The curvy model world has myriad of categories such as commercial, fashion, glamor and many others.
The most controversial section of the industry seems to be the "urban" model category.
Some of these woman can also be referred to as "video vixens".
While they are just as hardworking as any other woman, they do not receive as much recognition or respect as a commercial or glamor model.
The video vixens stigma has been praised and degraded and keeps coming back for more.
Year after year the curves get more rotund and the scandals sweep the headlines.
As a curvy women myself, I have to think of this from both perspectives.
Plusmodels.
com published general requirements for a plus size model, "Proportionate.
You should be in proportion.
Your bust, waist and hips should be about ten inches apart in size (i.
e.
42-32-42) or very close.
In addition, the shorter you are, the smaller your size should be.
Someone who is 5'8" would be expected to wear a smaller size (12/14) than a taller model.
It is all about length and proportion.
" So much for my career as a plus model.
At 5'6" and a 36H-38-52 frame, I'm sure Willamina wont be calling me in any time soon.
While there are many woman in the world fitting that description, there are others who may be OUT of proportion.
Melyssa Ford for example is 5'4" with a 34D-20-38 frame but maintains a prominent position in the urban model industry.
The same goes for Buffie "The Body" Carruth standing at 5'7" with an amazing body measuring at 34C-28-44.
Neither of these ladies fit the mold for plus model but have very lucrative careers.
On the other hand, women such as Melyssa and Buffie have been disgraced and attacked by the media.
They are accused of promoting anti-feministic, and immoral depictions of the Black women.
These women can't deny they do not portray us extra curvy Black women in a positive light.
In the July 2008 CNN Interview, Melyssa admits, that Hip Hop videos are demeaning to women.
But when you don't qualify for the more commercial gigs where do you turn? I do not condone demeaning women in any light or the constant billboard of "SEX HERE" that video vixens promote, but I myself, have been told that because of my shape (pre-pregnancy) I "would be more appreciated in the pin-up/vixen" community".
When do my curves get a say in the image I'm "proportioned" to portray?