Press Releases

Brittney Fisher of Vernon, B.C., is the winner of Canada's Plus Size Model Search. Chosen from among thousands of entries and the final top 10 contestants, Fisher, size 16, applied in November 2008 and won a photo shoot with Montreal fashion photographer Max Abadian.

Fisher wins a one year modelling contract with Montreal-based Specs Model Management, a $2,500 wardrobe from plus-size divisions of Reitmans Fashion Group – Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM – as well as a chance to appear in a national advertising campaign, and the opportunity to be featured in the glossy pages of LouLou for You, the magazine's plus size supplement.

Judges included Kerry Mitchell, president, Addition Elle and Penningtons; Marie-Josée Trempe, president of Specs Model Management; Claude Laframboise, editor-in-chief, LouLou Magazine; and photographer Max Abadian.

"It was a tough decision," said Mitchell. "Our over-all mandate was to select a contestant that constituted the 'best fit' as a model for the company and someone who would represent and enhance the image of plus size women all over the country."

Said Trempe: "Brittney has the potential to become a very successful plus size model. She is photogenic, highly attractive and possesses all the right attributes and determination to make it to the top."

Farquharson says she won’t let anything stand in her way. (Courtesy photo)

Humber et Cetera

March 11, 2009

Graduate a finalist to become Canada's next plus size model

The winnger gets a modelling contract and $2,500 shopping spree

Cathleen Yoo
LIFE REPORTER

After 20 years, graduate Sonia Farquharson is realizing dreams can still come true as a top 10 finalist in Canada's Plus Size Model Search.

Farquharson's goal of being a model brought her to Humber in 1985 when she enrolled in the fashion and cosmetic management program.

Being a model was a dream Farquharson had given up on after being told she would need to lose more weight to make it in the industry.

"I attempted to diet, but eventually I had to accept that I would never be very thin and accepted the way I was. I ended up focusing on getting a regular job and diving into my art," said Farquharson, who creates visual art in her spare time as a tool for advocating for multiculturalism.

The contest winner, announced on March 18, will be chosen by a panel of judges and will win a modelling contract and a $2,500 shopping spree at Addition Elle or Penningtons.

Farquharson saw a Facebook group for Canada's Plus Size Model Search, the first of its kind in Canada and decided to join.

"I said to myself, ‘this will be my last chance at modelling.'"

Farquharson received the good news while at work and just two days later was being flown to Montreal for a photo shoot with fashion photographer, Max Abadian.

Farquharson's boyfriend, Theron Butterfield has always thought of his girlfriend as beautiful and said the competition is a recognition and acknowledgement of that.

Farquharson is also 15 years older than any other finalist, and is not letting her age stop her from achieving her modelling goal.

"For me this would be a dream come true and for everyone to see that you don't have to be a size six to be a model." said Farquharson. "I'd like to represent those women out there that are average size and women that are older."

"I think it's fantastic that she entered a contest that sometimes people say it's really for young people," said Trudy Crane, vice-president of Marketing for Addition Elle and Penningtons, the main sponsors of this contest. "We left the age wide open because there's so many beautiful women and age does not have to be a factor."

And this contest has even sparked a renewed interest in the profession.

"Even if I don't win I think I will pursue the modelling part time," said Farquharson.

The Gazette

March 3, 2009

Runway News: Contest for new models shows that beauty has no size

BY EVA FRIEDE AND AL KRATINA

Two Montrealers who are among 10 finalists in Canada's Plus Size Model Search are hoping the contest will have a positive impact on the fashion industry.

Though they have little experience on the runway, Cathy Iadinardi and Sophie Bispo Poisson landed finalist spots in the contest, organized by Montreal's Specs Modeling Agency in partnership with clothing companies Additionelle, MXM and Penningtons.

"There are a lot of women who are Size 14-plus and are not celebrated for what they look like," said Iadinardi, 24, a Size 16. "This is sending out a message that you can accept yourself at any size."

"Plus-sized people - they want to be represented," said Poisson, 26, a Size 14. "I think the industry (will have) to listen to them and make space for them."

To Marie-Josée Trempe, who founded the Specs agency in 1990, the contest provides an opportunity to expand the popular definition of beauty. "Beauty comes in different shapes and sizes," Trempe said. "What I feel this does is that it enables young people to have another reference (point) of beauty."

The winner will be announced on March 18 at Toronto's fashion week. Along with the grand prize of a one-year modelling contract with Specs and a $2,500 shopping spree, a People's Choice award, based on online voting, will be presented. The contest, which was launched on Nov. 1, attracted approximately 4,000 entries.

