Former Miss Universe is Told She's a 'Plus Size' Model After Gaining 2 Lbs

Advertisement

Source – A former Miss Universe winner has revealed her New York agent categorized her as a plus-size model after she gained just 2lbs.

Paulina Vega, 26, who won the coveted crown in 2014, shared her experience in a blog post.

She explained that in the summer of 2016 she was signed on by an New York-based agency she had previously worked with in Miami while travelling around the world.

But when she returned just three months later, the agency weighed her and said she would not be considered as a catwalk editorial fashion model – for putting on just 2.2lbs.

The Colombian pageant queen wrote: ‘I kept on travelling and working. I felt healthy and happy with my body.

‘Three months later I went back to the agency. Apparently, I had gained one kilogram (2.2 lbs).

‘In the meeting, I was told that they were not considering me as a catwalk editorial fashion model, that I was not among the “thin” ones and that I would be categorised as a plus-size model.’

Well, I think we can safely say that they can’t put this one on us. If there’s one place that is not a bastion of cisgender hetero males and their Toxic Masculinity, it’s the fashion world. Unless every TV show I’ve ever seen where models are being judged on how they look, fashion is pretty much the home ice of women and gay men. So if Paulina Vega is being told she’s a plus-size model for gaining 2.2 pounds, they own that one. My conscience is clear.

And I think I speak for most members of my once-valued demographic when I offer Paulina our utmost support. People talk like modeling isn’t a tough racket. Well here’s your proof. It’s a hard life, constantly being evaluated on every flaw on your person. If the rest of us put on 2.2 pounds – what I often refer to as “today” – we break out the baggy jeans and throw on a sweatshirt. She gets her entire job description changed. When was the last time you had a stuffed crust pizza and your career suffered? I can’t imagine what it’s like to come down with something you can’t control, like a zit or one of those weirdo bruises with mysterious origins everyone finds on their arm once in a while.

So no body shaming here. Just an outpouring of love and support. I don’t just former Miss Universe’s by the number on the scale, but by the content of their character. It’s reprehensible that her industry would try to make anyone feel bad about themselves like this. But I’m all about empowerment.

Here’s wishing that Ms. Vega doesn’t let the bastards get her down and continues to feel good about herself. Be comfortable in your own skin. Wear it well. In spite of what the fashionistas say. Because as Bruno Mars put it, you’re amazing just the way you are. And if plus-size model is your new career, well then by golly go out and be the best plus-size model you can be. We’re with you.