With the latest Lilly Pulitzer scandal caused by inappropriate fat-shaming drawings in their office space, the discussion opens again about how much fashion industry really cares about plus size women. Is “overweight” a taboo in the fashion world or are we ready to let “plus size” enter the glamorous fashion world?

After the accusations from the plus community about the Altuzarra x Target collection lacking plus sizes, Target decided to offer extended sizes for its latest collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer. However, shortly after announcing the line, Target posted a Tweet about the plus sized collection (18+) being available only online which caused the dismay and disillusionment among Target plus size customers. Is the in-store shopping experience reserved for “slim”?

Stores like J.Crew or Old Navy offer their plus size clothing exclusively online sending a message that they don’t want “fat” customers walking around their high-end locations. I checked few online shopping destinations and even there, I could hardly find a dress above 14 or 16 size: Diane von Furstenberg offers her famous wrap dresses up to 14 size, Kate Spade goes up to 16 in some styles and Ted Baker runs no higher than 12. Is high fashion banned for an overweight?

According to the CDC, the average American woman is size 14. Not long ago, 10-12 were considered to be plus-size models. Nowadays, this number went down to an 8. Anthony Higgings, the director of MSA Models in the interview for Cosmopolitan disclaimed that” the size 8 is used [in the catalogs] because they think size 14 and 16 will relate to that person.” Is the American woman willing to self-indulge in this delusional image. Do we really need to reshape a Barbie doll to flatter our ego and help us accept the way we look like?

Laura Well Plus-Size Model Photo buzzfeed.com

Back some years ago, we were shocked by the photos of skinny models (Kate Moss below) and today the gap between the runway model and the average American woman is getting even greater as the model size is going down and the average American woman is getting bigger. If Cindy Crawford had started her career now, she would probably have been considered a plus size model. Surprising? Not anymore.

Kate Moss Photo pinterest.com

People magazine seemed brave enough to face the truth about plus size putting Tess Holiday on the cover of their June 2015 issue with bold “World’s First 22 Size Supermodel”title.

People Magazine June 2015 Cover Photo huffingtonpost.com

Is this only a one-shot hook or are we ready to accept the “big” in the fashion world. Or perhaps, do we prefer to live in the delusion of plus size 8? Can fashion be honest and still be fashionable? Finally, does beauty have a size, and is it about “thin” vs. “fat” or about “healthy”? What’s your voice?

Have a fashionable day everyone!

Plus-size models for Glamour Photo pinterest.com