Simply Be's new #WeAreCurves campaign has sparked a debate about plus-size diversity

Some people aren't happy about Simply Be's latest campaign [Photo: Instagram/SimplyBeUK]
Some people aren’t happy about Simply Be’s latest campaign [Photo: Instagram/SimplyBeUK]

Just last week the Internet was venting their frustration that Zara’s new Love Your Curves campaign featured a distinct lack of, er, curves. And now plus size clothing brand Simply Be is facing the wrath of social media after some complained their latest ads were not representative of it’s customers.

The We Are Curves campaign features model Iskra Lawrence, size 14 as well as Marquita Pring, size 18 and Denise Bidot, also a size 18 promoting the brand’s denim collection. But many have criticised the retailer, which stocks women’s sizes 12-32, for not representing women on the upper scale of their sizing range.

squad goals @iskra @denisebidot and @marquitapring ♥️

A post shared by Simply Be Fashion (@simplybeuk) on Mar 20, 2017 at 11:00am PDT

Taking to Simply Be’s various social media channels many fans called the company out for only offering a certain representation of plus-size women.

“I’m fed up of @SimplyBeUK saying they are for plus size and only ever showing small girls in all adverts and catalogs! Get real use above a size 14/16!!! Embrace what you say you are, don’t reinforce what the masses think we should look like!” one woman wrote on Instagram.

“Curves? Only around their arse and hips, where’s the big tummies, big arms? You don’t represent the people you sell to!” another Instagrammer added.

“Have @SimplyBeUK made some kind of mistake? ‘We are curves’ although non of the models in the advert are big, just normal sized women?” another woman tweeted.

Speaking to the MailOnline a spokesperson for the brand said: “Our campaigns celebrate all different shapes and sizes in the way that our customers are all different shapes and sizes.”

“In previous campaigns we have featured blogger Gabi Fresh, a size 22, alongside Iskra Lawrence who is a size 14. Our current campaign features a size 14 model and two size 18 models.”

“Our mission statement is to offer fashion for all whatever size, shape or body-type.”

Perfect for Spring ???? Shop Iskra's look // JW019 & EH908

A post shared by Simply Be Fashion (@simplybeuk) on Mar 18, 2017 at 7:00am PDT

And one of the models who features in the campaign, Denise Bidot, has also responded to the criticism on Simply Be’s Instagram page. While she claimed the clothes each model was wearing made them appear slimmer, she was keen to point out they were still women who wear plus-size clothing.

“I wish I had a flat belly too,” she wrote. “These high waist jeans have belly reinforcement and made everything look smoother, but I assure you, when shopping I am plus size. I am a U.K. 18. I always push for diversity and inclusivity, and it’s always a battle, but rest assured clients are listening. I am 5’7″ (super short for modelling standards) and finally I see doors opening. It’s taken 10 years, but it’s possible if we keep asking for the right things. Let’s lift each other up and not tear each other apart. Together we can be the change.”

Our gal @MarquitaPring for SimplyBe.co.uk #WeAreCurves TV ad ♥️

A post shared by Simply Be Fashion (@simplybeuk) on Mar 21, 2017 at 5:25am PDT

And Simply Be followed her comments by adding their own explanation to the brand’s fans.

“Our mission has always been to offer fashion for all whatever your size, shape or body-type. We do not, nor have we ever, treated curve as a trend, a hot topic, an add-on, or an after-thought, it’s at the heart of everything we do. We are really proud of our new denim collection campaign featuring models who are curvy and beautiful just like all of you! @DeniseBidot thanks for reppin’ us curve girls!”

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