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Sports Illustrated Features First Plus-Sized Model in Swimsuit Issue

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fairfield chapter.

In a world filled with women of all sizes constantly trying to keep up with the newest trends, the newest fad diets, and setting their sights on buying the next-best-thing, it’s no wonder why Robyn Lawley is becoming an icon for women empowerment.

In July 2013, Lawley interviewed with Fashionista and told them, “If [average-sized women] were included [on the runways and in magazines] on a regular basis no one would make such a huge uproar about it. But because it’s rare, that’s the reality.”

Two years later, here Lawley is turning the rarity of curvy women in the media into a beautiful reality.

As a confident curvaceous Australian native, Lawley will be the first plus-sized model to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for 2015. With this opportunity, Lawley is on her way to changing the fashion industry norms as well as societies ideals on beauty as a U.S. size 12.

In an interview she told The Cut, “I want Vogue to be regularly featuring curvy or plus-size or size-8 models. At the end of the day, I (and other girls) look up to these magazines. If you just see one consistent body type, you’re going to hate your body. I don’t want girls to feel like that.” With this idea for the future of the fashion industry, Lawley is setting the stage for a future where women will embrace their size and realize that the number they wear does not define them.

Lawley also told Time Magazine, “I don’t know if I consider myself as a plus- size model or not, I just consider myself a model because I’m trying to help women in general accept their bodies.”  As a model, a soon to be mother, a swimwear designer for sizes 8-18, and a true inspiration, it’s no wonder why we, as collegiettes, support Lawley’s endeavor to redefine beauty for all. 

Camille Giacovas is a sophomore at Fairfield University with an International Studies major and an English minor with a concentration in Professional Writing.  She dreams of traveling the world and she strongly believes in the power of living a positive life. She is a lover of hot yoga, running and finding the little things in life that bring her joy. Her mornings would not be complete without a chai tea latte. 
Danielle was previously the Deputy Editor at Her Campus, where she oversaw social and content strategy, lifestyle, beauty, fashion, news, and entertainment. Prior to joining Her Campus, Danielle worked at House Beautiful as Senior Lifestyle Editor, directing and producing feature videos and stories. Danielle also served as Snapchat Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the brands daily Snapchat Discover channel. In 2016, she launched Cosmo Bites — which is now the official food and beverage vertical at Cosmopolitan. That same year, Danielle was named as a Rising Star in the digital media industry by FOLIO Magazine. Danielle got her start in digital media by launching the Her Campus chapter at Fairfield University in 2014, where she acted as Campus Correspondent for 2.5 years, before graduating with a degree in English and creative writing. She enjoys wine, food, and long walks through HomeGoods. Follow Danielle on Instagram!