The Big Girls

For the most part, fashion magazine and large chain retailers are afraid of the big girls — any plus size model over a size 18. They are missing out but they are also taking something away from us as the viewer/shopper. Beautiful women come in all shapes, sizes, and colors but there is a size range that is completely invisible. We do not get to see the clothes we love on other bodies, on larger bodies, and we certainly do not get the opportunity to admire them.
Every year Sealed with a Kiss (or SwakDesigns for short) does something new to impress me. The last few years they have been stepping up their style quota by like 100 percent and more recently they have ventured into uncharted territory by using models above the “industry” standard.
Rosie Mercado has been on my radar for a few years, I pretty much stalk her everywhere. She did an amazing editorial with SwakDesigns. Every time I see this woman I cannot help but smile. Here are a few of my favorite images from the SwakDesigns editorial:

And just this week they unveiled Tess Munster, who has modelled for them before, and who I have also been stalking on Instagram. I know, I have stalking issues. Here are a few of my favorite images from her spread:

These two women are ignored by the usual plus size clothing retailers because they do not fit the arbitrary size and proportion standards but they are incredibly beautiful woman who obviously know how to pose for a photo.
SwakDesigns is doing a fine job of offering affordable, stylish, everyday wear for plus size women sizes 14 to 36. And they are doing a fine of bringing the Big Girls into the spotlight. The larger retailers should really take notes.
***
Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from SwakDesigns