#DropThePlus

(image via Ajay Rochester Twitter)

So I've noticed the #droptheplus hashtag is popping up everywhere. While investigating it further I stumbled upon the news that Australian model,  Steffania Ferrario, wants to see the label "plus size model" eliminated. She posted this picture to her Instagram and joins former The Biggest Loser Australia host Ajay Rochester to support the #droptheplus movement. She feels labeling women like herself as "plus size" could be damaging towards the minds of younger girls that can struggle with insecurity.

I am a model FULL STOP. Unfortunately in the modelling industry if you're above a US size 4 you are considered plus size, and so I'm often labelled a 'plus size' model. I do NOT find this empowering. A couple of days ago, @ajayrochester called the industry to task for its use of the term 'plus size' by making the point that it is 'harmful' to call a model 'plus' and damaging for the minds of young girls. I fully support Ajay and agree with her. Let's have models of ALL shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and drop the misleading labels. I'm NOT proud to be called 'plus', but I AM proud to be called a 'model', that is my profession! #droptheplus

Een foto die is geplaatst door stefania ferrario (@stefania_model) op 17 Feb 2015 om 7:51 PST

While some people support this movement, others don't. Among them (gorgeous) model Laura Wells. She posted this picture to her instagram and sort of stated that she is called a plus size model for a good reason. She sees herself as part of the size diversity change and is very proud to be so.

Work up this morning to tabloid media and quotes from @ajayrochester saying that I am not a plus size model and that I am not empowering anyone. Well this picture serves its purpose. Me on the right a size 14AU (12 US, 16UK) on the left a size 6AU model. Its obvious here the differences. I am a 'plus size MODEL' because I am 3-6 sizes larger then industry standard. I understand the negative impacts using the words 'plus size' on me has on society, I post about it all the time. However in terms of @the_upside campaign damn straight I am proud to be apart of it. It's the first time a regular sized active wear brand had used a plus size model let alone anyone over a size 8AU. We need to stop shaming other people's bodies, be happy that models like me are helping to change the tide of the industry. I do promote healthy positive body image. I do promote size diversity and beauty beyond size 0. I also promote being a happy and healthy person and being apart of something bigger then yourself, for me thats helping the environment! All of these reasons are why #theupside used me to promote their message! Miss @ajayrochester the campaign nor I are #bullshit and the fact you would put that out there is not exactly campaigning successfully or positively for body image diversity. We are all women, we all look different, carry our weight in different places, look completely different even if we wear the same size but that is why we are all beautiful and should support one another. Just #BeYou Stay tuned for the documentary all about these issues @aperfect14 #dailymailyuk #dailymailau #beautybeyondsize #curvesinbikinis #beyoutheupside

Een foto die is geplaatst door Laura Wells (@laurawellsmodel) op 15 Feb 2015 om 2:32 PST

As we all know, this is not the first time this discussion surfaced. Both models have different views on the word 'plus size' but do share a common factor: they both promote (size) diversity within the modeling/fashion industry. And to me, that is the most important part. I can personally identify with both opinions: why should a model be labeled 'plus', she's still a model and that's what counts. The other way around, we don't have 'petite' models for example, so why should we have 'plus'? Why are there labels? On the other hand, when looking at Laura's opinion, she has a more positive approach. She feels that because she differs from the industry standard, she is indeed a plus size model, and doesn't mind the label. She's all for empowering one another, no matter the shape or size. Later she added the following picture to her statement:

Guys no more nasty comments. You know thats not what I stand for. As I said we all need to stand together support each other not bring one another down. We all have our own journey, It serves no purpose to put others down #beautybeyondsize

Een foto die is geplaatst door Laura Wells (@laurawellsmodel) op 15 Feb 2015 om 8:34 PST

And then there's the well known argument that a lot of plus size consumers don't identify with a lot of models displaying the clothing. They often ask for "real plus size models" in order to see how the clothing would look on an actual plus sized woman. So, should we keep the labels, but change the standards? Should a model be labeled plus size starting US size 16 and up? Or should the labeling stop entirely? It's become a delicate subject for some and I'm dying to know how some of you feel. So, what do you think? Do you support the #droptheplus movement?

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