For more information about the contest, and to vote online, visit www.plusmodelsearch.com

The Canadian Press

March 1, 2009

Final 10 contestants vying for contract in plus-size model search

MONTREAL — Sophie Poisson Bispo pulls out a wallet-size photo of her maladroit 11-year-old self in a red and mauve ensemble and short bob with thick pouffy bangs that accentuate her pudginess.

Now five foot eight and a half, the size 16 Montreal project manager is still bigger than many of her peers, but gone is her awkwardness and poor fashion sense.

"For so many years I thought I was ugly," said the 26-year-old, her long dark locks dangling gently over a funky cropped blouse while she peers at the photo.

"It's just that everybody told you: 'To be pretty, you have to be skinny'."

"Over the years, I learned to accept myself."

This newly acquired poise has prompted Bispo to enter what organizers have dubbed Canada's first extensive plus-size model search, and if she had any doubts about her looks before, she shouldn't now.

Out of 4,000 applicants from across the country, Bispo has found herself among the top 10 vying for a one year modelling contract, a $2,500 wardrobe, an ad campaign and a magazine spread. One person will also be presented with the people's choice award - a $1,000 wardrobe - determined by online voters.

"I feel good. Just to be part of the 10 finalists is amazing," she said, adding she hopes it will send a message to other young women in her position.

"Accept yourself. After you accept yourself, you are going to be much more happy in life."

The unique contest is the brainchild of Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM, the plus-size divisions of Reitmans Fashion Group.

President Kerry Mitchell said the company partnered with Canadian fashion magazine Lou Lou last year to do several plus-size inserts and the contest is an extension of that effort to bring plus-size fashion mainstream.

"With a number of reality shows on television and the focus on fashion and on modelling, we thought a plus model search was an ideal direction to take," she said.

Far different from the company's "real model" search, which sought to reward inspiring female community leaders and was cancelled about six years ago due in part to a lack of entries, this contest is seeking model-type knock-outs who are not just tall, but who are also a minimum size 14 with well balanced proportions.

Promoted in store and online through Facebook and the contest website plusmodelsearch.com, organizers were overwhelmed by the response.

"I think it speaks to the need that plus-size women feel to be recognized, to be seen as fashionable, to be seen as sexy, to be seen as attractive," Mitchell said.

Momentum will likely build during Montreal Fashion Week that kicks off on Monday but the contest winner will be named during LG Fashion Week in Toronto on March 18.

The unexpected invite to the prestigious event gives Mitchell some hope that the fashion industry - which is often criticized for promoting skeletal thinness and spawning eating disorders and low self-esteem in young women - is finally changing.

"From where we were 10 years ago to where we are today in terms of recognition of diversity of sizes in the marketplace, absolutely it has changed," she said.

"Has it changed to the degree that we in the plus size industry would like it to change, the answer is no... At the end of the day I don't know that the rank and file magazines recognize the degree of change that needs to happen in the market place."

Still, she looks forward to being able to present a "different slant" on fashion during the Toronto event. If it's well received, she hopes to host a fashion show featuring her company's line next year.

Given the popularity of the plus-size model search, she said the company is considering making it a repeat event.

Equally surprised by the contest's popularity was Marie Josee Trempe of Montreal's Specs Model Management, which is providing the winning modelling contract.

Trempe said there's a genuine place for plus-size models but they're often hard to find.

She got involved in the contest by chance after her company sought permission from Addition Elle to scout for potential models via their outlets.

"What was driving it was the frustration of not being able to fulfil certain clients' demands in being able to offer a good selection of plus-size models," she said, noting many either lose weight, quit modelling or are deterred due to poor self image.

"I found it frustrating that most of the good ones were coming in from the States and I thought: wait a minute, there's got to be a way to find some plus-sized girls."

She admits the industry has always favoured thin women but suggests that's slowly changing.

"For many years I would always get the demands for size 4, with certain companies over the last year, I've gotten demands for size 6. That's a genuine change and clients have asked, 'Please don't send anyone too skinny'," she said.

"We've always promoted diversified looks. We've always believed that beauty comes in different sizes."

For contest finalist Sonia Farquharson, there's no doubt the fashion industry has evolved. At 43, the corporate receptionist and visual artist from Toronto is the oldest participant.

"I modelled 20 years ago and I wasn't successful because of my weight," she said, noting she was 140 pounds when the industry standard was 110 for a five-foot-nine woman.

"I learned to accept myself the way I am over the years but if any opportunity came up, I knew I would take it because I always knew in my mind I wanted to model."

Farquharson said she was extremely emotional when she got the call informing her that she'd made the top 10. She hopes her story will inspire others to follow their dreams.

The other finalists include Brittney Fisher, 24, of Vernon, B.C.; Chantelle Thompson, 24, of Edmonton; Alta., Liz Fawcett, 21, of St. Mary's, Ont.; Zara Hemmings, 27, of Toronto; Julia Pegg, 26, of Toronto; Jenny Smith, 29, of Burlington, Ont.; Audrey Tremblay, 19, of Quebec and Cathy Ladinardi, 25, of Montreal.

