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Editor’s Note

There have been recent ‘plus size’ covers and editorial shoots from V Magazine and Elle France, and their images are typically provocative and elaborate but we wanted to take a more fundamental look at embracing clothing that flatters and enhances figures of any size, rather than objectifies and differentiates.

Both of the shoots mentioned had models wearing unflattering clothes that ‘normal’ sized women would never really wear and didn’t seem to consider how to dress a curvier shape. Indeed, looking at the images, it appeared that little thought had gone into them and that both magazines were attempting to shock and create publicity which is ultimately unhelpful to larger women used to seeing child-sized models in the media.

A more shapely model brings a different look and feel to an editorial shoot and photographer Lettresalou’s images are soft and feminine; they don’t scream “This is a Plus Size Model!” Lettresalou trained as a sculptor and this means that she has a unique approach to photography; considering light, space and form within her images.

Lettresalou says “I loved Lisa’s curves and how because of them her body beautifully reflects the light, as if the light embraces her; as if she wears the light. This was actually the main inspiration for the story in terms of fashion styling.” Styling the shoot, India Trusselle chose a selection of fine vintage lingerie which is sexy, yet romantic and whimsical. The pieces date from an era when hourglass figures regularly featured on the front pages, and Marilyn, Rita and Sophia were the desirable female forms du jour.

With this cover we’re hoping to bring more awareness about using curvier models and show the bigger fashion magazines that it is possible to create images that are sexy, fashionable and beautiful. These photographs show women that aren’t a size zero that they should feel comfortable in their skin, and celebrate their curves – rather than trying to assimilate a style (as suggested by V Magazine and Elle) that simply doesn’t flatter their shape.

Lettresalou – Photographer

Here she is again! We wrote about her passion for spinach in February (it’s all because of Popeye the Sailor… don’t ask us!), and how she claims not to be insane besides the fact that she watched 2001: Space Odyssey at least 13 times. We now hear that she instead makes her neighbours lose their wits as she listens to Chopin, well, a lot. Basically far too often (in her case it probably means non stop ) and far too loud. We would say: Lettresalou, get real!, but we won’t as that is exactly what she is about: all this romanticism.. just look at the shoot above! We like her, so you better become a fan too!  Ah, and and she just got a sport car, ouch! hot! See more of Lettresalou’s work online here.

India Trusselle – Stylist (assisted by Diana Harris)

After studying a Fashion Communication Foundation Course at Central St. Martin’s, India has assisted menswear stylists for online and print publications including Numero Homme for Jean Michel Clerc and Richard Bush (No.19) as well as Arena and Rodeo for Jean Marc Masala. She also worked as Cher Coulter’s first assistant styling Sienna Miller. India is inspired by an eclectic range of sources, from Boticelli and National Geographic to The Eyes of Laura Mars, Iris Apfel, Brigitte Bardot and Sasha Gray. Five years from now she’d like to be living in New York dressing some ingenue and dreams of buying a bubblegum pink Cadillac. Her last holiday was a jaunt to Bulgaria skiing and her favourite bar in Europe is Harry’s Bar in Paris. When it comes to running in heels, India would be pretty confident in anything up to the Alexander McQueen Armadillo’s!

Yuka Hirata – Make-up Artist

Yuka studied hair and make-up at London College of Fashion and graduated in 2007. Since graduation she has freelanced and ssisted make-up artists, as well as working during London Fashion Week. She was also part of the team for Rankin’s Project, Rankin Live and has worked on editorials, performance shows and exhibitions. Yuka’s into fashion editorials, and has what might be described as ironic taste, looking to explore “anti-fashion”. Inspirations are Japanese culture (including architecture and calligraphy), the human body, trash and Jan Svankmajer. Yuka’s currently got Boningen on replay and a favourite movie is Ping Pong. Yuka used MAC products for this shoot. For more information see Yuka’s website.

Sergio Renis – Hair Stylist (assisted by Mr Bon)

Sergio is an Italian with a passion for hairdressing and his career began over 20 years ago in a village barber shop! Since then Sergio has worked on editorial shoots for the likes of ID, Esquire and Glamour and styled hair for designers such as Giorgio Armani, Alexander McQueen and Topshop Unique, and lots of celebrities. He currently works at Windle and also teaches Art Direction at Central St. Martins. His favourite bar is Crazy Bear and he could watch and rewatch Once Upon A Time In America. He would take Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ One Hundred Years of Solitude to a desert island and feels that the biggest problem in society at the moment is greed. For more information email Sergio: sergioforrenis@hotmail.com

Lisa Leonard – Model

Lisa grew up in South Africa and studied drama at the University of Pretoria – she currently live in London and really misses the sunshine! She likes writing screenplays and scripts, and would love to be working as the lead actress on a Martin Scorcese or Tim Burton film five years hence. An avid traveller, Lisa’s favourite place to sip cocktails is at the Ark Bar in Koh Samui, Thailand and she dreams of buying a yacht in the Caribbean. Lisa thinks that society’s biggest problems today are a lack of effort to preserve the environment and government corruption. Lisa runs in heels without any problem, but needs to work on doing this gracefully! Lisa is represented by Hughes Models.