V Magazine features plus sized models looking unairbrushed where it counts

V Magazine has a new pictorial featuring plus-sized models, but instead of dressing the women in flattering outfits they ramp up the skin and skank with nude artfully draped photos more suited to a men’s magazine than a fashion tome. These are beautiful top plus-sized models and it’s like they have no other role for them than to imitate FHM. My initial impression is that it feels exploitative, but I guess that’s how most fashion magazines do it so it’s not like it’s anything new. We’re just seeing more curves than we’re used to. Most of the commenters on Jezebel don’t agree with me, though, and say that it’s a welcome change to see such sexy larger women. They do look hot.

I googled the stylist, Nicola Formichetti, and he’s a guy who’s styled Lady Gaga and is responsible for her hideous orange V Cover. He also did Gisele Bundchen’s V cover in which she shows off her ass cheeks in a ripped up denim onesie.

These photos will be featured in an issue of V out on January 14, and in a press release they write: “What’s the skinny on today’s models? Big is bigger than ever, and these bombshells of plus-size are proving that there’s plenty of room in the fashion world for women who look like…women.”

Good for V for featuring larger women, but did they do it to celebrate beauty in all sizes or to bring some attention to their publication? I’m not sure if this compares to Glamour Magazine’s nude but tasteful photo of size 12 model Lizzi Miller. Glamour aimed to show a woman “comfortable in her own skin” and after the overwhelmingly positive response to Miller’s photo they did a follow-up spread with more plus-sized models. The women were still nude and hanging on each other, but the result was kind of triumphant rather than slutty.

One thing that commenters on Jezebel mention is that these photos are still airbrushed. There’s not a cellulite dimple in sight. The models are all there, though, and they’re beautiful.