Chasing the crown: Chantelle Thompson, 23, poses for a photo in front of an advertisement at Kingsway Garden Mall yesterday. The Edmonton coffee shop manager is in the top 10 competitors vying for the title of Canada's Plus Size Model.

24 Hour Edmonton

February 25, 2009

Local beauty sizes up the competition

As a chubby teen, Chantelle Thompson didn't fit in during high school.

But just five years later, the 23-year-old Edmontonian feels comfortable in her own skin — so much so that she's among the top 10 vying to be Canada's Plus Size Model.

"I never thought of myself as a model. My whole life I was ashamed of myself," said the smiley, blonde-haired, brown-eyed Thompson yesterday in Edmonton.

Since graduating from Archbishop O'Leary High School, 5-foot-9 Thompson has lost about 80 pounds and gained a whole lot of confidence.

Her past challenges with body image drive her to help women of all ages feel good no matter their size.

" We're not all size 0," said Thompson, who manages a coffee shop in Royal Alexandra Hospital.

"I want people to think, 'I've got curves. I'm sexy.' It's not about being thin and perfect."

The Canada's Plus Size Model contest, put on by Addition Elle and Penningtons, is an unofficial spin-off of reality TV show Canada's Next Top Model, but with a focus on celebrating beautiful fullfigured women.

Last month, the top 10 finalists from across the country flew to Montreal for a photo shoot and next month they will go to Toronto for the announcement of the winner.

The winner, to be announced at LG Fashion Week on March 18, will receive a one-year contract with Specs Model Management and a $2,500 wardrobe.

A people's choice winner will also be crowned. To vote for your favourite finalist, go to: plusmodelsearch.com.

— Kristy Brownlee, 24 HOUR

VERNON'S OWN Brittney Fisher has been chosen as one of the ten finalists in Canada's Plus Size Model Search.

The Morning Star

February 22, 2009

Vernon girl struts to the top-10 on the runway

BY JENNIFER SMITH
Morning Star staff

From playing between the aisles at the family-owned Fisher's Hardware, to strutting down the catwalk, Brittney Fisher sure has grown up.

She was once a Queen Silver Star contestant and now the 23-year-old actress (who is currently a waitress at Temptasian) has a one-in-10 shot at being crowned Canada's Plus Size Model.

Fisher is one of more than 4,000 people who entered the search, launched by Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM.

"It's crazy. Over 4,000 people applied and I'm the little Vernon girl in the top-10," said Fisher, who recently moved back to Vernon from Vancouver and is sure glad she did.

"I was home for like two weeks and all of a sudden it's model contest and now I'm in the top- 10."

The winner of the search will be announced March 18, at LG Fashion Week in Toronto, where the finalists will be.

Canada's Plus Size Model will receive a one-year model contract with Specs Model Management, a $2,500 Addition Elle, Penningtons or MXM shopping spree and a chance to appear in a company advertising campaign and to be featured in LOULOU for You magazine.

A People's Choice award of a $1,000 shopping spree will also be awarded to the model with the top online votes. Visit www.plusmodelsearch.com and click on your choice.

Voters also have a chance to win a $500 wardrobe when they vote.

You can vote as many times as you wish, but can only enter the contest once. Voting closes March 9.

Fisher currently has the second most online votes.

Fisher is also the only B.C. contestant, and only one of two Western Canada competitors.

The Clarence Fulton secondary 2003 grad says this entire process, which included being flown to Montreal in January for a photo shoot, is like a dream.

"What girl doesn't want to be a model?" said Fisher, who will also be modelling some fashions in Vancouver on Breakfast Television Thursday.

If she wins the modeling contract she is prepared to do whatever it takes and give it her all.

"It couldn't have happened at more of a perfect time in my life," said the single lady who is willing to move wherever she is needed.

She is also confident in her ability, with her acting education.

"I'm totally comfortable in front of a camera. I'm not shy. I'm used to using my body and I'm comfortable with it."

Having grown up with low self-esteem (which she has now grown out of) and not liking her own body, Fisher hopes she can be a role model to young girls.

She is also excited to see the dramatic changes in fashion for bigger women.

Compared to when she was growing up and was limited to cotton T-shirts, there are now hot styles and fashions to fit every woman.

"Plus size fashion is totally booming right now. I'm excited about it."

Liz Fawcett of St. Marys, as shot by famed photographer Max Abadian. Vote for her to be people's choice at www.plusmodelsearch.com. (Contributed photo)

St. Marys Journal Argus

February 18, 2009

Modelling a positive self-image

Local finalist in modelling contest hopes to help change industry

By Andrea Macko
STAFF REPORTER

Being on a fashion runway might be a long way from the farm, but it's all in good fun for Liz Fawcett.

