A Perfect 14 explores the world of plus-size models fighting to reshape the fashion industry and the beauty standards of society.
A Perfect 14 follows the journeys of models such as Elly Mayday, Laura Wells and Kerosene Deluxe as they struggle against the distorted perception of body image that is perpetuated in people's minds. These women share their personal experiences of challenges and successes to help empower themselves and others to eradicate the currently held standards of beauty. In addition to being successful models they are also driven to make a positive impact in the world.
The film explores the controversial term plus-size and the divisive influence it has on society and the fashion industry by showcasing models, designers, photographers, bloggers, modeling agencies, magazine editors, body image experts, plus-size industry leaders and pioneers in the meccas of the fashion world. It combines the stories of the main subjects with an exploration of the collective unconsciousness of size-based segregation. It also asks the question of the media's responsibility in its single focus portrayal of thin role models and how it takes a heavy toll on the self confidence and body image of women.
Presenting the parallels between society and the fashion industry, the documentary questions the segregation plus-size women face in their daily lives just as plus-size models face in the modeling world. Weightism, one of the last acceptable forms of discrimination, severely affects both groups by relegating them from opportunities both could have within their worlds. Plus models are limited to special issues of magazines, hardly making the cover of a mainstream magazine, and rarely walk the runways side by side with standard models. In society, bigger women are not usually considered beautiful, hidden in the background they constantly have to look for excuses to justify the size of their bodies. Plus models' possibilities within the fashion industry are limited to advertise mostly online clothing for larger bodies, just as everyday women's options are limited for finding fashionable clothes on stores that are easily available to smaller sizes.
From these frustrations and as a consequence of a visible lack of representation within the status quo, a plus-size fashion subculture emerges. Choosing no longer to be the victims of discrimination and judgment because of their body size, these women start a revolution using the power of social media. Plus-size women find a place for themselves away from the rejection of the mainstream where they have always been looked down upon and plus models emerge confidently because they are able to communicate directly to their followers. Bloggers become the central hubs of this global community, gathering resources and progressing women's fashion worldwide. Fashion magazines are created, showcasing latest trends and giving a place for plus models to represent themselves. This subculture created by themselves and for themselves, allow these women to break free from the judgments of society for not having the body that suits the norm and allow them to be noticed by the leaders of the fashion industry. The film gets immersed into this fast growing global community to expose the importance of its nature.
A Perfect 14 shows the desperate need for diversity and a true reflection of today's society in the fashion industry, our media and role models. The models in the film are determined to eliminate the established perception in society that one size fits all.
