Top international model Liis Windischmann raises awareness about women’s size issues, especially plus-size women

TORONTO: April 7, 2006

Top international model Liis Windischmann continues to be a leading voice in increasing acceptance of average size and plus-size women in mainstream media. Windischmann is Canada’s most successful plus-size model, and one of the rare plus-models working in all aspects of modeling. Her example encourages others to practice size acceptance, achieve a healthy body perception, increase self-awareness and understand other plus-size issues.

“I don’t believe in dieting and have always loved my body at any size,” says Liis, who has appeared in national print campaigns, on television and countless runways. “I am a size 14 and it feels natural to me.”

“More companies are creating diverse lines of clothing to suit all tastes,” she says. “Ten years ago you would have never seen plus clothing ads in magazines such as Glamour, In Style, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire and Vogue. Now plus models are being featured in high-end editorials and walking the Parisian catwalks. Entire advertising campaigns revolve around the average- and plus-size woman. Not only has the market become more prominent, the press deems it newsworthy and devotes print space and airtime to it.  We are beginning to embrace a new ‘curvy consciousness.’”

Liis is passing her knowledge and experience of the modeling industry onto others by hosting a seminar at the Learning Annex titled “How to Become a Model”. Aspiring models will learn everything from choosing the right agency to learning a proper runway walk. The seminar takes place on Saturday, May 27, 2006 from 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM. For more information, please visit www.thelearningannex.com.

Liis Windischmann has been at the forefront of the plus-size fashion world for over a decade. She has traveled around the world working with clients in Africa, Europe, North America and the Caribbean; appearing in publications such as, Mode, Woman’s World, Wedding Bells, Real You, Canadian Living, Today’s Bride, Chatelaine and Clin d'oeil. Currently, Liis is the face of Laura Plus and can be seen regularly on CityLine’s Fashion Fridays, on CityTV.

Liis is passionate about the evolution of the plus-size industry and the many professional opportunities available to plus-size models. She believes it has made positive strides over the years.
 

According to Liis, the plus market continues to improve and expand.  The industry used to revolve around business suits, but now there is a better variety of clothing available.

More agencies are representing plus models throughout the world. “I now do editorials and there is no mention of my being a plus model.  Five years ago I would have had a banner over my head in pictures announcing ‘plus size fashions,’ while the smaller model on the opposite page would have no tagline. “

“It has taken a long time to get to where we are and we have a long way to go, but society is definitely changing its perceptions and it is great to see the change reflected in the media today.”

Some of Liis’ major print campaigns include work for Talbot’s, Eddie Bauer, CJ Banks, Reitmans and Addition-Elle. For a recent fall campaign, The Bay displayed a 3 storey high poster of her outside its flagship store. Some of her many television appearances include FashionTelevision, Fashion File, BreakfastTelevision, Canada AM and Open Mike with Mike Bullard. As a native Torontonian, a city with a strong runway history, Liis has rocked the runways for Lane Bryant, Richard Metzger and Brian Bailey.

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For media information or to set up interviews, please contact:

Kevin Pennant
kp@pennantmediagroup.com