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5 BLOGGERS STOP TRAFFIC IN MANHATTAN SHOOTING
BODY DIVERSITY WE ARE THE 95% CAMPAIGN
by Jessica Kane Founder of SKORCH Magazine Creative Director of www.coolgalblue.com
What happens when five confident and beautifully dressed plus size women hit Manhattan for a photoshoot to showcase body diversity? Traffic comes to a halt and hundreds of people stop to take pictures, smile and applaud an effort to challenge the status quo. Building upon the viral success of her “this isn’t brave” swimsuit post, Jessica Kane continues her confidence crusade with a group photoshoot for body diversity.
“With 5% of American women naturally being the size portrayed in media and advertising, I felt it necessary as the Creative Director of a retailer to represent the other 95%
and carve into that sad statistic,” said Kane. “I partnered with four fellow plus size bloggers and industry experts: Meaghan O’Connor of Little Lime Dress, Beck Delude of Manfattan, Liz Black of P.S. It’s Fashion and Refinery 29 and Marcy Guevara. It was important to me to feature women of different body shapes and heights, the same kind of women I see all the time but for some reason I don’t see in magazines or television in the ratio we see in everyday life.”
SHOT ON LOCATION Manhattan PHOTOGRAPHY BY Michelle Alexandra CONCEPT & PRODUCTION Jessica Kane WARDROBE Coolgalblue.com HAIR & MAKEUP Gabriella Fortunato Alexis Marie ASSISTANT Allison Kimmey
Kane continued, “We caused quite the stir in downtown Manhattan even though we weren’t nearly naked or holding up any picket signs for our message. Even if it was just for those few minutes, we know we made a difference in the minds of the people who stopped and took pictures, smiled and thanked us.” “Yes, we had great clothes on, but what they were really reacting to was our confidence. It shined through as we marched
down 8th Avenue with a smile, confidently wearing trends we have been told we are not allowed to. I hope many women see this shoot and feel inspired to do the same with their girlfriends and to live life on their terms and never compromise their style or truth.”
3 CURVES IN THE CITY • WE ARE THE 95% COOLGALBLUE.COM
EACH MODEL STYLED HERSELF Meaghan O’Connor Beck Delude Jessica Kane Liz Black Marcy Guevara
MEAGHAN O’CONNOR LITTLELIMEDRESS.COM
CELEBRITY STYLIST & BLOGGER FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC
“Hands down one of my favorite places in the city is the Plaza Hotel. There is so much history and old glamour there. I remember going there as a kid and being in awe of it all, it’s a special place. Now as adults, it’s become tradition to have New Year’s Day tea with the ladies of my family there, and my nieces love it! That’s the beauty of NYC; so many old buildings with charm that stand the test of time.”
STATS
5’7” SIZE 20
Meaghan is wearing the SLiNK Off Shoulder Embroidered Dress (Sizes 12-20) $ 53.99 coolgalblue.com HMUA by Alexis Marie @beatbyalexismarie
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CURVES IN THE CITY • WE ARE THE 95% COOLGALBLUE.COM
GHAN 5
We are the 95%.
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MARCY GUEVARA
MARCYGUEVARA.COM
TV HOST & CELEBRITY STYLIST FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC
“I love Herald Square. From the amazing food to the Museum at FIT, I could easily spend days there getting inspired.”
STATS
5’7” SIZE 18/20
Marcy is wearing the Model Radical Palm Print Skirt (Sizes 14-24) $19.50 coolgalblue.com HMUA by Gabriella Fortunato @GabriellaFortunato
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R C Y 9
We are the 95%.
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LIZ BLACK
PSITSFASHION.COM
WRITER & FASHION DESIGNER FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC
“My favorite place is The Highline. It’s a surprisingly calm park that blends nature and industry and runs along the water. You can see a beautiful view, enjoy some food and drinks, and leisurely stroll through the bustling city.”
STATS
5’6” SIZE 14/16
Liz is wearing the Model Radical Red & Perfect Dress (Sizes 14 to 24) $66.50 Lips Clutch $18.50 coolgalblue.com HMUA by Alexis Marie @beatbyalexismarie
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We are the 95%.
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JESSICA KANE
LIFEANDSTYLEOFJESSICA.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & BLOGGER FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC
“My favorite is the West Village and every time I visit I make sure to get a perfect bagel and hit the dance club.”
STATS
5’8” SIZE 26/28
Jessica is wearing the Jessica Kane Collection Blush Tutu (Sizes 14-36) $68 to $83 White Blazer Jacket (Sizes 16-20) $33.50 coolgalblue.com
Top from CopperUnion.com HMUA by Jessica Kane @jessica_kane
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S I C A 17
We are the 95%.
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BECK DELUDE
MANFATTAN.COM
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST & BLOGGER FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC
“My favorite place in the city is Madison Square Park, right by the Flatiron Building! Not only do they have awesome food and music events, but Mad Square (as I call it) also makes for a great place to hang out with your friends and catch some rays in a city of tiny apartments.”
STATS
6’3” SIZE 24
Beck is wearing the Jessica Kane Collection Striped Dress (Sizes 18-28) $63.99 coolgalblue.com HMUA by Gabriella Fortunato @GabriellaFortunato
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We are the 95%.
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WE AR BECK SIZE24
MEAGHAN SIZE20
JE SIZ
RE 95
ESSICA ZE26/28
T H E
LIZ SIZE12/14
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MARCY SIZE18
JOIN SHARE INSPIRE #95PERCENT