BBW is an acronym for “Big Beautiful Women.” In the past, a big beautiful body was associated with health and wealth. As a matter of fact, up until the 1960’s, BBW and plus size women were lauded for their beautiful physiques. The plus size woman appeared in almost all of the fashion photographs, films, and paintings of the 1920’s-1950’s. When did all of this change?
In the 1960’s, plus size fashion rapidly disappeared from the covers of magazines and on the silver screen. Many people attribute this changing trend to the first teenage supermodel –Twiggy. Ironically, Twiggy’s name suited her slender frame quite well. Instead of plus size blouses, plus size dresses, and skirts, Twiggy wore slinky dresses which hugged her small frame. In 1967, Marshall McLuhan boldly said: “Twiggy is an Xray, not a picture.”
Unlike plus size BBW, who portray a picture of health and happiness, Twiggy looked ill at a mere 95 pounds. Unfortunately, women all over the world quickly became unhappy with their bodies and fashion choices. Clothes that were made for small-framed girls were bright, fashionable, and affordable. The options for plus size BBW? Well, let’s just say they weren’t so glamorous in the 1960’s.
BBW and plus size women were largely ignored in the 1970’s and 1980’s as well. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that BBW and plus size women had enough. Curvy women and full-figured women were tired of trying to obtain an idea of perfection that was sold to them through every media median. Billboards, magazines, television shows, radio commercials and films portrayed Anna Nicole Smith, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss with their “perfect” bodies in the hottest designer fashions.
Then, as the millennium approached, the world watched in shock as something happened: tabloids and reality television began sharing the private lives of these models. Being thin wasn’t as glitzy, glamorous, and easy as it seemed. When the cameras weren’t rolling and the photographers weren’t around, many of these models struggled to stay thin. BBW and plus size women were finally able to let out a sign of relief. In a fashion-conscious world that oppressed plus size women and BBW for so long, BBW were finally recognized as being healthier than the small-framed models. But, at what cost? How many BBW and plus size women developed eating disorders in their pursuits of thinner bodies? We may never know.
In 2002, the world tuned in to watch the shocking reality sitcom the “Anna Nicole Show.” Although Anna Nicole’s life inarguably looked disastrous, no one could deny that she had gone from a slim Guess model in the 90’s to a plus size BBW over the course of a decade. She eventually experienced success, not only from her reality sitcom, but as a plus size clothing designer. Unfortunately, Anna Nicole Smith died as a result of an overdose. Her untimely death, as well as her son’s, is still shrouded by mystery.
Many people wonder if Anna Nicole Smith was the first famous BBW plus size model. It’s safe to say that this is disputable. Emme (Melissa) Aronson is recognized as the first BBW plus size model by many high-standing members of the fashion world, and Angellika is the first plus-size model that was inducted into the modeling Hall of Fame. It’s all subjective, really.
Nevertheless, all of these women paved the way for plus size BBW all over the world. Women, finally, have been recognized and accepted in every shape and form. Beauty is no longer defined by single digit clothing sizes. BBW and plus size women are beautiful and deserve the opportunity to flaunt their assets and feel comfortable in their own skin.
Does BBW fashion emulate the fashion seen on the runway? It doesn’t emulate runway fashion, it is runway fashion. Take a look at what the stars are wearing the next time you seem them in magazines. You’re just as likely to find a designer gown on a star like Queen Latifah as you are to see it on a smaller-framed celebrity like Kate Hudson. Designers are finally catering to bigger women. The BBW plus size woman doesn’t have to feel ashamed of her wardrobe anymore!
BBW plus size women’s fashion is carried by most retailers. Nevertheless, it may feel tricky to find designer BBW clothing, especially if you don’t live in the city. Fortunately, online retailers provide a convenient way to shop for BBW plus size pants, shirts, dresses, jackets, and skirts. Shopping for BBW plus size clothing has never been easier or more convenient than it is now. It’s time for you to accept your body and love your body the way it is. Find inspiration from plus size models that paved the way for acceptance, self-love, and designer BBW plus size fashion.