Former plus-size model Crystal Renn is now in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition:
Her story is interesting because she previously had an eating disorder to maintain her size 0 physique for her modeling career. Then she got healthy, gained weight and enjoyed a second career as a size 12 plus-size model. From what I’ve read, she was sort of a champion for plus-size models and even wrote a book called Hungry about her experience.
"It’s about the healthy eating habits that you have, and wherever your body falls. Whether that is actually a four or an 18, [doesn't matter]." – Renn
Well, now she’s lost weight – is a size 6-8, is in Sports Illustrated, and some people aren’t exactly happy about it.
“Everyone rallied around her and now she’s turned against us,” PLUS Model Magazine Editor-in-Chief Madeline Jones told RadarOnline.com in an exclusive interview. “We have been betrayed by her.”
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, the 5’9” beauty was a shadow of her former self when she walked the red carpet in a skintight scarlet Zac Posen gown at the New York premiere of Madonna’s W.E., prompting fears she has fallen back into bad habits.
“After Emme, Crystal was the biggest plus size supermodel in our era and a lot of readers aspired to be like her,” explained Jones.
She went on to enjoy several years as a plus-sized model before revealing in November 2010 that she had dropped several dress sizes due to taking up hiking and yoga. Jones for one doesn’t believe her explanation. “You don’t lose that much weight doing yoga and hiking! You have to put a lot of effort to go from a 14 to a size 6,” she told RadarOnline.com.
Interesting story. I think it’s great that SI is starting to include a variety of sizes in their models and campaigns and as long as Renn is healthy and losing/maintaining weight in a healthy way, then that’s what is important.
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TrailMomma’s daughter in her new “dress”:
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{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmm. This is interesting. I think you hit the nail on the head– IF she’s doing it in a healthy way, then that’s what’s important. And just like the industry shouldn’t pressure her to maintain a size 0 figure, they also shouldn’t pressure her to remain a size 12, if she feels healthier and more comfortable as a 6 or 8. (and this is coming from a woman who is a size 12!)
I don’t think she looks dangerously skinny at all!
In fact, her body looks quite un-skinny-model-like in that swimsuit photo shoot. Good for her for trying a variety of sizes and not being placed in a box. She should do what makes her happy.
I think that’s a crappy reaction on PLUS magazine’s end! What a rude quote- can’t believe the editor let it be printed with her name on it. Sure, *if* she fell back on unhealthy habits that would be a serious cause for concern. But I don’t think that just because she was once a plus-sized model, that she now owes her body and size and choices to the plus-sized community. She’s not ‘betraying’ them by choosing to add exercise to her life (and possibly get healthier). It’s her body, not theirs! She doesn’t look starved to me in the SI shoot, so here’s hoping she’s taking care of herself.
I think she looks great! Being healthy is what is important!!
I think the variety of sizes of models is kind of awesome. I noticed on the American Apparel website that a lot of their models are normal sized too. It’s really cool.
Interesting that people are mad at her for losing some weight! People are so fickle. At least she’s doing it the healthy way this week!
I agree – if she did it a healthy way, then great for her.
I’m always skeptical when a celeb has a “fat” photo published and they tell the world “oh well, I love my body!” and then proceed to lose 30 pounds.
She looks bangin’ as a 6-8. I think it may be out of bitterness or even envy that people like the EIC are lashing out at her. Why should anyone feel obligated by an outside force to stay “plus size” or “thin” their whole life? Good for Crystal for doing what she wants (assuming she lost the weight for herself and not because of industry pressure).
Wow, this is very interesting. I got our issue of SI in the mail this week and haven’t read about Crystal but it’s amazing to me the people that feel they have the right to condemn her either way!
That is very interesting, thanks for sharing! I thinks it’s possible to drop that many sizes from hiking and yoga – my sister dropped almost 30lbs with a LITTLE bit of running and no real diet changes. I think she looks fantastic in that SI picture and size 6-8 is by no means a rail. Good for her if she is doing it in a healthy way!
It drives me insane that people say she “betrayed” them. She was not anyone’s personal guru and if she wanted to lose weight (healthily) for herself, that’s her choice. She doesn’t owe anyone to stay plus size if its not working for her.
I think she looks beautiful and healthy.. If only all models looked that way. Hopefully she attained it in a healthy way, and can be happy in her body no matter the critism. I feel really bad for her, how can she not have body issues with so much pressure coming from both sides. She can never be too skinny or too heavy. It would make me crazy.
You nailed in on the wall Ericka. What a harsh statement made by Radar Online. “Betrayed”…. please! It is 100% her choice what weight and size she decides is healthy and appropriate for her. As long as she is loosing weight in a healthy fashion and she feels sexy and confident, that’s all that matters. I think she looks fabulous at any weight and size! And, it is fabulous SI is featuring women of all sizes and shapes!!!
I find it really funny that this Jones persons says you can’t lose “all that weight” from hiking and yoga. You totally can if you’re hiking and doing yoga daily. Esp if the yoga is something like Vinyasa or Ashtanga.
Awe thanks for posting the Peanut’s photo! She even laughed that I got the “bird” shirt because I am deathly afraid of birds. I tried explaining irony but well…she is only 3.5!
True beauty at any size! I think it’s awesome. She’s not betraying anybody.
She is so beautiful at both sizes. The larger size is not even large, she looks amazing. And if she wants to lose weight it’s her body and her health. I feel so bad for celebrities. I am a trainer and very fit, well mostly, but I recently put on about 10 and I feel super judged. I’ve gotten backwards compliments like “I personally think you look good a little thicker” “Your face looks better filled out.”
