Just a few days before the new Beyoncé as Mrs. Carter in H&M bikini line came out, there was a pretty amazing image displayed on the homepage as well as the swimwear section of H&M's website. A gorgeous plus-sized model, who Jezebel identified as Jenni Runks (pictured here), modeling chic swimwear without the word plus-size anywhere to be found. In other words a normal-looking woman just like you and me, posed in a bunch of sexy swimsuits like it's no big deal. I think the fashion industry might finally be getting the picture!
Read more on ¿Qué más?: Finally someone is honest about how ugly "plus-size" clothes are
What really stood out to be about these images is the fact that's it's a beautiful woman who just happens to be plus-size, but her section isn't labeled "Plus-size beachwear," just beachwear. Which pretty much indicates to me that H&M is finally realizing that this what a normal chica looks like, curves and all.
Don't get me wrong: if you actually click through the product page to purchase any of these pieces, you'll automatically be taken to H&M's plus-size section. So sorry ladies, but if you're under a size 14 you won't find any of these sexy styles in your size. But honestly, how many times have you logged on to a site and found something super cute that doesn't come in anything bigger than a size 12? So it's about time the cards get switched.
After hearing so many stories about models in the fashion industry struggling with severe disorders, or the latest news on how modeling agents were visiting anorexia clinics to recruit new models, I was really starting to get discouraged and, frankly, kind of disgusted by the fashion world. But after seeing this ad, I'm starting to think that maybe things are finally starting to turn around.
I think it's amazing that H&M chose to feature this stunning–and in my opinion–normal-size model on their homepage without displaying the words plus-size beachwear all over it. It sends a positive message to women that you don't need to be a size 2 to be considered beautiful. It also shows how society is slowly, but surely changing their standards of beauty. Maybe some of you don't consider this huge progress, but hey it' s definitely a step in the right direction, right?
Images via Hm.com