Fawcett, the 21-year-old daughter of Jeff and Donna of St. Marys, is one of 10 finalists in a national competition sponsored by clothing retailers Addition Elle and Penningtons to discover Canada's Plus Size Model, and become the "face" of the stores.

"This is entirely different from anything I've ever done before," says Fawcett, who is currently in her third year of a history and business degree at Redeemer College in Ancaster. She explains that her roommate picked up an application pamphlet at the mall, "and she brought it home and told me I should do it."

Fawcett says that she was first against the idea, as she believes that the fashion industry can promote unrealistic ideals for women — and an unhealthy lifestyle.

However, she finally agreed to enter because she "realized what it is all about — to promote the 'real woman, who doesn't have to change who she is to consider herself beautiful."

"You can't combine beauty and size," the six-foot-tallFawcett says of our thinner-is-better culture. The term "plus size," in the fashion industry, technically refers to a women's size 12 and up — despite the majority of women in North America wearing a size 10 to 12.

So she was surprised then, when soon after Christmas she learned that she had made the top 25 in the contest — and a call later in January that asked her to fly to Montreal for a photo shoot meant she had cracked the top ten.

"I was blown away," says Fawcett of the call. A whirlwind trip to Montreal that weekend — including a photo session with Max Abadian, who has shot for publications such as Flare, Wedding Bells, McLean's and the National Post — was a unique and exciting experience.

Fawcett said that she and the other nine finalists arrived at the shoot with clean hair and makeup free skin, and ended up "looking totally different" after hair and makeup and carefully styled clothing (Fawcett's shirt was too large, and clamps were discretely used to make it fit).

"It was really different," she muses, "it doesn't feel like it really even happened!"

Last Friday, the finalists appeared on a segment of Citytv's Breakfast Television morning show, "which was a lot of fun — everyone was so laid back and fabulous."

Fawcett notes that her newfound "girly side" is a bit surprising to old friends. Aside from helping at her parents' implement parts business, she's also worked at a chicken processing plant and a horse camp — and is currently applying to be an RCMP officer.

Her only similar experience, she says, is when she served as St. Marys' Fair Ambassador in 2005-2006. "It gave me practise for how to interact with people," Fawcett says, adding that childhood etiquette classes have also benefitted her.

The winner will be announced on March 18 at a party during LG Fashion Week in Toronto, where Canadian designers will showcase their Fall/Winter 2009/2010 collections. The winner will also receive a one-year modeling contract with the SPECS agency of Montreal.

While the winner will be judged by a panel of industry professionals, there is also a people's choice winner, who will win a $3,000 shopping spree from the store — visit www.plusmodelsearch.com to vote.

"I can picture myself doing it for a year (if I win)," says Fawcett, who adds that "I'm very happy I had the opportunity to do it, even if it nothing comes of it — it's been a very exciting experience."

The Canadian Press

February 17, 2009

Models are a real plus

It's official!

The search for Canada's Plus Size Model is now in its second stage with the narrowing down of thousands of entries to just 10 beautiful, strong, self-assured and proud-to-be-plus women.

These 10 stunning semi-finalists have been selected from across Canada in a process that started on November 1 and will culminate on March 18, when the winner of the contest will be announced at an exclusive and spectacular special event and reception at LG Fashion Week in Toronto.

The search to find Canada's Plus Size Model has created tremendous enthusiasm and interest from women who regularly check online through company websites and the official plusmodelsearch.com site, anxiously awaiting more news and to find out who made it through.

The public can now see pictures and videos of the 10 semi-finalists on the plus modelsearch.com micro-site and participate online by choosing their favourite contestant to win the 'People's Choice Award'.

All those who vote online will be entered to win a $500 prize from Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM.

Voters may enter as many times as they like, but will only be entered once for a chance to win the prize; online voting closes March 9.

The semi-finalists are Brittney Fisher, 24, of Vernon, B.C.; Chantelle Thompson, 24, of Edmonton, Alta.; Sonia Farquharson, 43, of Etobicoke; Liz Fawcett, 21, of St. Mary's, Ont.; Zara Hemmings, 27, of Toronto; Julia Pegg, 26, of Toronto; Jenny Smith, 28, of Burlington; Audrey Tremblay, 19, of Quebec City; Sophie Poisson Bispo, 26, of Montreal; and Cathy Ladinardi, 25, of Montreal.

