Leslie Jones: There are no designers wanting to help me with a premiere dress
One of the great conversations percolating through Hollywood and the fashion industry for the past few years is sizeism. Sizeism in casting, sizeism in fashion, sizeism in life. As in, the “default” for actresses and models is a size zero or (at most) a size 2. Some actresses can stretch it and find work even though they’re totally “fat” at a size 6 or size 8. But for the Melissa McCarthys and Crystal Renns of the world, most designers don’t even bother. If you’re larger than a size 4/6, very few designers will have anything to do with you, even if you’re nominated for an Oscar, even if you want to wear something pretty for your first big premiere.
This week, Leslie Jones – the SNL cast member who is starring in Lady Ghostbusters – decided to put designers on blast for not wanting to dress her. Leslie is what? Like, maybe a size 10? And most designers wouldn’t send her anything.
It's so funny how there are no designers wanting to help me with a premiere dress for movie. Hmmm that will change and I remember everything
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) June 28, 2016
Leslie got a lot of replies, one of which was from Christian Siriano, the Project Runway winner-turned-legit designer.
@Lesdoggg ✋🏼👋🏼
— Christian Siriano (@CSiriano) June 28, 2016
Siriano has gotten a reputation for being one of the few second-tier designers who will consistently work with “bigger” ladies. He’s famously dressed Christina Hendricks for several major events, and Siriano has also dropped a new collection with Lane Bryant. Leslie replied “YAAAASSS” to Siriano, and I’m sure they will work together in the future. But still, Leslie wants you to know that she’s keeping a list:
Hmm what a difference a tweet makes. Should I name the designers that didn't look out?Put y'all ass on blast. You will not get my love later
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) June 29, 2016
It’s asinine to me that so many major designers refuse to acknowledge that there is a huge, untapped market of women who are bigger than a size 6 who want to wear cute clothes. I mean, what f—king year is this? Also: as I was editing these photos, it occurred to me that Leslie really isn’t “big” in any way – she’s tall and she has a nice figure, and so now I’m wondering… do you think there’s a racial aspect to this too? Why are designers refusing to dress her?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
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