Ladies, Embrace Your Curves!

July 23, 2007 — -- For years, women have been asked the question: Does size really matter? Naturally, they were referring to men.

But there's another question that has long been on everyone's mind: What is the "correct" size for a woman? I laugh when I see people get upset by such talk, or make cruel comments that can hurt girls' and women's self-images.

Perhaps it sounds heartless when I say, "I laugh," but I do so because it seems to me that this topic has always been an issue -- dating to the beginning of time. And that we, as women, shouldn't let anyone dictate what is "the right size," for us, unless, of course, it's a health issue.

Times change, and the standard of beauty changes with them. The Rubenesque physique was all the rage in the 17th century, and we all know it thanks to the man behind the adjective, artist Peter Paul Rubens.

Rubens was known for his portraits of nude and nearly nude women that were not only realistic but also depicted a tangible sensuality, a ripeness -- insight into what he found attractive in a woman, that's for sure. This voluptuousness was considered the standard of beauty. At that time in history, being waiflike meant, well, being like a waif. As in a street urchin. Having a full figure was a sign of wealth, health and happiness.

I was thrilled to interview the creator of Cherished-Woman.com, a company devoted to dressing the plus-size woman. Nancy Baum is (a) a smart woman who's appealing to a growing population, and b) so comfortable with herself, and that's what it's all about. You can bet Jane Mansfield wasn't ashamed of her bodacious bod. No one should be.

There is a trend in America toward larger-size women. In fact, the plus-size clothing market is now -- excuse the pun -- big business. Over the past 40 years, the average size of a woman has increased steadily. There are variances related to the fact that average height has also increased, which has affected average weight.

A French designer overheard backstage at Fashion Week spouted "had I known that these plump delicacies would pay for high fashion, I would have catered to them years ago." A bit pretentious, but he's right.