Toronto, February 12, 2009

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF CANADA'S PLUS SIZE MODEL SEARCH LAUNCHES VIDEOS OF TOP TEN CONTESTANTS AND VOTING ONLINE, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH

It's official! The search for Canada's Plus Size Model is now in its second stage with the narrowing down thousands of entries to just ten beautiful, strong, self-assured and proud-to-be-plus women. These ten stunning semi-finalists have been selected from across Canada in a process that started on November 1st, 2008, and will culminate on March 18, 2009, when the winner of the contest will be announced at an exclusive and spectacular special event and reception at LG Fashion Week in Toronto.

The search to find Canada's Plus Size Model has created tremendous enthusiasm and interest from women who regularly check online through company websites and the official www.plusmodelsearch site, anxiously awaiting more news and to find out who made it through to become one of the top ten semi-finalists.

Well, the waiting is over! The public can now see pictures and videos of the ten semi-finalists on the www.plusmodelsearch micro-site and participate online by choosing their favourite contestant to win the 'People's Choice Award'. All those who vote online will be entered to win a $500 prize from Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM. Voters may enter as many times as they like, but will only be entered once for a chance to win the prize; online voting closes March 9th. The contestant who wins the most votes will be presented with the 'People's Choice' award on the night of the grand finale of Canada's Plus Size Model Search at LG Fashion Week on March 18th and receive her prize of a $1,000 wardrobe.

Canada's Plus Size Model Search is an initiative of Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM (plus size divisions of Reitmans Fashion Group) in partnership with Specs Model Management and LOULOU Magazine. Selected by a high profile industry panel of judges, the ten semi-finalists comprise women of different ages and walks of life. The one common denominator is that they are proud to be full-figured women and thrilled to be part of a venture that reaffirms that being plus is beautiful:

Brittney Fisher, Vernon, BC, aged 24
Chantelle Thompson, Edmonton, AB, aged 24
Sonia Farquharson, Etobicoke, ON, aged 43
Liz Fawcett, St Mary's, ON, aged 21
Zara Hemmings, Toronto, ON, aged 27
Julia Pegg, Toronto, ON, aged 26
Jenny Smith, Burlington, ON, aged 29
Audrey Tremblay, Quebec City, QC, aged 19
Sophie Poisson Bispo, Montreal, QC, aged 26
Cathy Ladinardi, Montreal, QC, aged 25

The winning contestant will receive a one year modeling contract with Specs Model Management; a $2,500 fashion wardrobe from Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM, and a chance to appear in a company advertising campaign, and the opportunity to be featured in 'LOULOU for YOU', the magazine's plus size supplement.

About Reitmans Fashion Group

Addition ELLE

Addition Elle's mission is to celebrate the "body confidence" of its plus-size shoppers with an exciting array of contemporary and classic fashions featured in its 130 locations across Canada. In addition to superb collections of work and weekend styles, Addition Elle carries a beautiful selection of intimate apparel, sleepwear, outerwear and accessories designed to address all of its customers' lifestyle needs. Addition Elle fashions can be purchased in-store or online at additionelle.com.

Penningtons

With over 160 locations across Canada, Penningtons is known as the "destination store" for plus-size women. Offering a great selection of contemporary and classic fashions, including lingerie, sleepwear, outerwear, accessories and hosiery, Penningtons makes it easy for its customers to find looks they'll love at unbeatable prices, both in-store and online at penningtons.com.

MXM

MXM, Canada's premier junior 14+ fashion brand, is five years young and going strong! Ever since its introduction, MXM has taken the junior plus-size market by storm and quickly grown in popularity by featuring the latest, hottest looks and trends. Young 14+ fashionistas across Canada can find MXM in all Penningtons stores and the majority of Addition Elle locations as well as at the online shop at mxm.ca.

About LOULOU magazine

Launched in 2004, LOULOU is Canada's shopping magazine. Packed with expert advice, amazing deals and unique finds, LOULOU delivers the hottest fashion, beauty and lifestyle buys on the Canadian market – with complete purchasing information for every item featured. With editions in English and French, LOULOU is the perfect accessory for Canadian shoppers coast-to-coast. For further information about LOULOU magazine, visit louloumagazine.com. LOULOU is published by Rogers Publishing Limited (TSX: RCI; NYSE:RG), a division of Rogers Media Inc. For further information about the Rogers group of companies, visit rogers.com.

About Specs Model Management

Founded in 1990, Specs is a constantly evolving agency that places its emphasis upon the personality and diversity of its models. The agency looks for dynamic, motivated models who are not only recognized for their talent and beauty, but also exude professionalism and a strong passion for their work. Specs represents over 100 male and female models aged from 16 to 50, from sizes 4 to 14+. Specs is regarded as one of the city's best agencies and services an extensive clientele that stretches all the way to Asia.

