Super, Model
The “CURVES AHEAD” plus-size photo shoot in January’s issue of V magazine was an eye opener in more ways than one. There was no pandering on the slick, well-styled pages or in the sidebar on “How to dress 10 lbs. thinner!” Instead, on display: models in feminine, fashion-forward clothes, kohl eyeliner, red lips, windblown hair and, yes, unapologetic belly rolls, full thighs and plump, sumptuous arms. Could it be? Is what is regarded as “beautiful” becoming a little more inclusive?

Local stunner Tara Lynn was one of the stars in this spread, and she’s quickly becoming a hot commodity in the modeling world, helping redefine standards of style. While it may seem supermodels are shrinking by the season, Lynn’s body of work suggests that this is a changing industry. Also co-owner of Capitol Hill’s Meza Latin Fare, this 20-something brunette beauty’s career has risen meteorically in the past year. What began as a visit to a modeling agency to see if she could pick up a side job during her school days has resulted in multiple fashion editorials, including V and the cover of French Elle.

Represented by Belltown-based Heffner Management, Lynn is uncommonly striking and free of makeup for our interview, except for a slick of hot pink lipstick. At 5 feet, 9 inches and an average size 14, she is no bigger than a lot of women on our city streets. “I don’t think ‘plus-size modeling’ is taking off just because we, as a nation, are getting heavier and heavier,” says Lynn, who recently wrapped up a swimsuit shoot with Crystal Renn, arguably the top plus-size model in the game, for The New York Times. “I think it’s more that we’re becoming more accepting of other forms of beauty. The standard of beauty is broadening, and that’s a good thing.”

For more of Lorna Yee’s interview with Tara see her article in the Scoop blog.