Two major TV networks reportedly sized up a sexy ad starring full-figured models — and decided it wasn’t a good fit.

The 30-second Lane Bryant spot — a love letter to plus-size models featuring newly-christened Sports Illustrated cover girl Ashley Graham — was turned down by ABC and NBC, reports TMZ.

A rep from NBC on Thursday denied the network had outright "rejected" the ad.

"As part of the normal advertising standards process, we reviewed a rough cut of the ad and asked for minor edits to comply with broadcast indecency guidelines," the peacock network said in a statement provided to the Daily News. "The ad was not rejected and we welcome the updated creative."

Lane Bryant, which claimed its ad was rejected "as is," is currently deciding whether to re-submit it for consideration, a rep for the retailer told The News.
... Read more »

For many years, the typical runway show and apparel collection have featured slim models sashaying down the runway or gracing glossy magazine covers. But in recent years, the fashion industry is warming up to the idea of the plus size woman. Even the popular reality show ‘Project Runway’ featured its first ever plus-size collection in 2015.

The size of the U.S. apparel market is estimated at approximately $225 billion, with plus-size fashion raking in $17 billion in 2014, growth of five percent from 2013, according to data from the NPD Group. Historically, plus-sized women were forced to shop at only a few specialty retailers like Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant. But retailers are now increasingly looking to take a slice of the growing market share.

While most retailers don’t prominently advertise their plus size collections, ... Read more »

Fashion Month may still be in full swing, but we know we’ve already spotted the trend of the year: inclusivity.

In the past few weeks alone, designer Rachel Roy expanded her size range to include a "Curvy” line; model Ashley Graham broke boundaries by landing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue; Chromat, H&M, and Sophie Theallet all featured models of all sizes in their runway shows; and now U.K. high street favorite River Island is launching its own size-inclusive range, starting March 9.

Perhaps taking a page out of Roy’s book, River Island has tapped model Candice Huffine to be the face of the new line, who fan-girled over the size expansion: "I’m a massive River Island fan,” she told Refinery29. "I always race to the store when I get to the U.K. The fact that [River Island is] extending its size range and st ... Read more »

This Hudson Knit Cape from Universal Standard is a thoroughly modern piece made for looking beautiful outdoors, as well as in.

The extra-tall turtleneck collar and the premium ribbed wool/cashmere blend make this piece a stunning addition to your closet.

The unique design looks amazing with any length sleeves, or long gloves.

Dress it up by pairing it with something sheer and dressy (like their Thames Fog Dress seen in image), or make it your go-to piece over their  ... Read more »

I’m finally sifting through the pages of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, happy, because Ashley Graham is on the cover, and just when I think it can get no better, I come across another plus size fav, Philomena Kwoa! Two pluses?

As I flip further, I see a Lane Bryant lingerie ad with gorgeous Precious Lee. Precious became my girl crush in last month’s Essence mag when she showed everybody how a glam shoot is supposed to look .

As a former model who got in the fashion game in the early 90’s when waifs like Kate Moss ruled the run ... Read more »

At a first glance I think it is really easy to notice all of the negative elements that are still occurring within the plus size industry and how there are still many disappointed plus size/curvy/fat or whatever name you feel comfortable calling us fabulous women, still very unhappy with their choice of clothing, availability and lets not even get started on some the designer's choice of cut!

BUT the question is 'have we progressed? and I would have to say a big fat wobbly YES!

I have been working in the plus size industry for the last six years and feel that not only have I been able to see a change but I feel proud that some of the work that myself and team have done as helped to contribute to push things forward in a positive way. 

I was just a normal plus size woman not a blogger or a journalist, I had never worked in fashion before and my background was working in television and music but I was si ... Read more »

Typically, launches of plus-size clothing collections follow the same standard pattern:

1. We’re OVERJOYED at the announcement, because YAY, inclusive fashion

2. Disappointment, because the actual collection is made up of black empire line dresses and other incredibly boring, ‘flattering’ stuff.

Not so with Beth Ditto’s new collection.

The Gossip singer has just unveiled her debut clothing line – designed in UK sizes 14 to 28 – and it’s filled with bright colours, statement cuts, and pieces that are actually cool and fashion-y, not just an attempt to tick off a market.

Beth drew inspiration from her love of vintage shopping to create a collection that pairs a retro vibe with a timeless aesthetic.

‘I wanted to make pieces to last years,’ she says. ‘Beyond trends, beyond chain stores.

‘I wanted to create something all its own, something just for us, mad ... Read more »

The Sports Illustrated 2016 Swimsuit edition cover was revealed Saturday night, following the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk competition on TNT.

During the broadcast, hosts Nick Cannon and Rebecca Romijn called three models who had been featured in the magazine to the stage: Ashley Graham, Hailey Clauson and former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey.

The three women waited with anticipation for Cannon and Romijn to announce which of them had been selected to grace the cover, only to find out that Sports Illustrated decided to feature all three women on three separate covers. ... Read more »

With over 100 years of experience crafting full-figured designs, Lane Bryant not surprisingly leads the plus-size pack in terms of designer collections.

And although we’ve been waiting on pins and needles for Lane Bryant’s collaboration with Christian Siriano (launching this spring), we were startled when it snuck in another fabulous collaboration — this time with the Otis College of Art & Design.

Participating in Otis’ 2015 mentor program, representatives from Lane Bryant collaborated with a group of 12 students to create a stunning sportswear collection.

The hands-on experience allowed them to work closely together, from the beginning design process and fitting, to a concluding runway show featuring the students’ final projects.

"In our steadfast journey to shift perception surrounding plus-size fashion, we have worked to not onl ... Read more »

GROWING up Bishamber Das was used to hearing people criticise her for her size or tell her she was "beautiful for a big girl".

But her curvacious figure has helped to launch her into the limelight as an Asian plus-size model.

She has even beaten David Hasselhoff's daughter in a beauty contest and her worldwide social media following has led to her being recruited as the face of Yours Clothing in the Middle East.

But, more importantly, she is challenging the perception of beauty and has become a role model for thousands of girls and young women, encouraging them to be confident in their own skin.

"My journey has been difficult because I don't think people have ever seen a pretty, big girl showing that it is okay to do this," says Bishamber, who grew up in Sunny Hill, Derby.

"I get trolls on the internet – people have compared me to hippos and elephants on social media. I laugh it off but I understand the im ... Read more »