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Contact for Addition Elle/Penningtons
Celia Love, Publicist
Office: 905-513-1889 • cell: 416-464-7534
E-mail: celia@blessingtonlove.ca

Contact for Specs Model Management
Ann Bois, Tendances Communication
Office: 514-486-4760 • cell: 416-558-4949
E-mail: liv.judd@loulou.rogers.com

Contact for LOULOU magazine
Liv Judd, Associate Promotions Manager
Office: 416-764-1577 • cell: 416-558-4949
E-mail: abtendances@videotron.ca

For immediate release January 26 2009

Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM add a beautiful PLUS to LG Fashion Week March 2009

The Fashion Design Council of Canada is pleased to announce the inclusion of a fabulous first time event, announcing the winner of ‘Canada's Plus Size Model Search' at LG Fashion Week, March, 2009.

Bringing the message that plus is beautiful, Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM (Reitmans Group plus size divisions), in partnership with LOULOU Magazine and Specs Model Management, have launched 'Canada's Plus Size Model Search' to find a fresh, new plus size model and to celebrate full-figured women nation-wide. The ten finalists will be introduced at an informal presentation and cocktail reception on Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00pm in the Fashion Environment at LG Fashion Week where the winner will be announced.

Canada's Plus Size Model will receive a one-year model contract with Specs Model Management; a $2,500 Addition Elle, Penningtons or MXM Shopping Spree and a chance to appear in a company advertising campaign, and to be featured in ‘LOULOU for YOU' the magazine's plus size supplement.

The Fashion Design Council of Canada is proud to work with Addition Elle, Penningtons, MXM and their partners to bring plus is beautiful to the LG Fashion Week calendar. The Fall 2009 Collections at LG Fashion Week will be held in Toronto March 16th-21st 2009 bringing together the fashion elite for a week of runway shows from Canadian and international designers, industry events and the first season of an exclusive buyer area, The Boutique.

About the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC)

The Fashion Design Council of Canada was founded in 1999 with the specific mandate to create a Fashion Week in Canada to promote the fashion industry. The FDCC has successfully created a Fashion Week that now commands international respect, economic trade and profile of our industry. As a non government, not-for-profit national association, the FDCC continues its national and international outreach for this platform event. For more information visit: www.lgfashionweek.com.

About Reitmans Fashion Group

Addition ELLE

Penningtons

MXM

MXM, Canada's premier junior 14+ fashion brand, is 5 years young and going strong! Ever since its introduction, MXM took the junior plus-size market by storm and quickly grew in popularity by featuring the latest, hottest looks and trends. Young 14+ fashionistas across Canada can find MXM in all Penningtons stores and the majority of Addition Elle locations as well as at the online shop at mxm.ca.

For Immediate Release

Montreal, November 3, 2008

CANADA'S PLUS SIZE MODEL SEARCH KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 1, 2008

Addition Elle, Penningtons, MXM and LOULOU Magazine Partner with Specs Model Management to find a fresh, new plus size model and to celebrate full-figured women nation-wide

The launch of 'Canada's Plus Size Model Search' is a cooperative initiative developed by the Reitman Group's plus size divisions Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM, LOULOU Magazine and Montreal-based Specs Model Management. The first of its kind in Canada, the Plus Size Model Search has been developed to create a nation-wide 'buzz' that focuses on women size 14+ and to get across the message that plus is beautiful not matter what your shape or size.

"We are thrilled to partner again with LOULOU Magazine and for the first time, with Specs Model Management on this new and exciting venture," says Kerry Mitchell, president of Addition Elle and Penningtons. "The contest is an extension of our mandate to empower full-figured women with a positive self image and we fervently believe in the premise that all women, no matter what their size, can look beautiful, fashionable and feel self-confident. It's who we are as a company."

The contest officially opened on Saturday, November 1st, and the deadline for entries is December 30, 2008. On January 6, 2009, 10 semi-finalists will be selected and these lucky contestants will be flown to Montreal for a professional photo session which is scheduled for January 11th. The grand finale will be in March, 2009 when the overall winner will be announced.

A respected and experienced industry panel, steered by Kerry Mitchell, President of Addition Elle/Penningtons, Claude Laframboise, Editor-in-Chief, LOULOU Magazine, and Marie-Josée Trempe, President of Specs Model Management will be formed to judge the contest.

Entries can be made online at www.plusmodelsearch.com a fast-paced, high-tech micro-site created by award-winning Advertising Agency, TAXI Toronto, or by visiting additionelle.com, penningtons.com, mxm.ca and LOULOUMAGAZINE.com, sites where consumers will be re-directed to the micro-site. Responses from interested contestants are already pouring in thanks to an early advertisement featured in the November, 2008 issue of LOULOU magazine's plus size supplement 'LOULOU for YOU', targeted at women 14+ and brimming over with all the hottest looks for the holiday season.

