THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF THE FAT IT FOLKS by Christa Cripwell
ILLUSTRATION by Peruvian artist - Carlos Pun's - Distortion Series, completed in 2019.
When I used to hear the term ‘it girl’, an image of a tall, blonde twenty-something woman whom the tabloids would inevitably describe as ‘svelte’, would spring to mind. She would be portrayed in the media as someone who effortlessly met the toxically impossible expectations placed on women. But ultimately, the habits and lifestyle of this girl were at odds with the habits that one would adopt for a healthy and happy life. Her so-called ‘it’ factor was a concoction of beauty standards plucked from a special kind of hell by the male gaze. To support this view, we need look no further than the popularity garnered by the strapline popularised by Kate Moss, “Nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels”, the consequences of which are innumerable. The 90s pop culture created a world in which, for women, being skinny was a necessity for success. The glossy sheen of magazines served as a guise behind which this toxicity would hide; a Trojan horse for values that made the women’s cause regress by hundreds of years. However, in the last decade, the tide has started to turn and conceptual room for a new definition of what it truly is to be an it girl has come into play. VOLUP2 has created a dream team of IT GXRLS. They are trailblazers of the revolution who we hope might influence and inspire. Who are YOUR IT GXRLS and why? We would love to hear your thoughts either via Instagram or our email voluptwo@yahoo.com!
Achieng Agutu @noordinarynoire also known as the confidence queen, is a model and creator who has featured in Vogue and models for Si Swimsuits. She exudes an incredible confidence and sense of empowerment which we can all admire and learn from.
Alice Potiche @queenpotiche is a French fashion Designer, model and self-professed drama queen/ With three of her friends, she runs The Big Girls Energy community, which explores a wide range of topics from self-love to relationships to astrology.
Angelina Moles @fiercefatfemme is a gender-fluid, queer, fat liberationist. Angelina uses she/they pronouns and engages in a wide range of hobbies and careers. They are a *deep breath* performance artist, model, content creator, consultant AND professor. VOLUP2 reached out to her to hear her thoughts on what an IT GXRL means to her. She said “An it gxrl is someone, regardless of gender, who works towards fully embodying their own values and lives their politics out loud. It means questioning the voice of others and society and feeling completely grounded in our decisions to take up space, be as weird as we want to, and to exist unapologetically to the best of our ability”.
Anna Chapman @iamannachapman is a queer, fat self-care coach who focuses particularly on grief work and helping people change the way that they feel about their own bodies. On her Instagram, she did a series of dopamine dressing, helping fat people to dress in bright and bold clothing and wear things with confidence.
Anna Krylova @anna.krylova is an LA-based DJ and model who was born and raised in Russia. She is taking the world by storm by redefining beauty standards one leap at a time. She has done campaigns for world-famous brands, such as Skims, and is showing womxn every day that thin and beautiful are not synonymous with one another.
Anna Stomosis @anna.stomosis is a model, a powerlifter and activist. She recently did an interview with Yeoja magazine in which she spoke about the trials and tribulations of navigating the fashion and social media world as a fat model, the body positivity movement and what thin folx can do to be true allies and help in the fight for fat liberation. She expresses her goal to free all fat people from oppression and discrimination on a structural level and highlights that using the term ‘body positivity’ does not describe what she is trying to achieve. She sheds light on how thin folx can help; by genuinely speaking up for fat folx because, unfortunately, their voices are heard differently.
Aubrey Gordon @yrfatfriend is a best-selling author of You Just Need to Lose Weight. She has also created the film ‘Your Fat Friend’ which received this review from the Stylist , “A film that deserves your undivided attention”. Aubrey is a creative genius who is tackling poignant and painful subjects and removing the stigma that has been long associated with fat folk.
