Why I Don't Like The "Plus Is Equal" Campaign

I was recently asked what I thought about the "Plus Is Equal" campaign featuring all plus-sized models.

Instead of hopping on the "bigger means equal" bandwagon, I have decided to analyze what the campaign actually represents.

I first saw the campaign in my 832-page September issue of Vogue where it covered two full pages and had essentially no accompanying text. 

The elusive spread made me wonder if "Plus Is Equal" was the name of Lane Bryant's Fall/Winter collection or if it was simply a PR tactic (a natural thing for me to assume) used to garner media attention. I found the black and white photos aesthetically pleasing but I was left feeling a bit angry at the campaign. 

The premise of the campaign is to promote diversity in the fashion industry but the photos show absolutely zero diversity featuring models who all have the same curvy body type. The photos have been retouched and the imperfections have been removed, just as they are in Victoria's Secret or La Perla.  

A closer look at the Plus Is Equal campaign reveals that the equality has not been achieved. The only thing Lane Bryant's campaign does is continue the division between those who are a size XXS and those who are a size XXL. In my opinion, an effective way to promote "equality" would be to feature models of several different body types in the same campaign. 

"The only thing Lane Bryant's campaign does is continue the division"

I don't like the trend of separating naturally thin runway models from the "real women" category. When campaigns such as Lane Bryant's Plus Is Equal or Dove's I'm No Angel assert their plus size models as better than or realer than the models seen in a Victoria's Secret ad, the campaigns have done nothing to unite the fashion industry. Instead, the obvious competition between ad campaigns creates an unnecessary divide between the MANY different body types.

If you are someone who criticizes the mainstream models with lanky limbs and protruding collarbones, I encourage you to rethink your approach to fashion. No one can change their genetic makeup but YOU can change your mindset. My message: thin is equal, plus is equal, in-between is equal.

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I want to know what YOU think of the campaign! 

Email me all of your thoughts at ashley.fashionspeak@gmail.com