Model Search Challenges the Definition of Beauty (Day 3)

Cynthia Cheng

Winner, Brittney Fisher

The inaugural Canada’s Plus Size Model Search winner, Brittney Fisher of Vernon, BC, was crowned at a cocktail party at Fashion Week on March 18.  Brittney, who is 23, wins a one year contract with Montreal’s Specs Models, a $2,500 wardrobe from The Reitman Fashion Group’s Addition-Elle, Penningtons and MXM, as well as a chance to appear in the company’s campaigns and in Lou Lou magazine’s plus size supplement. 

The contest started in November and in February, 10 finalists were picked by a panel of judges.  In addition to the winner of  the contest, the public had a chance to pick a People’s Choice winner out of the ten finalists.  Sonia Farquharson of Etobicoke, ON was chosen.  Ms. Farquharson wins a $1,000 wardrobe.

People’s Choice winner, Sonia Farquharson

The contest was, according to Trudy Crane of Penningtons, something that customers had been interested in doing for a while.  The contest also shows the diversity that is in fashion today – fashion isn’t only about tall, skinny women – there is a massive industry for plus sized women, stylish plus sized women as well.  For many of the finalists, it was also a chance for them to be role models to relatives and friends, many who may be plus size, showing them that they too can be beautiful.  It not only brings self-esteem to many, but also challenges the what the idea of “beautiful” really is.