The Lane Bryant Fashion Show

Wow, the writer of that NY Post article ought to be smacked. Then again, in the course of one short, bizarrely inconsistent piece, the guy inadvertantly manages to summarize the prevailing media attitude towards larger women and the body image debate--that is, it manages to be crudely patronizing ("faux fatties") and insulting ("corpulent cuties") at the same time. I think the question over whether the show is a non-sexist, woman-postive event is unfortunately complicated by the commercial nature of the whole thing. Is Lane Bryant fighting for visual representation of larger women, or for the right to run an informerical on prime-time TV? I'm all for questioning how and why Victoria's Secret has managed to get airtime for its show, but when it's another retailer (and one that is no longer owned by the same parent company as VS) that's asking these questions here, I have to wonder. And I don't think there's enough information about how this all works in terms of corporate/network sponsorship. And are network execs keeping Lane Bryant from helping to sponsor other prime-time shows? If this were the case (maybe it is?), I think somehow I'd be more sympathetic--if the networks were turning down LB's offer to pay for advertising slots and running their own cheesy VS-style ads, then the issue would be more about keeping larger women off prime time, and not just about a missed opportunity for major hype. But, again, there's a lot these stories aren't telling us.

Well, I hope they do get their own show to air. My only concern would be that it would be a sell out. Have you ever seen their website? When I used to shop there, I used to hate going to their website because none of the models were "big" enough to shop there. I have a real problem with that sort of false advertising. I mean, yeah, the clothes looked good on her, but there was no way my body was going to look that good in the same outfit. *shakes head* But then, now that I shop in the regular stores, I still have the same problem with the models they use -- proportion-wise. *shrug*

I love the Lane Bryant website- they now have a thing where you can make a computer model of yourself and try the clothes on it. It really works well- mine looks a lot like me and really does do a good job of showing what is going to be flattering and what is not. I read something interesting a while ago. Lane Bryant did an ad campaign in which they sent different ads to different store regions- the ads were identical except that one had a size 12 model and the other a larger model (I don't remember the exact size, I'm guessing maybe a 20). They got twice as much response from the ad with the smaller model. They're a business, they have to do what works, and if *we* are going to pay twice as much attention to an ad with a size 12 woman in it than a size 20 (or whatever) that's what we're going to get.

I have the LB credit card, and I HATE the picture of the toothpick model with her navel sticking out. That said, I would LOVE to see a plus-sized fashion show...provided they really used plus-sized models.

I keep hearing about that Lane Bryant "experiment" but I've never heard of anyone who got the catalog with fat models. I got their catalogs approxiamately every 10 days for over 20 years and I NEVER saw a fat model. I wish that Lane Bryant would give details on what parts of the country got the "fat model" catalogs, what year, and which fashions. I'm inclined to think the whole thing is an "urban legend." I doubt that I'd watch the lingerie show but I think it might be more popular than they think.

I came across your site looking for Lane Bryant stuff. I have to say the model on the credit card is NOT a toothpick she is probably a 14, but she does have a tummy, and a booty! She is one of the few models kept by Lane Bryant, becuase yes, the others were too skinny to represent them. 2)Lane Bryant Magazine, is NOT linked with Lane Bryant stores. They cater to older women who dont like trendy clothes, like you find in the stores. 3)Check out there NEW ads and models. They are looking to have a more realstic model representation for their clients. They are even doing a model search. So if you are tired of toothpick girls, maybe you should enter the contest. Lane Bryant has come along way, and is foing a fabulous job in making quality clothing for a poryion of the population that designers forget about.

First off, I would just like to say congratulations on the new site! It's very refreshing to see a web site dedicated to the growth of gradual acceptance of one's size, particularly women. Having worked for Lane Bryant, among other current Limited Inc. stores, I can vouch in saying that the catalogs are not in comparison with the items in the store. They are very traditional and cater to a more mature and reserved crowd. While employed at LB, we had tv monitors which showed the customers as well as the employees, the latest in runway fashion for Lane Bryant. My question is, some of the items showcased were never shipped to the store, so does that mean they were custom made for the show, or just unattainable to certain stores and areas? I would greatly appreciate receiving an e-mail answering my question. Before I go, I would just like to end by saying, to actually see the LB show televised would be not only liberating and different, but inspiring as well. Plus sized women should learn that if you have no intentions on altering your size but maintaining it, pride and confidence are key components to gaining acceptance. One of the most admired movies by my friends both thin and large, is "Real Women Have Curves". I highly recommend it. Just remember, you can never be comfortable around others and them around you, if you're not comfortable with you first.

Ithink it's great we need more pluse size model and I would love to be one!!! Im 190 pounds and work out every day to tone up, pluse size women need to be good role model's for our youth It's ok not to be a size 5 . our youth today need's to feel that it's ok to be a size 14 -26 but exersize is important and staying heathy. jenn ocam