First there was Gemma Ward.  The Australian beauty who was once compared to a porcelain doll who entered the world of modeling as a teen.  The love affair that the modeling industry had with her would eventually turn sour as Ward packed on additional pounds.  Many speculated what may have caused her sudden weight gain and instead of embracing her new curves, the modeling industry dismissed her as they do so many women who do not look the way fashion decision makers feel that they should.

That was then, this is now…….

Many got their spirits lifted as the world of fashion rallied behind the thought of showcasing “normal” sized models, but was that just to pacify the majority who are often ignored in magazines and during fashion shows?

Coco Rocha is the latest victim of fashion’s unrealistic demand that young women – some barely into their teens be thin.

Coco (a size four) is larger than the industry “sample size,” set for runway and magazine photo shoots, which is currently a size zero.

Rocha, who is single and lives in New York city, said she no longer cares what designers think of her body.

“You know what, I stopped caring,’ she said.  If I want a hamburger, I’m going to have one.   She continued, “No 21-year-old should be worrying about whether she fits a sample size.  Girls are told they are not skinny enough, or they hear “She’s old, she’s boring, we’ve had her. she’s not tiny anymore.”

I think it’s great that Coco  is taking a stand by refusing to give into life threatening fashion standards, but should plus size women feel sorry for her?  Even if she is not welcomed by the leading fashion designers, I’m positive she will find work.  While she is above the standard set by the fashion industry, she is still a size 4.

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