28
Dec 09
If I Love You magazine wanted some big butts gracing their new issue, surely they could’ve given me a call because as many of you know, I’m willing and able.
The discourse as of late on various blogs and twitters has taken a turn towards the all too familiar question – why is there only one type of woman represented in fashion magazines? That woman, in case you’ve been asleep your whole life, is white, thin and wearing clothes you probably cannot afford. Suddenly a few “plus-size” models, er, Crystal Renn, are thrown into the pages of V Magazine and people are applauding the fashion industry’s baby step into acknowledging the existence of other women. Finally, the validation we’ve all been waiting for! (note the sarcasm)
I cannot tell you where the inspiration for this editorial comes from. The editor over at I Love Cat Party suggests that the spread was inspired by Joan from Mad Men, one of my favorite shows. You know what I’d like to have seen? Joan actually wearing these clothes. Not a computer altered ass and boobs on your typical model (Katlin Aas).
LABELS: Big Butts, Body Politics, Dries Van Noten, I Love You Magazine, Joan from Mad Men
08
Dec 09
A queer feminist rock’n'roll superstar? I love you Beth Ditto.
Yesterday Beth Ditto and Gossip were on It’s on with Alexa Chung and for this 90s riot grrrl, it was like my heart melted. Not only did Beth sound and look amazing, but she made a shout out to Bikini Kill (my favorite band ever) when asked which albums she would recommend. Like Beth, I too caught the end of Bikini Kill but their music and particularly Kathleen Hanna’s lyrics influenced me tremendously.
I’ve been following The Gossip aka Gossip since I was a teen. I’ve seen them more times than I can count and every time I dance my ass off. It is difficult to articulate how proud I am to see a southern queer feminist band performing on MTV so I’ll just leave it at that. The music hasn’t changed, Beth is still gorgeous and talented, the only difference is that they’re influencing even more people now. I’m happy about that.
Watch the stylish video here.
LABELS: Beth Ditto, Bikini Kill, Body Politics, Gold Lamé, Gossip, Queer Politics
28
Aug 09
Not too long ago I read that Crystal Renn was releasing a memoir about her life in the modeling business. I was thrilled. Yesterday her name was all over the newspapers with the promotion of the September 8 release date of her upcoming book entitled Hungry. I’m on the fence in regards to the title, but I’m so excited to read her story as she’s appeared to be a fascinating young woman.
Early reviews are in and I was pleased to read one by Joan Jacobs Brumberg, an author I often read when discussing body politics in many of my classes. She says “Crystal Renn is a high-spirited, convincing spokesperson for broadening our notions of beauty. Hungry adds a unique twist to a growing women’s chorus: even if you are young and beautiful, as Renn is, it’s best to give up the addiction to slimness for the sake of personal authenticity, social relations, intimacy, and sexual pleasure.”
I hope there’s a book tour! // See some amazing Renn scans here & before + after here.
LABELS: Body Politics, Book Releases, Crystal Renn, Crystal Renn Before & After, Hungry, Plus-Size Models
30
Apr 09
This morning I was reading one of my favorite blogs, The Pipeline, and I saw a photo of DJs Harley Viera-Newton and Cassie Coane at a V-Mag bash. I’ve seen Harley all over the place but why is this the first mention of Cassie for me? I did some research and didn’t find much on one half of this dynamic dj duo, but I did come across this photo from Papermag that displeased me.
Please don’t hide Cassie. She seems pretty cool.
LABELS: Body Politics, Cassie Coane, Harley Viera-Newton, Lady DJS
21
Jan 09
Once upon a time [2006], there lived a young girl who read every issue of Teen Vogue. One day while flipping through the mag she spotted one of the most beautiful girls she had ever seen. That girl I saw was Crystal Renn, and her story of beating anorexia and becoming a plus-size model absolutely engaged me further in body politics. Crystal at the beginning of her career was asked by her modeling agency to lose weight in order to be more successful. Hitting 98 pounds was by no means how she predicted her future, but her downward spiral left her with this reality. Upon acknowledging her eating disorder she made changes in her life that put 70 more pounds on her body. The extreme transformation incited criticism and lauds from the fashion community, but my love for her natural beauty never waned.
You cannot imagine how excited I was when I came across the December issues of Elle Italia at Circus of Books last week, featuring Crystal on the cover. This amazing spread shows a gorgeous girl comfortable in her own skin.
More photos after the break [some NSFW] See thin & plus photos.
More…
LABELS: Body Politics, Crystal Renn, Eating Disorders, Plus-Sized Models
