British Magazine Essentials Bans Models in Favor of Real Women

by Erin Donnelly (Subscribe to Erin Donnelly's posts)
Posted Sep 3rd 2010 at 1:00PM

The full gatefold cover of Essentials Magazines' October issue. Photo: IPC

Models? We don't need no stinkin' models!

British women's magazine Essentials has decided to replace catwalkers and celebrities with real women in response to reader demand, it has announced.

The decision comes after a recent survey found that more than 70 percent of readers said they would prefer to see real women than professional models.

(Fair enough. We've all had our share of Gisele overload.)

Essentials' October issue -- on sale now -- is kicking things off by featuring 10 actual readers, including a 71-year-old grandmother, on its cover.

According to the magazine, the new cover girls were selected after submitting their photos and bios in June. Essentials is also welcoming readers to apply to pose for future issues (but not so fast -- you have to live in the UK).

"We're looking for amazing women that really reflect the magazine's readership, so women of all shapes, ages, and sizes," style director Lucy Turner says in video about the new campaign.

"It's a real celebration of Essentials women."

Both the cover and editorial pages will feature readers, though advertisements will include professional models.

Essentials is not the first women's magazine to give models the boot. As we reported previously, German magazine Brigitte also recently made the switch from catwalkers to civilians.

What do you think? Would you rather see models, or average women? Leave a comment!

Meanwhile, Lady Gaga is posing as the Statue of Liberty on V's new cover.

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Filed under: Fashion, News
Tags: essentials, essentials magazine, magazines, models, real women models

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READER COMMENTS

(53)Add A Comment

Lucy, 9-07-2010, 7:52AM

Yeah! Congratulations to Essentials magazine. It's about time to show what real women look like!!!!!!

Reply »

Marcia, 9-06-2010, 4:38PM

I don't read fashion mags anymore, if I ever did! But this sure seems like a step in the right direction as a positive signal for all women, young, old and the great in-between and even for men! I can see it will be especially important for young women, I applaud the move!

Reply »

sarjth, 9-06-2010, 4:49PM

I agree Marcia!! Maybe it will help young girls not to worry about being stick thin..And realize that everyone is shaped differently.

Marty Novack, 9-06-2010, 11:48PM

Kudos to you, for recognizing what has been needed for a very long time. I couldn't agree more that, hopefully, it will help all of our daughters, granddaughters and all women to understand that beauty is not necessarily thin but healthy and good weight that makes you a "real" woman.

Thank you for a great comment.

laroux017, 9-06-2010, 5:01PM

A step in the right direction.. FINALLY!! :)

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Avie Penick, 9-06-2010, 8:56PM

I think it is a wonderful Idea. Thank you for your tireless work to do this. Not everyone has the shape of a model. Let real folks wear the clothes so we can see what it would look like on the common women.

Go Women

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david mcdonald, 9-06-2010, 5:50PM

It's about time they get rid of those anorexic stick figure models .

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sethjj1975, 9-06-2010, 5:53PM

Blech. If I wanted to see average I'd go to the mall.

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Dick, 9-06-2010, 6:12PM

The last time I checked models were as much real women as any other women. What a stupid article! I'll bet you I can select "real" women that are as shapely and beautiful as any model. This is as stupid as, and reminds me of, referring to non-highway roads as "surface streets." Again, the last time I checked every street and highway I couls find were all connected to the "surface" of the earth. I know of no highways in the sky. And don't bother to reply about airplanes. Airplanes fly ROUTES not highways in the sky.

Reply »

Sheela, 9-06-2010, 7:57PM

Not sure what you are going on about here.......

fran, 9-08-2010, 10:57AM

Right on...finally I can visualize how make up, jewelry and clothing will look on me. Also, it will be nice to see women smiling rather than contrived and awkward poses.

Reply »

claire, 9-06-2010, 10:49PM

Fran,

You are absolutely spot on. This magazine is not trying to be Vogue. I think that some of the cosmetic brands could think about doing the same.

The magazine is reflecting real life - that is their mission statement.

People like BC and Dick should think about modeling; I hear that "Pork Belly Weekly" are hiring.

BC, 9-06-2010, 6:39PM

If people wanted to just see "real women" they could go to the grecery store or the Walmart People website. Ugh.

Reply »

Sheila, 9-06-2010, 7:54PM

BC And you are just perfect....right?

claire, 9-06-2010, 11:07PM

News just in:

BC has been rejected by "Pork Belly Weekly" in account of, and I quote; "The pigs being more attractive"

A new look..., 9-06-2010, 6:47PM

Magazine subscriptions are down. Advertising is down. Using readers for models costs a lot less than professional models. The results just aren't as good.

Reply »

isisreptiles, 9-06-2010, 6:53PM

Definitely a step in the right direction, one I hope will continue. I think it would lead to a decline in body image issues and eating disorders because it will send the message that ALL body types can be attractive, not just the impossibly tall, thin, hipless stick figures currently shown in magazines.

Reply »

Sheila, 9-06-2010, 7:51PM

Seth
Those 'average' women in the mall are real women-and guess what? We come in all shapes and sizes and yes we are beautiful...just like men come in all shapes and sizes-real men......and I guess some of you are 'average' too...blech

Reply »

Debbie, 9-06-2010, 8:09PM

Would the mags be brave enough to use 'real' men? I think not-real men dont take care of themselves(and arent that good looking) and I agree with Seth-I can go to the mall to see average

sethjj1975, 9-06-2010, 11:00PM

No Sheila, I wouldn't use real men either because they too are average and ordinary...and I'd put myself in that category. Models are paid to be extraordinary, it's their job. The fashion industry just shouldn't have to take a hit simply because muffin tops and back fat don't sell clothes. As for you Joanne, and your echo JoJo, I understand just fine that you're using a very sexist point of view. Oh poor you. I'd advise women and men, young and old, not to seek their self esteem off of celebrities or models. It's a profession just like any, and like music or sports not everyone is capable of excelling. But please, by all means, keep crying about how unfair it is.

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