We go up, we go down. Especially as a woman, especially when you get a little older. Life happens, food happens, stress/sleep/hormones. Her skin and hair look amazing… that is often a better indicator of health than body size (to a point).
Yoga isn’t for the weak! She could definitely lose weight doing yoga. The only thing I have a problem with is her objectifying herself on the pages of SI, but that’s a whole other post.
Totally agree with THIS statement!!!
Just another reminder that you can never make everyone happy — too fat or too skinny.
I’ve seen several “plus-sized” celebrities who talk about loving themselves as they are, then they lose weight, and people question them. I just feel bad for celebrities in general b/c they can’t do anything without the public scrutinizing them. Like you said, as long as she’s being healthy, I don’t care what size she is. But I would be concerned if she lost the weight in an unhealthy manner.
I think she looks great – I just hope that she IS doing it the healthy way. I read her book Hungry and really enjoyed the boldness she had in accepting her body shape. But I agree that your body can change over time, especially if you’re exercising more.
That’s exactly right! If she’s doing it in a healthy fashion then how dare the overweight models pass judgement on her!!! She is still a role model on how to loose weight in a healthy fashion… And, I hate to play devil’s advocate, but isn’t being overweight (in most cases) an eating disorder as well? Could it be considered the inverse of anorexia…? And, I’ve been considerably overwrought before, so I know how it feels to eat glutinously.
*overweight
Why do we care? She can be whatever size she wants to be. I was thin, then got chunky and now I’m thin again. It is life.
So stoked the SI is putting more normal looking girls in their mags.
P.S. I think she rules because she doesn’t have fake breasts! That’s one thing that sucks about losing weight is the boobies go unless you had surgery. It’s nice to see a smaller chested model.
Maybe this is her actual size. I’m no expert but it seems as though, after anorexia, people’s bodies tend to gain a lot of weight before settling. But you know, my hypothesis is coming from her and portia degenris ‘ book.
I think the Editor in Chief feels betrayed because they don’t have a money ticket anymore. If she truly lost weight because she started being more active then all the power to her. Beauty is all shapes and sizes.
Good for her to lose the weight. In dropping those sizes she decreased her risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and early death.
Yep, good for her. Being too thin is no worse than being too heavy. Why criticize her for getting to a healthy, active, fit size.
this is really interesting and i’m behind ur 100%…the thing that bugs me a bit with the whole plus sized thing is that it’s not healthy either…i mean ya, don’t starve urself, but do u have to stuff ur face and never bust a sweat either??
AMEN!
Whatever makes her happy then so be it. As long as she is doing it the healthy way.
Wow! I think she looks great at size 6 or 8. I could see why it’s a cause for concern since her weight loss can suddenly pick up pace and she may relapse into an eating disorder (I’m sure she’s eating healthier foods in addition to taking up exercise).
If she can maintain this weight and be healthy, good for her!
I think the magazines reaction was poor. A 6-8 is normal, not skinny/tiny like other models I think she looks great. I feel sorry for her. That magazine is just mad they lost their model.
If she did it the healthy way, good for her. yoga and hiking are hard so you could definitely lose weight by doing that and eating a balanced diet. poor girl can’t catch a break!
Who DOESN’T want to be thinner? I hate it when people say they are proud of their curves and sh*t then lose a ton of weight…so were you proud or were you secretly sad? Think Star Jones, Jennifer Hudson, Tyra (kiss my fat a$$ America), Jennifer Love Hewitt….they “loved” and defended their curves…then quickly lost weight cause guess what? They really WEREN’T comfortable with their bodies. I don’t even know what the point of my comment is (ADD much) but it sucks being judged for being too curvy then losing the weight cause we all want to be thinNER.
amen!
Now…back to my proAna blogs…JK. Seriously…JK.
SO TRUE!
She looks great in the SI pictorial but I think she was smaller than a 6 or 8. She’s quite slim (albeit with curves) in those photos. I’m a 4 and don’t look that good in a tankini! Maybe it’s photoshopping magic.
I do think she’s shrinking, though. The photos of her at the SI party make it look a bit like she’s wasting away. Her face looks a little gaunt.
I don’t know how to say this without someone getting mad at me– but good for her. Her example should be praised by other plus-size women, not abhorred. She is a great example of living within a healthy weight and embracing her body. A lot of women get comfortable with their bodies and don’t always take the necessary steps to simply be healthy (I’m talking about every size here–not just plus!). They think, “I am what I am and I don’t have to apologize for it.” When sometimes, action should be taken, whether that’s gaining or losing weight. Don’t hate on her because she looks (and probably feels) good. We can all set healthy goals and achieve them, and she is proof of that.
I have to wonder if any of the “regular” fashion magazines railed in public about this beautiful woman “betraying” them when she abandoned being a stick figure in favor of being a plus-size model?
I think not.
So ridiculous. As long as she is eating healthfully and doing the right things for her body, who gives a flying flip. And only she can know that — it’s her life, it’s her business.
*shakes head*
How is size 12 considered plus size? Someone please explain that to me.
She was gorgeous as a ‘plus size’ model (how is that plus size?), she’s still gorgeous but I really hope she’s healthy given her history.
I agree with a lot of the above. It’s like she can’t win either way. Sad.
I also agree with those who say 12 isn’t exactly plus-size. Now maybe that’s because I’m a 10-12 and don’t consider myself plus size, but even so, I always thought 12 was pretty normal and average.
I love that white swimsuit she has. Very Marilyn Monroe. I have a similar one in purple; it is a great look for curvy women.
Ugh. I really hope she’s doing it in a healthy way. But really, people should leave her alone about the way she looks – it’s her business, not theirs. Poor girl can’t win, it seems like.
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