Photo from V Magazine, Courtesy of Nicola Formichetti

It’s no secret that Americans feel pressure to be stick thin. The image is projected onto us from every media outlet. With super tiny models and celebrities reigning supreme over pop culture, the race is on to become the skinniest version of yourself. Then there’s the idea that big is beautiful and not to be ashamed of your size. These influential messages have teens and adults alike in a standstill between embracing their figure and shaming themselves into thinness. Tom Ford, famously nonchalant in interviews, was quoted in Time Out Hong Kong saying, “Americans are too fat. And in London they are starting to get fat too. So I have to say that if we have to talk about race system and nationalism, I find it refreshing that everyone [who is] Chinese is slim.” Then we have Lady Gaga’s stylist, Nicola Formichetti, whose comments were “misconstrued” in the latest issue of W. He made a comment saying he disliked working with fat people but later retracted. Formichetti even posted a photo on his Facebook of a plus-sized model he styled for V magazine. Well, bold and big are beautiful, and the fashion industry is taking baby steps to ensure these gorgeous women get their chance in the spotlight.

Whitney Thompson, Retna

America’s Next Top Model isn’t perfect, but the show’s making strides in having plus-sized competitors. In total they’ve had six women who fall into this category and Whitney Thompson was declared the winner of cycle 10.

Tara Lynn, Hao Zeng for Elle

There are other curvaceous ladies who hit fashion ads. Tara Lynn is an extremely popular model, who has appeared in numerous fashion campaigns, including a spread for the French Elle. Plus she was featured in “Style A to Zee,” a fashion-based column by Joe Zee, ELLE’s creative director.

Ashley Graham, Retna

Then there’s Ashley Graham, the curvy model often the focus of Lane Bryant’s ads. She famously appeared on Jay Leno after Lane Bryant accused ABC of refusing to air a commercial with Graham featuring one of the Bryant lingerie lines. The commercial itself was no more racy than a Victoria’s Secret ad (you can see it here).

Christina Hendricks, Retna

And more and more celebrities are flaunting their round figures. Take a look at Mad Men‘s Christina Hendricks who has no shame about her body. Although many celebs don designer gowns of size 0 or 2, her 5’8″ frame wears a size 14.

Adele, Splash News

Singer Adele, whose fame has catapulted since the release of her second album, 21, feels her body is fine the way it is. She has been quoted saying she likes eating fine foods and hates going to the gym. Not to infer that you should avoid healthy food and going to the gym, because that’s not it at all. Teens especially need to learn to embrace their bodies for what they are. Do go forth with an active lifestyle but don’t criticize what you can’t change. While some diva fashionistas proclaim “thin is in,” these models can teach a lesson or two about acceptance (maybe even to Tom Ford).