives and insecurities women feel when unrealistic and airbrushed imagery is used in fashion.  I think if some of the major fashion houses see this type of backing they will surely reconsider how they give out work and to who.

Plus size resource and community website, www.100percentpeople.com, launched the campaign asking for the support of individuals who are disillusioned with the unrealistic and airbrushed imagery used by the fashion industry.

Although the average British woman is deemed a size 14, use of realistic bodies and beauty is something rarely seen in the fashion industry, which continues to use size six models at best. This misrepresentation often leads to body insecurities with young girls and teenagers turning to unhealthy measures to lose weight, even considering surgery. Girlguiding UK found one in two 16-21 year olds would consider surgery to change their appearance.

The same can be said for the average American woman.  With a size 14/16 being the norm it is far to common to see size zero models or the plus models that are featured are a size 14 but are at least 6 feet tall, which is far from the average look on this side of the water.  In this humble bloggers opinion if the retail market would use models that look like their target audience they would sell more clothes.

There has been a huge response from individuals worldwide regarding body representation which has been seen in renowned women’s magazines; Glamour, V and Brigitte, suggesting that women do want to see real bodies. A recent study conducted by ComRes found 90% of people agreed that the media and advertising industry should use models with a broader range of body sizes. The campaign hopes to improve the body confidence of women, men and teens alike, ultimately reducing eating disorders and creating a healthy body image amongst society.

Full Figure Plus is a supporter of this initiative and thinks that it is a fantastic idea.  Size acceptance is something we should not have to fight for regardless as to our country of origin.  After you sign the petition join the community and say hello my id is of course fullfigureplus.

For further information please contact:
Sarah Jones
Website manager
sarah@100percentpeople.com
01604654166
www.100percentpeople.com

About 100% People
The website, which has been in operation since 2005, has now become the No. 1 Plus size resource website in the UK, however globally it has 3000 visitors a day. Creator, Kathryn, became aware very early on that being plus size, and that could mean even having large feet or being extra tall, not only affects women but men and children and that is why 100% People was created.

The site has become the oracle for anything to do with the plus size market. Bringing together information on news, health, fashion, entertainment, style advice, publications, exciting competitions and the most extensive and comprehensive shopping directory.

100% People provides a support system with a growing community where like minded individuals can come together.