"Specs Model Management shares similar values to those of Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM, including those based upon diversity and the promotion of healthy self-esteem," says president and founder of Specs, Marie-Josée Trempe. "For us, beauty is not limited to a single ideal. Instead, it is delineated by a wide variety of characteristics and silhouettes – that is what we must promote. We are also pleased to join forces with LOULOU magazine by regularly presenting plus size models in the fashion section of the magazine and providing a wonderful source of inspiration for readers who will come to realize that fashion is accessible to all women, no matter what the shape of their body."

About Reitmans Fashion Group

Addition ELLE

Penningtons

MXM

About LOULOU magazine

About Specs Model Management

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Contact for Addition Elle/Penningtons
Celia Love, Publicist
Office: 905-513-1889 • cell: 416-464-7534
E-mail: celia@blessingtonlove.ca

Contact for Specs Model Management
Ann Bois, Tendances Communication
Office: 514-486-4760 • cell: 416-558-4949
E-mail: liv.judd@loulou.rogers.com

Contact for LOULOU magazine
Liv Judd, Associate Promotions Manager
Office: 416-764-1577 • cell: 416-558-4949
E-mail: abtendances@videotron.ca

For Immediate Release

August 25, 2008

LOULOU, PENNINGTONS AND MXM CELEBRATE THE FALL SEASON AND PUT FASHION IN FOCUS FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN

LOULOU Magazine, Penningtons and MXM have collaborated to showcase fall's fashion focus and the latest plus-size fashion trends in "LOULOU for You" a 14+ fashion supplement in the September issue of the magazine. Packed with helpful tips and stunning photography, readers can also find details on the upcoming Canada's Plus Size Model Search. The winner of this exciting new model search will win a $2,500 wardrobe and a contract with Specs Model Management, a Montreal-based agency.

Penningtons is a one-stop shopping experience for plus size women. The new fall collection is filled with winning contemporary and classic looks in sizes 14+. Keynote trends for the season include must-have denim styles such as fabulous "Foxy" jeans and the classic "Manager" brand which are both exclusive to Penningtons Branded Denim Shop. The design specialists at Penningtons are also forecasting that the colour grey will become fall's new "black" in terms of a fashion staple and that plaids, stripes and herringbone patterns will be at the forefront of this season's hottest style-savvy shopping trends. In addition to fantastic fashion choices, Penningtons also offers all the latest lingerie looks for the 14+ woman online at www.penningtons.com and in stores across Canada.

The MXM line (available at Penningtons and select Addition Elle stores) sizzles with style. Designed for trendy plus-size junior fashionistas, the hottest vibe for fall focuses on cool checks and sensational buffalo plaids which are featured in chic bustier styles, street-smart bomber jackets and funky hoodies – the key fall piece. This season, the brand shifts into high gear with its own sexy and hip MXM Denim Collection. Available in light to dark blue and black washes, there are four distinct fits recognized by name and personality – Megan, Lindsey, Ava and Mia. MXM also launches its über-cool PJ collection for fall – with fun messages and adorable heart appliqués, the line is styled for sleep but cute enough to wear at any time. So check out the checks; go mad for denim and catch the excitement at MXM for fall, 2008.

"Our collaboration with LOULOU Magazine has enhanced our drive to put full-figured women in the limelight," says Kerry Mitchell, president of Penningtons and Addition Elle. "We are pleased that LOULOU Magazine shares our passion and has agreed to work with us in our search to find Canada's Plus Size Model."

About LOULOU magazine

About Reitmans Fashion Group

Penningtons

Penningtons is known as the "destination store" for plus-sized women. Offering a great selection of contemporary and classic fashions including lingerie, sleepwear, outerwear, accessories and hosiery, Penningtons makes it easy for its customers to find looks they'll love at unbeatable prices, both in-store and online at penningtons.com.

MXM

MXM, Canada's premier junior 14+ fashion brand, is 5 years young and going strong! Ever since its introduction, MXM took the junior plus-sized market by storm and quickly grew in popularity by featuring the latest, hottest looks and trends. Young 14+ fashionistas across Canada can find MXM in all Penningtons stores and the majority of Addition Elle locations as well as at the online shop at mxm.ca.

Addition ELLE

Addition Elle's mission is to celebrate the "body confidence" of its plus-sized shoppers with an exciting array of contemporary and classic fashions. In addition to superb collections of work and weekend styles, Addition Elle carries a beautiful selection of intimate apparel, sleepwear, outerwear and accessories designed to address all of its customers' lifestyle needs. Addition Elle fashions can be purchased in-store or online at additionelle.com.

