It is easy to forget that Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfield once was carrying a few extra pounds, especially when you consider his quotes concerning weight. A few months ago, for example, he proclaimed, “No one wants to see curvy women” in fashion, explaining that, “these are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly”. But fast forward a few months and he is shooting burlesque star Coco a Go Go in Chanel’s beautiful ateliers for V Magazine‘s highly anticipated plus-size issue. Fashion can be so forgiving.
And the icon isn’t alone! Joining in to support V Magazine‘s celebration of women of all shapes are the likes of photographer Terry Richardson, famous plus-size models Crystal Renn and Mia Tyler, and stylist Nicola Formichetti. Known for its edgy editorials, V Magazine‘s issue, which hits stands on the Jan. 14, sees curvy women in body-conscious dresses, skinny jeans and waist-hugging T-shirts. The issue features two covers: one with “Precious” sGabourey Sidibe and the other with size-zero actress Dakota Fanning. Highlights include editorials of lean model Jacquelyn Jablonski in the same fashions as plus-size model Renn. Creative director Stephen Gan says of the venture, “Big, little, pint-size, plus-size — every body is beautiful. And this issue is out to prove it.“

Visit V Magazine online to see images from the spreads One Size Fits All + Curves Ahead.