 CURVE Interview With Constantine & Christina Valhouli By Allen Steadham
Constantine: It was shocking to discover that weight discrimination is one of the last prejudices that is still accepted. When we pitched the film to theaters and TV stations, we received responses that were downright insulting: "You're doing a movie about fat chicks? Don't you know fat chicks don't sell?" Other stations told us that they had already covered the topic because they had done a 3 minute piece on it two years ago.
Equally shocking was the prejudice within the fashion industry towards plus-size design. Many designers felt that there was a stigma to designing plus-size clothing, and that it could ruin the reputation of their line. I know of one professor of fashion design who advised her students not to design in plus-sizes because she would never get out of that niche. I think it is ridiculous, from a financial standpoint, to ignore 62% of the market for one's clothing. As Simon Doonan said in the film, "the fashion industry should be spanked."
But on a bright note, meeting all the wonderful agents, editors, photographers, designers, and models who were in the film was the highlight of my experience. Everyone was so passionate about their work that it was a cause and not a job for them. I firmly believe that what they are doing will change the world -- at the very least, it should open a dialogue about the narrow ideals of beauty that we currently hold -- and we were honored that everyone entrusted us with their time and stories. Christina: I learned that people are in love with their own image, so it's really easy to convince people to sit for an interview.
Seriously, I was astounded at the level of prejudice in the fashion world against larger women, as well as general ignorance. Very few high
fashion photographers will shoot plus-size models. Todd Oldham (the designer) is a wonderful exception. Also, I was amazed to find out that
the plus-size department in Bloomingdale's is shoved in the basement, next to the subway and the cafeteria. What kind of message does that
send to plus-size shoppers? Salon Z in Saks, however, is beautiful and treats its customers with dignity.
I was also surprised that 7th on Sixth, the New York fashion week, has never showcased plus-size designers or used plus-size models.
A lot of people don't know what a plus-size model is, or how "plus" they are. One journalist asked me if these are "the kind of people who need two seats on an airplane." Even when I would tell people at parties what I was doing, the one line I heard over and over is, "Oh, is this about fat chicks?" When they saw how beautiful the models are, they would quickly change their tune to, "Ohhh, ummm, are they single?" Allen: Your family is obviously supportive of your work in CURVE.
Constantine: Is that because the film poster reads like an ode to nepotism? I think every third name in the credits is "Valhouli." Every other name is 'de Benedetto.'
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Allen: What were some initial reactions from family and friends when you told them what you were doing (CURVE)?
Constantine: Everyone was extremely supportive. Our family is Greek, and we come from a Mediterranean perspective where there is no single ideal of beauty. You don't have to be a social x-ray to be accepted. Mediterranean cultures find women with curves more beautiful than those that look like 13-year old boys. When so many people were nay saying our idea, it was our family who encouraged us. They told us "it's about time someone told this story." Christina: Everyone has been incredibly supportive! When we started with just the idea last April, we had no idea how far it would go. Everyone thought it
was a good idea because nobody had tackled this issue before in a positive way. I'm sure they thought we were partly nuts because making a
film is a huge undertaking. The film has turned into a family affair. Our editor/assistant director and one of my closest friends, David
DeBenedetto, even roped in his brother Richard to help out! Allen: What makes CURVE special, in terms of being a documentary?
Constantine: Brilliant editing and writing (at least that's what our editor and writer asked me to say)!
Seriously, it was our goal to make a film that would offer a positive look at a serious and important subject, but would not take itself too seriously. I wanted to entertain as well as educate, and let the sass, wit and charm of the stars emerge in the telling of the story. If the film makes audiences think, laugh, and discuss some of the issues and themes of body image and self-esteem, then we will be pleased with the results. Christina: Someone described Curve as being a cross between "Charlie's Angels and Unzipped" which I think is a great way to sum up the film-- its
positive, girly and fun. Nobody has tackled the issue of plus-size modeling the way we have in Curve. A lot of what has been said about
plus size models (and the modeling world) focuses on the negative, dark side of modeling, like the drugs and eating disorders and we felt that
that story has been told a million times. Some stories about plus-size models makes it sound like it was never anybody's first choice, that
these girls couldn't make it as "real" models, and a lot of the press in the past has been sob stories. We wanted to focus on the positive and to
present the world of plus-size modeling in a dignified way.
Allen: Before you started CURVE, had you ever heard of the size acceptance movement? If so, what did you think of it? If not, have you learned about it since making CURVE?
Constantine: I don't think the popular media has covered the size-acceptance movement sufficiently to date, but the ISAA was one of the first names that had come up when discussion turned to size acceptance. Allen, you've done a great job crusading through your print, web, TV, and radio appearances. What we've done with Curve is only a small piece of the puzzle, and we are surfing a wave that was started by people like yourselves. Keep up the great work! Christina: I had read articles about a San Francisco based group
focusing on fat acceptance and working to combat fat discrimination, and
also read about the case of the
New Mexican girl who was taken from her
family. One concern that I have is that "fat" has a negative
connotation. I am all for size acceptance and for the media showing more
than one ideal of beauty-- sure, show the Kate Mosses of the world but
also show the Kate Dillons, and don't shove them on a special "plus-size
page" in a magazine. I would also like to see a variety of body types in
entertainment, instead of relegating larger women to play the "fat
friend" in movies. People have to throw away the scale and realize that
being healthy is not about being a certain number or size--just because
someone is skinny doesn't automatically mean they're healthy, and vice
versa for larger people. The crucial matter is to be fit and healthy, to
exercise regularly and eat well. GQ had an article this month about a
writer who is a superb (and fit) cyclist who happens to have a much
larger body than say, Lance Armstrong.
Allen: What advice would you give to those considering making a size-related documentary?
Constantine: Don't. Go see Curve instead. But I would recommend that anyone with an entrepreneurial inclination should start a plus-size clothing line. There is such need for stylish, contemporary clothes above a size 12. Christina: Go for it!!! But see our movie first.
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