Image Source: Foxnews.com
While surfing the net, I saw a thought provoking question raised on FoxNews.com.
In 2007, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson was the ultimate “it” girl – Vogue’s editor-at-large André Leon Talley took her under his wing throughout awards season, accompanied her to red carpet events and even dressed her himself.
Continuing in the same fashion, full-figured British musician Adele was personally styled for the Grammys last year by none other than Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.
So why hasn’t newcomer Gabourey Sidibe been given the same star-studded styling treatment? What is considered acceptably “plus-sized” by Hollywood standards?
With all this talk of accepting yourself, loving yourself and equal treatment for all women (including plus size women), does society have rules when it comes to which plus size women to accept into the secret organization of acceptance? Are some plus size women granted perks that others aren’t?
Hypothetically speaking, let’s say Jennifer Hudson or Adele are acceptable plus size women, why isn’t Gabby? Furthermore, is the plus size community guilty of alienating their own depending on what size a person wears?
I would love to read your thoughts.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
I think there is an acceptable limit of fatness amongst different groups of people. For thin people their limit may be 18. For those who are 18 it may be 22. For those that are 22 it may be 26. I think that the body size acceptance has a lot to do with personal situation. Of course there are definitely those who really do accept everyone and those who are at least are working trying.
I think Hollywood steps lightly because they don’t want to be accused of promoting obesity which seems to be the argument of naysayers when anyone who is obese is giving any amount of positive attention. Heaven forbid someone be nice to someone who is fat. It might spread the contagion (I’m being sarcastic here — just in case it’s not coming across in print).
I’m really surprised that no one has taken Gabby under their wing; then again, Jennifer and Adele were already well within the network of being stars before they got their major outing. Gabby has really been thrust upon it quickly. She’s been doing alright on her own so far I’m sure she’ll look fabulous. Fingers crossed for an Oscar.
I did a rant on this on my twitter. My mom and I had been discussing this. I too find it funny how no one has stepped to the plate and assiste Gabby in her styling. I find many of her wardrobe choices non flattering to her size nor age appropriate. Not saying I love everything Mo’nique wears but Mo’nique, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson are some of the very stylish Hollywood Starlets that either them personally or their stylist could help Gabby. The question is, why aren’t they? I agree with Moe, it may be that some fear being associated with promoting obesity. Which is sad. The Ebony cover is by far one of the best I’ve seen Gabby in yet.
I think Gabby is a very pretty young woman. (I kept saying girl until I found out recently that she was 26 years old!) I don’t know who her stylist is but some of the wardrobe choices her people (if she has people) have made are unflattering. I did see her a beautifully colored emerald gown from the Golden Globes. I’d like to see her in more colors like that.
I do think for different groups there are different levels of acceptable plus-sizedness. I know on some of the FA sites, being between a size 16 and 20 is considered as slumming because you can still “pass.” In Hollywood, anything above a size 16 is considered obese. Compare Gabby’s body to Adele and J.Hud’s. Jennifer and Adele appear firm compared to Gabby, and I’m sure Hollywood and stylists find that easier to dress than someone as big as Gabby. And, I hate to get all racial up in this place, but Gabby is significantly darker. She doesn’t fall into any previously acceptable definitions of beauty. There’s probably some secret (or maybe not so secret) feeling that Gabby deserves not 100% because she should just be happy that they allowed her into the party.
Wow, I’m a little bit more bitter about this than I thought.
The funny thing is that Gabby actually has a celebrity stylist, Linda Medvene. Linda has worked with everyone from Hilary Duff and Cameron Diaz to Kobe Bryant. She has a pretty impressive resume but I can’t help but wonder if a plus size stylist like Susan Moses would do better.
As far as treating plus size women differently, all of the above ladies make a valid point. I completely agree with Moe’s statement regarding acceptable sizes in certain circles and BrooklynShoeBabe may be onto something with the darker complexion comment. As much as we want to believe otherwise, descrimination occurs on multiple levels and just because a person is plus size that doesn’t mean that they don’t turn their nose up.
I appreciate all the comments and I’d like to add a bit to the first comment made by Moe. She mentions that Hollywood steps lightly because they don’t want to be accused of promoting obesity, which is a valid point. What upsets me most is that Hollywood is scared of promoting “obesity,” and yet, it’s perfectly fine for it not to turn their heads when people suffer from other eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, just so they fit into the Hollywood mold. Why can’t we just go around promoting healthy lifestyles??
And I absolutely LOVED the dress she wore to the award show. More power to her and her stylist!
I think Adele and Jennifer Hudson are more acceptable because they have lost weight. In other words, we’ll accept you as long as you conform to the thin ideal. Gabourey Sidibe cannot hide her weight as (now) Adele and Jennifer Hudson can. Adele looks pretty both fat and thin but Jennifer Hudson looks like a bobble-head. Gabby is beautiful and I hope she doesn’t have to change for Hollywood to accept her either!