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Contact for LOULOU magazine
Liv Judd, Associate Promotions Manager
Office: 416-764-1577 • cell: 416-558-4949

Contact for Penningtons
Celia Love, Publicist
Office: 905-513-1889 • cell: 416-464-7534

Chantelle Thompson (Supplied)

Local plus size model makes it big

An Edmonton plus-size model has made it big.

Chantelle Thompson, a 24-year-old curvaceous blond, has landed in magazines and window displays as a model for clothing retailer Penningtons.

“It’s nothing that I expected. It’s really surreal. It’s so hard to comprehend it’s me (in the ads) and other people are looking at it,” Thompson said today.

In March, the coffee shop manager was selected out of more than 4,000 entries as a competitor in the Penningtons and Addition Elle-sponsored Canada’s Plus Size Model search, but lost.

Now, Thompson and the other contest finalists are being featured in Penningtons' nation-wide fall line advertising.

Thompson’s photos, shot in Montreal in May, will be in LouLou For You magazine next month and on in-store signage across Canada.

She hopes to be part of a trend where more full-figured women are featured in advertising.

“The models that are out there are probably size 2 or under. That’s like 2% of the population. (Retailers) are not gearing towards the demographic.”

Thompson said the most rewarding part of her modelling experience so far is being a role model for curvy women.

“I feel great in the clothes I wear and I’m not trying to hide myself.”

Glamour photo rings true

'Normal beauty' Plus-sized model strikes chord with readers

BY AMY HUSSER, CANWEST NEWS SERVICE

It was a little image that created a big stir.

A photo measuring 7.6 centimetres by 7.6 centimetres on page 194 of Glamour's September issue featured a statuesque blond baring it all - with a slightly round tummy and fuller thighs to boot.

Lizzi Miller, 20, was shot to accompany a piece on making women feel comfortable in their own skin.

The Californian model floats between a size 12 and 14 - the same size as the average North American woman - which is perhaps why the image resonated so much with readers.

"The model in the picture was awesome," said one woman on Glamour's website. "Just seeing her sit there looking like I do without clothes, with such a positive projection, let me take a minute to realize that my beauty lies within, not what you see not the surface."

Another wrote: "A refreshingly honest, real, and unpretentious photo. She seems at ease in her own body and exudes confidence. Simply a beautiful woman!"

The email box of Glamour's editor-in-chief, Cindi Leive, quickly filled up with welcome comments - to the tune of more than 1,000.

Blogs were abuzz and Twitterers were tweeting. Miller's story and the image has since garnered international attention, from Britain's Guardian newspaper to CNN and NBC's Today show.

Miller, at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, admits the response has made her "teary-eyed" and says she has struggled with her size in the past. But she says shapely celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé allowed her to "accept myself more."

That's a sentiment that B.C. native Brittney Fisher echoes.

"It's great to see a normal-looking woman in a magazine," said Fisher, 24. "It gives us plus-sized women hope."

Fisher won Canada's Plus-Size Model Search last March, beating out 4,000 other hopefuls in an online contest to win a photo spread in LouLou magazine, a campaign with Pennington's and a one-year modelling contract with Specs Model Management - which launched a plus-size division in June, and boasts 13 models.

"I think I can really make a difference, just like this girl in the magazine, to women out there," says Fisher, who wears a size 14 to 16.

Michael Mulvey, a marketing professor and consumer researcher at the University of Ottawa, says full-figured trends come and go - from flappers in the '30s to poster-girl pin-up Marilyn Monroe; from Twiggy to today.

"I thought it was interesting that (Glamour) tried to frame it in terms of what is normal beauty - it tries to point to a single static standard," said Mulvey, adding that such a norm doesn't really exist.

"I think one thing that these beauty magazines have done over the years, perhaps accidentally, is they've actually alienated a lot of their potential readership."

A backlash against the too-thin beauty industry is nothing new.

Dove's campaign for real beauty, launched in 2005, is known and celebrated around the world.

And its precursor - the Body Shop's "Ruby" campaign in late the 1990s - featured a voluptuous red-headed plastic doll and the slogan "There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and only eight who do," so greatly angered Barbie-maker Mattel that the company threatened harsh legal action.

But Shari Graydon, women's advocate and author of In Your Face: The Culture of Beauty and You, said photos featuring curvy-cut figures are unlikely to become a fashion mainstay any time soon.

"I thought it was a gorgeous image and it was a progressive departure from standard women's magazine fare to see it there," Graydon said. "The disappointment for me is that it's generating such extraordinary response because it is so extraordinary - it's one image out of a magazine of 200-odd pages.

"The response that the image has generated demonstrates the profound hunger that exists among women to see images in contemporary media that reflect their own reality," she added.

But Graydon offers one final piece of advice: "The best way for women to feel better about their bodies - the single easiest thing they can do - is to stop reading the magazines."