Photos of Crystal Renn (from a photo shoot with Nicholas Routzen for the "Fashion for Passion" campaign) looking ghastly skinny in comparison to her usual curvy self have been circulating the internet the last few weeks with just as ghastly commentary on whether she was sick and how could she dare speak out about being plus size if she didn't maintain her plus size status. There seems to be a split down the middle with those rushing to defend and those rushing to bash. I recently read an online interview at Glamour magazine (www.glamour.com) where it is painfully obvious that Crystal is hurt by the comments and where she explained they were doctored.
I think Crystal Renn is a beautiful woman no matter what her size. Do I want her to remain plus size forever? Sure. Because that is what I can relate too. But I totally understand how her body would fluctuates given her hectic and active lifestyle; especially, the last two years.
I find it insane that we would attack her (and many other celebrities) for losing weight. They are just like us and we have to stop putting them up on pedestals like statues that never change their form. If we want people to respect us and our bodies we need to set a better example and accept others for theirs.
When it comes to modeling, I think people need to realize that Crystal's a full-figure model and not a plus size model in the traditional sense. There is a lot of confusion (and some times horror) when it comes to the clothing industries description of plus size (14 to 26) conflicting with the modeling industry's description (8 to 14). Many can not separate the two and many others seem to be offended. It confuses and frustrates people all around. But all these things are not Crystal's fault.
In the end, her true fans won't care what division she's in. I think there are just so many people attached to her that are afraid of losing such an obviously beautiful and vocal spokes model for their cause: the one where all women are beautiful regardless of their size. But the thing is, Crystal can be an advocate for plus women no matter what size she is.
It's important to give support to role models speaking out on body image regardless of their size.
Read Crystal Renn's Glamour interview.
