THE plus-size modelling movement has been making waves in the fashion industry for the last few years but 2016 looks set to be the year that curvier ladies take centre stage.

Sports Illustrated, an American sports magazine that is read by  more than 23 million people each week, made history this month when  it  featured a plus-size model on the cover of  its  2016 swimsuit issue. The swimsuit issue of the magazine has been published every February since 1964 and is one of the biggest annual publishing events in America.

This year the magazine featured three covers, showcasing three different body types. Ashley Graham, a size 16 model, splashed about in the sea wearing a purple bikini to make a stunning cover.

The model took to her Twitter account to share her feeling of triumph. She tweeted: "This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn't beautiful enough because of her size."

The second magazine cover features mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey, whose muscular physique would not usually be seen as befitting a lingerie modelling stereotype either. The third cover features size 10 blonde Hailey Clauson.

A little closer to home, Miss Cumbria 2015 finalist Abigail Hill, who is 24 and a size 18 dress size, has spoken of her delight when she saw Miss Graham's Sports Illustrated cover. The Northern beauty is hoping to give younger girls more confidence in their own bodies. Miss Hill's ambition is to become the first-ever plus-size Miss England. She has already fronted a campaign for Simply Be, a national curve clothing brand, and was signed by London modelling agency Models. Miss Hill said:

"I think any time a curvy model is used somewhere that is normally reserved for 'straight size' slim models is a victory, but the best thing about this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers is the diversity. This year there are three covers and it means more girls can relate to the models included. 

"Athletes like Rhonda Rousey in the issue aren't anything new, but the inclusion of a curvy model like Ashley Graham is really groundbreaking and great to see. Robin Lawley is also featured inside the magazine, she is classed as plus-size too so it's great to see her making an appearance." 

Plus-sized is classed as a UK size 12 or above in the modelling industry but, in the UK, the average dress size for women is a 16. Being bombarded with images of tall, size 6-8 models and the ideals of beauty and perfection created through social media has given generations of young girls self-esteem issues and serious hang-ups about their body image. Women like Miss Graham and Miss Hill hope to promote the view that women can be beautiful at many sizes as long as they are healthy. Miss Hill said:  

"I can't stress enough how important it is to see plus-size models in such high-profile campaigns. There wasn't really anyone like Ashley Graham or Robyn Lawley for me to look up to growing up, so in turn I did feel more conscious that I was taller and had a fuller figure.

"Had I seen models like that when I was younger, I don't think it would have taken me until I was 18 to properly accept my body type and learn to love it."

The goal for women like Miss Graham and Miss Hill and many other models branded as plus-size is to make their appearance in fashion and beauty campaigns the norm. Models over a size 12 are given the title plus-size and are therefore set apart from "standard" models. The next step for these girls is to simply be on the books of modelling agencies as another "look" rather than a whole different category of model. There should be those models with blonde hair or dark hair and those who are a size eight or a size 18 and all treated in the same way.

The Sports Illustrated 2016 issue has been applauded as "groundbreaking" so the next step is for fuller-figured models to be used daily. Miss Hill said:

"Personally, I'm not a big fan of the 'plus-size' label. I don't see why any model needs a prefix like plus-size, petite etc. A model is a model." 

The fashion industry has promoted the idolization of a straight up and down body type, something that the majority of women will never achieve. Even if models like Miss Graham or size 12 Robin Lawley still appear impossibly well-groomed and beautiful, they present a more realistic image of what is attractive and womanly.

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