Aurielle Marie @yesaurielle is recently no longer active on social media, but you can check out their website Aurielle Marie to keep update with what they are up to. Aurielle is an award-winning author, documentarian, poet, essayist and cultural strategist from the deep south near Atlanta. They promote their belief that the stories that we tell have the power to radically change the world. They earned a Bachelor’s in Social Justice Strategy and Hip-Hop Theory from Evergreen State College. Aurielle’s poetry debut received the 2020 Cave Canem Prize and the 2022 Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Poetry. What’s more, they are a co-founder of the political coalition It’s Bigger Than You and a cultural strategist for leading organisations fighting for abolition, demilitarisation and anti-racism.
Benita Jeannie @yourgirljeannie is a body acceptance advocate and surfer. Her lifestyle is one of humble hedonism in which she pursues happiness and finds joy in the simple pleasures and in nature; something which all of us can learn from and seek to emulate in our own lives.
Blane Muise @0800shygirl is an English singer, DJ, rapper, songwriter and co-founder of the record label and collective Nuxxe. She has gained attention from the likes of Rihanna who has used Nuxxe tracks for her Fenty Beauty commercials and shows.
Catherine @fatangryblackgirl is a creative living in Brooklyn. Having attended fashion design school, she has now joined the movement pertaining to inclusivity for fat folk. On her blog, fatangryblackgirl, she discusses how fashion extends beyond the clothes; it is an expression of sexuality, politics, gender as well as many other things. Outside of the fashion world, she is a passionate activist and uses her platform to incite socio-political change. She adheres particularly closely to issues affecting black womxn, fat womxn and members of the LGBT community. Her website covers a broad scope of topics from her outfits of the day to prevalent social issues.
Charlie Reynolds @peachy.baby is another inspiration for VOLUP2. She is a New York based model and a rising star in the modelling world. What’s more, she is a green queen, with her love of second-hand clothing beginning in high school, she loves to shop at thrift stores such as Value Village. She has said that having attended an art school made her feel as though she could express herself authentically and feel confident in her own body.
Dani DMC @danidmc is an LA-based content creator, model and confidence activist. She teaches people everywhere to be happy within themselves and express who they are without apology or constraint. She practices what she preaches and shows others how and why they should exude the same unapologetic confidence that she does. To shop her looks, buy her confidence workbook, or watch some of her YouTube videos, check out her website here.
Danielle Pinnock @bodycourage is an American actress, writer and comedian. She stars on the CBS series ‘Ghosts’ as the 1920s prohibition-era jazz singer Alberta. From her hilarious skits dressing up as a bedbug in Paris, to her tackling of serious social issues, we believe that everyone could take a leaf out of Danielle’s book and channel her energy in their own lives.
Ericka Hart, @ihartericka is an inspiration and a fighter, having survived breast cancer. She is a sex educator, racial/social/gender justice educator, writer, and model. They also host their own podcast with Ebony Donnley, called Hoodrat to Headwrap, “decolonized podcast for lovers on the margins” which seeks to dismantle white supremacy and shine a light on some of the most important ethical issues in our society today. Check out their website here.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson @gabriellak_j is a New York model represented by WME and IMG, as well as a stylist and editor known for her shrewd eye and valued opinion on emerging designers, she has also embarked upon diversifying the fashion world.
Hayley Herms @hayleyhermsofficial is a queer supermodel. She is CEO of How To Be a Plus Size Model and host of the stoned & horny podcast. She has done amazing things for womxn in the fashion industry and is on a mission to inform people about sexual wellness and destigmatise the use of cannabis.
Imogen Ivy @imogenfkingivy is an Australian influencer. Her bio on Instagram is “Happiness is the new hot” and her content very much follows this beautiful theme. She produces amazing content from a video titled ‘How to be More Confident Living in a Plus Size body, to how she healed her own PTSD through the art of performative dance. She is one to watch and one to be emulated.
India-Haylee Barton @indiahayleebarton is a curve model, originally from Brisbane. She said in an interview with Voyage LA that she is “known for rebelling and going against the grain pushing industry boundaries”. She also expresses that she loves to work with other creatives and photographers who strive to break down barriers and traditional stereotypes. Check out our other article on her; Fashion's New It Girl is India Haylee-Barton! She is also one of the legendary Ellen von Unwerth’s @ellenvonunwerthvon muses, having modelled for her alongside Marilyn Manson in King Kong magazine.
