Ralph Lauren Hires First Plus-Size Model

Robyn Lawley has been chosen as the first plus-size model for fashion house Ralph Lauren.

By Kim Anne Sep 20, 2012 4:41PM

Lawley, a size 12, 6-foot-2-inch model who has experienced a great deal of success in the plus-size modeling industry, went on "Good Morning America" to speak about her new job as the first plus-size model for Ralph Lauren.

But the 23-year-old Australian model, who went through her own struggles with body image when she was younger, is no stranger to the difficulties in trying to make it in the modeling world before reaching success.

Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

Related: The Best Plus-Size Fashions for Fall

"I gave up trying to be a model. And then I moved to France and fell in love with food all over again, and came back much bigger than I was. And I saw plus-size models doing well. And I decided that I wanted that, I wanted to be in magazines,” Lawley told the show.

Related: Adele Working With Burberry on a Plus-Size Line

And now, Lawley says there is great hope for her industry. "There are so many plus-size models in New York doing so well at the moment," she said on the show, "and it's only going to get better."

Tell us on Facebook: What do you think of Lawley’s story?

Photo: Courtesy Ralph Lauren

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424Comments

Newest

Sep 21, 2012 12:45AM

Truly a beautiful woman. It's ridiculous that a normal sized woman is considered 'plus size'. I guess we're all just heifers.

Previous replies

ml from maine

Sep 21, 2012 12:44AM

Who the F(*& thinks a size 12 is plus sized? Unbelievable. 18, 20, 22, 24 - those are plus sizes.

Previous replies

ERATH

Sep 21, 2012 12:42AM

How about 6'2" and a size 16 or even an 18 now that's A WOMEN !!!!!!

Previous replies

mg928

Sep 21, 2012 12:41AM

I have been told by the mother of a young model that now the industry actually considers anything over a size 6 plus sized! How are our younger women supposed to grow up with a solid sense of self confidence if the industry tells them that unless they are sticks and bones that they are unacceptable. I myself fight with self image everyday as most women do out there. Going shopping for clothes is often traumatic because you can wear three different sizes depending on the designer. It's no wonder we have such a problem. This model is in no way plus sized. Being 6 ft 2 she carries her weight differently than a woman of 5 foot 2.

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scampking1031

Sep 21, 2012 12:38AM

The biggest problem that alot of women have about their body is the judgements of other women! Look at any of the magazines devoted to women, almost 90% of them have women editors and publishers, but instead of using their position to reinforce the fact that women are beautiful, they perpetuate the stereotype that only thin women are beautiful. It is a hurtful thing to do to a womans psyche, to her confidence, to her self-esteem, to show only thin women. They constantly give weight-loss advice, how to please your man advice, but you will never see in a womans magazine an article telling them to love who they are. Women are beautiful, regardless of their size, and calling a woman "plus-size" is degrading, given the fact that their are more size 14 in America than there are size 4. I love you women, be who you are and love it! Do not change for anyone except yourself, do not get beaten down by stereotypes. Be beautiful, like you always have. And guys, we have a responsibility to love our women, to make them feel like they are the finest piece on the planet. Do that, and the world will be a better place to live.

Previous replies

sezame

Sep 21, 2012 12:37AM

I need to make another comment. The beautiful girl shown should be a "regular" model as she exemplifies more accurately normal women. Ralph Lauren needs to get on the band wagon and sign up this woman.