Fashion

Finally! A Modeling Agency For Women Of All Sizes

by Michelle King

Well, it sure took the fashion industry long enough. For decades, the modeling industry has put women in one of two categories: You're either a "straight size" (0-2) or "plus size" (12-16). Never mind the millions of other women who don't fit into one of these labels, right? Well, not anymore. Former Ford agents Gary Dakin and Jaclyn Sarka are trying to get the modeling industry to finally come around with Jag, a new agency that will represent all sizes.

It may sound like a pipe dream, but Dakin and Sarka both have impressive histories as modeling agencies. It was under Dakin's direction that Ford added more plus size models to their roster, including Crystal Renn, who went on to walk the runways of Paris, star in Vogue editorials, and land a Chanel compaign.

Jag is kicking off with a roster of about 30 models, many of whom are already familiar names. There's Jennie Runk, who was featured in H&M's Summer 2013 beachwear campaign, Kaela Humpries (maybe you've heard of her big brother Kris?), and Miss Teen USA 2010 Kamie Crawford. These women range in shape and size, but all of them are on board with Jag's mission to change the modeling industry. Runk told Fashionista, "I am absolutely determined to defeat body hatred of any kind, anywhere I experience it, and [Jag is] not only willing, but excited to help make that happen."

It's difficult to predict whether or not Jag will actually change the modeling industry. After all, there have been plenty of "groundbreaking" events in the industry that have turned out to be, unfortunately, less than groundbreaking. Remember that season of America's Next Top Model that took women of all sizes? Probably not, because nothing of note came from it. Or how about Vogue's promise that they won't hire any model who has an eating disorder? It sounds great, but then you remember that people with eating disorders typically don't wear a sign around their neck saying so, and that there's really no way for Vogue to police such a policy.

In order to really shake up the industry, every person associated with Jag will have to be fully committed to the mission of body acceptance for all body types. The models at Jag will have to be, not just pretty faces, but also advocates for the cause.