Ísold Halldórudóttir @isoldhalldorudottir is an Icelandic model, artist and activist who has worked with top brands including Marc Jacobs. When interviewed on the Ikkivi podcast, Ísold said: “My body is the least important thing about me. What matters is what I bring to the table with who I am as a person, with my personality, with my mind, with my opinions, with who I am as a character”.
Jane Dipika Garrett @jadedipika_ was Miss Nepal in 2023 and was the very first plus-size model to participate in the contest. She stunned in the swimsuit round of the competition and her career has since sky-rocketed and she has received worldwide acclaim. As well as modeling, she now uses her platform to advocate for awareness of mental health and PCOS.
Jari Jones @iamjarijones is an American trans-Femme activist, performance artist and creative. She has been a cast member, script consultant and producer of Port Authority. She was the first black trans woman to be a producer of a film at the Cannes Film Festival. Furthermore, in 2020, she was one of the nine faces of Calvin Klein’s pride campaign. Outside of acting, she is a political activist, advocating for transgender rights. She promotes self-love and has set records as the first black transgender woman to display the No Sesso brand on the runway. Check out our other article featuring Jari Healthy Relationships and Love Talk with Activists, Jari Jones and Corey Kempster.
Jenine Nerecina @nerecinacouture is a Los Angeles fashion designer. She creates made-to-order clothing and small-batch collections and also offers a rental service. She creates beautiful and head-turning tulle, silk and velvet gowns. Check out her website here.
Jordan Underwood @jordallenhall is a New York-based fat liberation, transsexual model who has raised awareness for plus size visibility. They are committed to self-love and liberation for marginalised folx. They speak on issues surrounding lipedema and the dangers of diet culture and in turn, enable other womxn to love the bodies they are in.
La’Shaunae @luhshawnay was the first ever publicly-cast winner of the annual Dazed100, beating YouTube stars and Hollywood A-listers. La’Shaunae grew up fat and was taunted throughout school for how she looked. But from this, La’Shaunae cultivated her incredible resilience and has since created her own universe. She uses her platform to share her love of fashion as well as clamouring for inclusivity and representation of diversity within the industry. When speaking to Dazed Digital, she said, “I feel like a certain group of plus-size is being represented…but I’m bigger and darker than all those girls. They have opened doors for a lot of plus-size models, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Lauren Veluvolu @laurenveluvolu is a model for Natural Models LA who sheds light upon the beauty of all things natural. She encourages womxn to remain natural in a world saturated with social media filters and plastic surgery, helping people to see the appeal in being organic and loving themselves and their bodies how they come. Her wish to preserve all things natural extends beyond her own looks; she has also been vegan for nine years in the name of reducing her carbon footprint and protecting the planet.
MahMah Tohoa Lita Tetini Timoteo @pori.mahmah is a queer activist from Aotearoa (The Māori-language word for New Zealand). She is fighting for indigenous liberation, freedom for Palestine and the engenderment of equality for marginalised folk. She has also recently launched her podcast "Two Fat 'Fine". She is clamouring for justice on a number of global issues and bravely paving the way for others to follow.
Mama Mamba @mama.mamba is a woman of all trades, labelling herself as a “big sexy queer performer”. She performs burlesque, Gogo dancing, serves as a sideshow queen and has earned a name for herself as a plus-size model. She defies societal expectations and is an inspiration for queer and plus-size folk.
Margie Ashcroft @margieplus, is a singer, a confidence activist a style icon and a writer. She has modelled for a selection of amazing brands including Savage X Fenty and Galore. She is a creative queen and an awe-inspiring it girl for us.
