Lizzi Miller: A Model Just Like Us

By

Natasha Dantzig

August 24, 2009

Lizzi Miller: A Model Just Like Us One small image from the September issue of Glamour -- a nude woman sitting pretty in all of her non-anorexic glory -- has gotten tons of feedback. And unlike most feedback for magazine images which tend to feature obviously photo-shopped, ego-destroying models, the response to this particular shot has been overwhelmingly positive. And why? Well, just look at her. Twenty-year-old model Lizzi Miller looks absolutely joyous in this photograph, and that’s the point. Unlike a lot of stories with images of normal-sized women in fashion magazines, this one isn’t about hiding your flaws, or finding clothes to make you look thinner: It’s a story about how harshly we judge our own bodies, and why we need to cut that shit out.

('

’)

Since I’m currently working at coming to terms with my rapidly expanding pregnant body, I especially appreciated the quote by Sue Baelen, licensed midwife: “We have curves for a reason.” Now I’ve been aware of this, and my doctors have specifically directed me to step up the weight gain, as I was a little scrawny to begin with. But I must admit that it’s not easy. As much as I’m trying to enjoy this whole gaining weight part, it’s a little jarring when I wake up nearly every day to a larger version of my formerly petite self. And maybe because I’ve never really been anything other than petite, I haven’t fully realized how harsh it can be to judge yourself against the glossies. It would not suck for me to bear witness to a pregnant model or actress who actually looks pregnant from the back as well as the front. Because I am definitely not developing into a bump on a stick, which is the often-photographed (and commented upon) body type of most knocked-up celebs.

Cheers to Glamour, and here’s hoping we’ll start to see more normal-sized models (I can’t bring myself to call Lizzi plus-size, she’s a size 12) featured in magazines. And it would be really affirming to see them in spreads and stories about something other than their larger-than-average model size.

Email
Print

Fashion, Beauty Junkie, Beauty, Natasha Dantzig, Lizzi Miller

Comments (18)

Posted by Equal Style on Tue Aug 25, 2009 at 06.08 pm

#1

I think that Glamour did a great job! Having stick-thin girls in every magazine gets tiring! Real life is not like that!

Posted by thea on Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 11.00 am

#2

When I googled "Lizzi MIller", the first four pages were about her job in the Galmour-mag. Nearly everey comment is about her great, well-shaped body and her authentic look. She did a great job and I guess Glamour has had more comments and requests about their (unfortunately, too small) image, than usually. I really don't care about the weight of anyone or the diets and workouts of models (e.g. Bar Rafaeli). But I'd like to know sth about the normal day of Lizzie and the experiences she's having with her normal body. Are they equal with those of all the other glossie-models? You did a good job qith your article. And you're right. We all should cut down this "perfect body" shit. Me, too. Best wishes, Thea

Posted by Natasha Dantzig on Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 04.29 pm

#3

Thanks Thea. I'm interested to know more about Lizzie as well. Maybe she'll talk to me for a more in depth interview.

Posted by Jeremy on Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 05.06 pm

#4

Quick to the gym please! This is not necessary!

Posted by star on Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 05.53 pm

#5

Its good that people are proud of there own body, but we not have to know, and especially naked. Advise: don't let society dictate you rules. Be your own master

Posted by Natasha Dantzig on Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 06.14 pm

#6

I guess someone has to point out that the hater is male.

Posted by M.Wester on Thu Aug 27, 2009 at 03.16 am

#7

Finally! I hope that Lizzi will affect other model agencies because I think this is a positive (and great!) step for the model industry. Hopefully this will trigger more minds to be proud on their bodies! It’s a shame the model industry uses “skin over bones” models to create the interpretation of the “perfect body” for women and men, because in real life it is totally different. Also in the Netherlands. Great article, thank you Natasha.thank you Natasha.

Posted by Hugo on Thu Aug 27, 2009 at 03.26 am

#8

I would do her! still sexy!

Posted by Roger on Thu Aug 27, 2009 at 04.59 am

#9

I think she looks great, all the fuss about appearances is dumb and goes beside the point of who somebody is. That said, I also like to look at good looking women, probably the same as women like to look at good looking men. And in my opinion she looks great.

Posted by Dave on Thu Aug 27, 2009 at 05.32 am

#10

I like the picture, especially because (as the writer pointed out) she looks joyous. She seems happy with who she is and I really hope this lets other women see that its ok to have a bit of weight. Good article. By the way, somehow I think Jeremy was being sarcastic.

View All Comments...