Stefania Ferrario wrote, “I am a model” on her stomach and wants the world to know that the industry considers her to be a plus size model, even though she is only a size 8.
According to the New York Daily News , Ferrario is smaller than the average woman in the United States, but she has been labeled as a “plus size” model — something that she is taking a stand against. As Dita Von Teese’s new lingerie model (for her Jan. 2015 collection), Ferrario is asking to be called “a model” and for the industry to “#droptheplus.”
About a month ago, Stefania posted the following message on Instagram.
“I am a model FULL STOP. Unfortunately in the modelling industry if you’re above a US size 4 you are considered plus size, and so I’m often labelled a ‘plus size’ model. I do NOT find this empowering. A couple of days ago, @ajayrochester called the industry to task for its use of the term ‘plus size’ by making the point that it is ‘harmful’ to call a model ‘plus’ and ‘damaging for the minds of young girls. I fully support Ajay and agree with her. Let’s have models of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and drop the misleading labels. I’m NOT proud to be called ‘plus’, but I AM proud to be called a ‘model’, that is my profession!”
Stefania Ferrario wrote, “I an a model” on her body and posted a picture of her wearing just underwear to get the message across. This isn’t the first time that she has spoken up for what she thinks is right either. In 2012, Stefania, an Australia native, shaved her head to prove that “bald is beautiful.”
Last month, Mail Online reported that the former Biggest Loser Australia host Ajay Rochester has also taken part in this campaign and is trying to fight the body image stereotypes as well.
“How the [expletive] can this woman be considered plus size? Where is there a PLUS of anything? Anything less of her and she’d be a MINUS something,” said Rochester.
She later posted a photo of herself in a black bikini with the words “I am a woman” written on her stomach.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr , a swimsuit model showing off her curves took major heat earlier this month, and she’s a size 22. Despite some people thinking that 29-year-old Tess Holliday should be praised for her self-confidence, others found her pictures repulsive. Thoughts?
[Photo courtesy of Stefania Ferrario / Instagram ]