151

Models–their size, their age, even their gender–are provoking a lot of polarizing discussion lately. And plus-size model advocates (and their “real-woman” counterparts) are adding food for thought–or fuel to the fire, depending on your perspective. In its January issue, Plus Model Magazine just published an editorial lensed by Victoria Janashvili and featuring plus-size model Katya Zharkova. In it, Katya, who is totally naked, is surrounded by various facts and figures about size and models.

The spread also shows Katya embracing and laying on a much smaller model. We have some of the images below, but you can check out the spread here. The whole effect is pretty provocative, especially when taken in tandem with the following slogans, which are printed on the page with the images:

-Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.

- Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned. The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.

- Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.

- 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.

Commenters on Plus Model‘s blog ran the gamut–from pointing out that there’s an obesity epidemic to noting that anorexia is a mental health disorder, not just an issue of BMI. Many just wanted decent fashion options for all sizes. No matter what your take on it, the message is still that size matters.