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It’s no secret that fashion is one hell of a merciless industry. I mean, how many times have we heard how unrealistic body image standards and high expectations have pushed girls to the brink of insanity? And although the stigma around plus-size models is fading away, the steps are so tiny, it’s barely visible.

Luckily, more and more women are willing to take matters into their own hands and rewrite fashion industry rules altogether. One plus-size model, Denise Mercedes, is doing just that. The size 14 Dominican model has launched a TikTok challenge titled “Style Not Size” with her friend Maria Castellanos. The two friends of different body types are putting on the same outfits, sharing the snack-sized videos to 1.7M followers, and showing that beauty comes in all shapes and forms. Their videos have now been liked a whopping 30.6M times, proving that healthy and happy women rule the world!

More info: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | DeniseMercedes.com

#1

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Shelley Russell
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love all of the pics on this thread! Beautiful women come in all shapes/sizes/colors!!! Way to go, ladies!!!

Dre Mosley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The full figured girl is blessed with a great shape, small waist, flat tummy. Many girls her size are not as blessed and carry it way differently.

Trinity Tummons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of these pictures are amazing and her curves make her look amazing!

Jane Campbell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a 14-16 depending on the cut. Proud of Denise but she is not a 14.

Mishte Tine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay... we are all supposed to say they are both beautiful. And that is absolutely true. You’re lovely. Go get life and make it yours. : )

Julie Robinson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I logged in just so I can leave a comment on this pic and I hope these two gorgeous ladies read them!! And I’m only on the first pic lol y’all keep doing your thing!!

2WheelTravlr
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tops look great on both of them, but I don't like the bottoms on either.

TomiSmith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as she is happy being overweight good for her. I just don’t find fat very attractive.

Isobel Davies
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i need to know how your amazingly curvy with a flat stomach !! you Figure is my aim i have the hips a**e n boobs now all a girl needs is the flat stomach !!! you`re both stunners!!

Tracey Stammers
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ladies are both gorgeous; however the top is not flattering on the curvy lady. She can look equally as good as the slimmer lady, in a better style which flatters her curves

Jada Carmichael
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and it dosen't matter what you look like just be positive in your body okay😇

Judy Pinter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a fan of this look because of where the bottoms hit the hip. I like a bikini that rides lower.

Marge Hassen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care 'how' you try to 'color' it, or try to make it more acceptable... Fat is fat, and it is not now or ever, beautiful and acceptable... Fat people the world over would like to be rid of it, and never face the embarrassment or the pain it causes.. To accept "fat" means you have given up on yourself, and your desire for a healthier body is being denied...There is no realistic way to accept the ugliness of being overweight, except to 'diet' and be aware of those things we put into our body..... There are many, like me, overweight and unable or unwilling to accept the challenges needed to shed those pounds..

Stacey Gates
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you have courage in spades to speak the truth! I think you can accomplish whatever you really want. Don't give up!

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Leon'
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. This image illustrates that very well.

Aga Be
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I watch all pics... im sorry for the slimer one but the second girl looks great(er ;-)) at more of pics... :-))

Reyna Phillips
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4 years ago

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Reyna Phillips
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4 years ago

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Reyna Phillips
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4 years ago

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Mavi Hava
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like the slimmer girl with wavy hair and the curvy girl with a ponytail

Benjamin F. Rodriguez
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They both look awesome, and Shelley is right. No matter, race, gender, or body type. Your all perfect, don’t change for someone, only change if YOU want to.😉

Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the voluptuous lass looks better in this outfit is suits her curves

Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the bigger lass looks better in this outfit suits her curves well.

Femke Markslag
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love both... On both woman... Both gorgeous. But if I am honest... I vote Ms Curves galore on the right... Omg I'd swap body with her any day!!!! ♥♥♥♥

Paul Chang
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both gorgeous but the big one would do better on naked and afraid

Jing Yi Xu
Community Member
4 years ago

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They are both so gorgeous but I admit that I only have eyes for the brunette. Those curves! Curvalicious

Fiona Messenger
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4 years ago

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The only comment I have is that the one on the right should have rethought that hairstyle.

djinnjeannie
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4 years ago

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MJ Scooter
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4 years ago

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One of her legs isn't even a 14. She is beyond obese.

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#3

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SoozeeQ
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are people downvoting Debster? I think she meant to be complimentary to the curvier girl. She has a gorgeous figure.

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When Denise was 16 and a petite size 8, she started submitting her pictures to modeling agencies, but her height was too short for industry standards. She kept on posing for the camera as a side hobby until she turned 21 and had gone up to a size 14.

According to a statement on her website, Denise started putting outfits together and posting her cool photos on social media. She is an avid advocate of body positivity and runs a campaign #becauseitsmybody dedicated to women of all shapes and sizes. She now has collaborated with many fashion design brands and boutiques like Forever21, Target, and JCPenney.

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There’s a huge gap between fashion industry standards and real-life women, who measure a size 16 around the waist on average in America. Moreover, plus-size girls represent 68% of fashion shoppers, according to Glamour, and yet a very small percentage of them actually work in the fashion industry.

Only in 2016, Ashley Graham became the first plus-size model on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition and paved the way for models with curves. But the model herself told CBS Sunday Morning that she doesn’t like the word “plus-size” because it’s “so divisive to women” and puts them into categories.

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Many women find the representation of diverse body types in media more assuring. In fact, this study by Florida State University found that women tend to experience deeper body satisfaction and retain a memory of plus-size models better than that of the thinner ones. It also pointed out that exposure to “unrealistic-sized media models” has a negative effect on the consumer’s “mental and physical health, including experiencing lower body satisfaction.”

#10

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athornedrose
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she's crushing so many crop tops, and i just don't have the confidence for it. gorgeous

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#12

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Donna Leske
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect summer wear. And for haters, they are COVERED, no cleavage, no crack in the back, skirt long enough. Don't be jealous.

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Pam Olson
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my favorite - it is a pretty color and it looks great on both of them.

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#15

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LoPandas
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooooh, I like this. I may need to go hunting for a bikini like this.

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sJm
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the first one where I think the outfit suits the slimmer girl better. Else the bigger girl wears everything else heaps better.

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Sandra Simpson
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I think that this outfit suits slim girl better. No offense to curvy girl.

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#31

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Gin
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but the buttons shouldn't be tearing apart. It's a beautiful dress, just get a size larger.

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