Mathilde @mathildemusic is a French singer with her own podcast and blog. She is also an ambassador for SavageXFenty. Her song “A la gloire des femmes en deuil” hit 1.32 million streams worldwide. She is taking the world by storm in more fields than one and it is a joy to watch her success grow.
Michaela Stark @michaelastark is a fashion designer and model from Brisbane, Australia. In Vogue’s September (2023) Digital issue, Hannah Jackson described Stark’s work as a “far cry from the stereotype of ultra-thin models”. She noted that Stark’s work stirs up a feeling of discomfort and the hope of reflecting those feelings she (and so many womxn) experienced as a young teenager. Through her artistic prowess, Stark is shattering the illusion that beauty has a restrictive and immutable definition.
November Ultra @november_ultra has the voice of an angel. With over 451,000 listeners on Spotify, she is rising the music ladder with gusto. As a result of popular demand, she is embarking on her tour of America in July, playing in Washington DC, LA, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis and New York. You don’t want to miss it, get your tickets here.
Paloma Elsesser @palomija was chosen as 2023’s model of the year by the British Fashion Awards. She has succeeded this title from the likes of Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber. She was also on British Vogue’s iconic March 2024 cover in and amongst 39 other legends of the industry including Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Oprah Winfrey.
Patricia Luiza Blaj @patriciasvoice is the founder of the brand Loud Bodies. Loud Bodies is built on the foundations of sustainability and inclusivity. Loud Bodies is authentically ethical, not employing good ethics simply to make it attractive as a brand, but because Patricia truly cares. They pay attention to the smallest details, making sure that everything from zips to parcel ties is made from recycled or organic materials.
Roseline Lawrence @roselinelawrence is a plus-size model who has stunned in shoots for incredible brands such as Dos Swim and Reebok. She inspires womxn to exude the same confidence that she does so beautifully and is wonderful evidence of a new and revolutionary generation-changing tradition.
Ruth Torres @ruthintruth is an LA-based makeup artist, performer and visionary with a keen eye for fashion. She is an awesome and original creative who portrays her views and ideology through performative art, fashion and photography. Her makeup and design Instagram account can be found here.
Tierney @tstar7 is a, “LA native who writes and acts and wins awards for her mesmerizing collaborative video projects” She has a vision to build a more consensual world, dissolving old institutions and creating a new culture based on foundations of equality, inclusivity and compassion.
Vanessa Camille @vanessaxcamille is a Filipino-American plus-size model who is based in Seattle. She is signed with SMG Models and Curv Management. Her website Vanessa Camille includes her own iconic statement looks as well as blogs that echo the importance of inclusive standards and empowering womxn everywhere.
Victoria Young @victorianachos is a Vancouver-based author of the books Dating While Feminist and Love Poems for Butchers. On her social media, she speaks comedically and openly about her experiences dating and the trials and tribulations that come with it. On her website, you will find links to her merch, books, Substack and OnlyFans. She speaks out against fatphobia, having recently posted, “Fatphobia isn’t a problem with bodies, it’s a problem with values”.
Yumi Nootenboom @_yumi_nu is a model and singer-songwriter from New Jersey. She featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2022 and was the first plus-size model of Asian descent to do so. She has created her very own plus-size clothing line, Blueki and has been on the cover of American and Japanese editions of Vogue in 2021 and also appeared in British Vogue.
As a result of the voices of these wonderful womxn, we are now seeing a genuine revolution against the damaging patriarchal beauty standards that have long served as the atemporal pillars of the beauty industry. We are fast learning that Airbrush and photoshop have presented us with an image of ‘perfection’ as fictitious as Narnia. What we are experiencing now is the second, more forceful and destructive wave; a rebellion against the initial soft wave which was arguably a quota-filling, box-ticking ingenuine attempt at diversity in the beauty industry. This new revolution champions authenticity, unrepentance and individuality. The new it gxrl is authentic in the sense that their actions align with their thoughts, unrepenting in that they will not apologise nor sculpt themselves according to the patriarchal mold and individual in a way that they possess the confidence to be themselves to the fullest extent.
