In 1947 Christian Dior changed the world of fashion when he introduced a line of dresses that he described as “molded upon the curves of the feminine body whose sweep they would stylize.” American magazines heralded the nipped in waistlines and extravagant flowing skirts as the “New Look” and Dior himself likened this silhouette to a flower with a small stem and full rounded petals.
Almost single handedly Dior released women from the straight lines, square shoulders and masculine silhouettes of the resource-deprived decades during WWII and gave them permission to be themselves in all their soft flowing curviness.
God bless him.
Women are made of curves. It’s the way we are and the way we should be celebrated. However, since the 1950’s, fashion has struggled to find a balance between celebrating naturally curvy women and celebrating models thin enough to be mistaken for coat hangers. Fortunately, in 21st century we may be finding room for both female silhouettes (and everything in between) as plus models share the stage with the size double zeros.
Truly I hope we’re no more than a year away from a TV show like America’s Next Top Plus Model because the women of America need to see some variety on their TV screens. Curvy girls can “smize” with the best of them! Make it happen, Tyra!
Karen jumped at the chance to photograph her first plus model, so please welcome Jayde Ramos.
The key to being a stylish girl is celebrating your shape, which Jayde does beautifully. Vanessa Henderson of the House of Van Miller designed this sexy black dress and it perfectly hugs Jayde’s curves.
Karen accessorized Jayde’s animal print dress with sunglasses and a sheer black wrap and then photographed her in an overgrown field with the sun shining around her to highlight her hourglass figure.
I love the contrast here between Jayde’s white skin and the lacy romantic black blouse. The bright skirt pops with color and the whole ensemble makes her look like a businesswoman with a hot date. Maybe she is…!
At the end of the day with the sun going down, Karen captured Jayde’s romantic side in this cream blouse and camel colored trousers ensemble.
Fashion designers, plus size modeling is your new play field. Get into it!
Please contact Karen Nickel at www.karennickelphotography.com or call 678.773.2562 if you are interested in a Fashion Model Session.
