4 things you didn’t know about Tess Holliday, the most famous plus-size model in the world
Body-shaming is one of the most talked about topics right now. From Kim Kardashian’s naked bathroom selfie with those infamous black bars to the recent internet slam of Zendaya’s slim figure at the People’s Choice Awards, it appears our seemingly politically correct society is still weighing in on other people’s bodies. Crazy. And it doesn’t stop at celebs—chances are most “real” women have either been a victim of body shaming or participated in it.
Tess Holliday knows a thing or two about haters. On her way up the ladder of success, the 30-year-old plus-size model has developed a Teflon exterior for the flack she’s received (mostly on social media) because she’s a size 22, and owns it. An advocate of body positivity, Holliday started the #effyourbeautystandards movement to celebrate and unite plus-size women around the world, while redefining the meaning of beauty. If you thought Donald Trump was controversial, then you haven’t read any of the comments on the internet about this influential model (and mother—she’s currently expecting her second child.) Despite the constant storm clouds that rain on her parade, Holliday continues to be a ray of light, posting shots of herself poolside in retro cool swimwear living a fabulous life—because she is. Here are four reasons why Tess Holliday should be on your radar.
1. She’s the largest plus-size model to ever be signed with a mainstream modelling agency
London-based modelling agency MILK Management signed Holliday (height: 5″5′, size: 22) this past January, and since then she’s taken the world by storm landing covers of magazines like People, as well as countless editorial shoots.
2. She has almost 30 tattoos
Holliday’s impressive body art includes a teddy bear (which symbolizes her 10-year-old son, Rylee) a fairy, the secret train platform from Harry Potter (she’s a mega fan!), a Chanel lipstick tube, and a slew of strong women—Dolly Parton, Miss Piggy, Mae West—that have empowered her throughout her life.
3. Her go-to beauty look is sexy pin-up girl
A former makeup artist, Holliday loves to glam it up on, and off, duty. Retro-inspired waves, a bold lip and a cat eye are her signatures.
4. She’s launching a collab with Penningtons this spring
Holliday has teamed up with plus-size retailer Penningtons on a capsule collection, “mblm by Tess Holliday.” Available in store and online mid-March, the pieces range from minimalist tunic tops to chic LBDs.