Plus-size models hover over bowls of pasta on the cover of Vogue Italia

Vogue Italia's first plus-size cover in over a decade features models Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine, and Robyn Lawley photographed by Steven Meisel. The black-and-white cover has a retro feel, and although the photo is lovely, I don't think I need to be reminded that it was desirable for women to have curves in the fifties and sixties: I'd rather see a full bosom and hips and extra soft bits reinterpreted for fashion today. Styled by Edward Enninful in lingerie, the models project a soft, glamorous sensuality, but it isn't clear why curvy girls can't wear dresses to a restaurant or why they have to be half-naked and boudoir-ready while they dine on linguine. Following that logic, the next time someone photographs a plus-size model eating pasta, they'll strip her nude and plop her down in front of a mirror so that she's too distracted and guilty to gorge herself on sinful carbs. The accompanying caption, "Belle Vere", translates to "Real Beauty" which is definitely heavy-handed but also weirdly patronizing, as if the "real beauty" is somehow the product of a lack of discipline. "Unreal Beauty" would have been a better slogan. All in all, Vogue Italia's latest attempt to embrace diversity in beauty is just a lazy way to drum up some publicity for the magazine: falling back on the usual cliches of plus-size fashion editorials, editor Franca Sozzani's June cover reminds readers that curvy girls used to be the cat's meow because they're pretty, sexy, and eat real food. Wake me up when pretty, sexy models with healthy appetites are the norm in fashion and not the exception. [Fashionologie]

Lily Allen's new vintage-inspired line is the bee's knees

Lily Allen and her sister Sarah Owen have just revealed their new vintage-inspired collection, Lucy in Disguise. Consisting of eighteen dresses, each item re-imagines the costumes of an iconic era for the contemporary girl: think Capone-era flapper dresses, a Zanzibar jumpsuit, and a "Haight-Ashbury" smock mini. The items are playful and wearable, but I won't be sold on Lily's line until I see the prices. [Vogue UK]

Tinsley Mortimer climbs out from underneath her makeup

XOJane took it upon themselves to douse Tinsley Mortimer in makeup remover and the results are stunning (above, right). The beauty team ran some dry shampoo and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray through Tinsley's long blonde hair, and kept her makeup to a minimum dusting her face with some concealer, blush, and mascara. The whole thing took just about fifteen minutes, and Tinsley reported that afterwards when she was out having drinks, she was told she looked underage. The lesson here? Trade in your makeup for some confidence and stop glopping up your face. [XOJane]





