Ralph Lauren signs Plus Size Model

Robyn Lawley in Ralph Lauren

Australian beauty, Robyn Lawley has made history by becoming the first plus-size model to be headlining a campaign for Ralph Lauren.  The 23 year-old stands 6'2" tall and wears a size 12.  When you look at her the last thing that comes to mind is that she's a plus-size.  In the real world she is considered slim and women would love her figure.  But in the world of high-end fashion that's not the typical industry size.  Last year she made headlines when she landed the cover of Vogue Italia along with two other curvy models.
 

Vogue Italia June 2011, photos by Steven Meisel.

Her success proves that there still is room in the business for change.  The fashion industry has long been criticized for its use of underweight models.  Typically a fashion model is size 2-6, half the size of Lawley.  The last few years have seen small changes in the industry.  One of the biggest being Vogue's announcement earlier this year that they would restrict using models who had visible signs of eating disorders and Israel's government also banned the use of underweight models.

Lawley is happy to be in the position she's in and expressed her views on the business and how models her size are not the norm on an appearance on Australian television.  Watch the video below for more on her story.