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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

Two-Friends-Same-Clothes

denisemmercedes Report

Eva Bryson
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "plus" size is not a size 14.

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

She looks great, but I cannot see where she is a Size 14. (Although her waist may tiny in comparison.

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Shelley Russell
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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!!!

Katie Sutton
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like this on either of them.

Dre Mosley
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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. : )

Amaranthim Talon
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lady on the right is no way no how a size 14-

Julie Robinson
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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.

Rivka Ostroff
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good looking bikini, suits both types

Linda Robinett
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In this case, the bikini looks more sexy on the plus size model.

TomiSmith
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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!!

Jasmina Pavlovic
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks cheap .. this Lion(?)dress ... 🦁

Tracey Hirt
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This outfit looks better on the woman with curves.

Tracey Stammers
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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

Kristal Bona
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You girls are rocking that suit!

Jada Carmichael
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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😇

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

they look sexy i like that curvyness

Judy Pinter
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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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Laurentiu
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes,interesting costumes ... and that's about it

Cindy Reed
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

both look good in their own way.

Lexie Hayes
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both of them are killing wearing those fits

Leon'
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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... :-))

Meredith Mays
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish they had links to where you can buy all the outfits

Reyna Phillips
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Reyna Phillips
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Reyna Phillips
Community Member
5 years ago

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Mavi Hava
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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
5 years ago Created 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.😉

mermaidgirl960
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hot bikini either way, they're rocking it!

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

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

Joselito El Zapatero
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The curvy one is see as the ideal woman for a large part of African men.

Cocobronco
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That may be, but I'm white and I'd take her over the skinny girl any day.

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Marianna Helola
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both are beautiful, but curves ******

Paul Cullum
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed gorgeous but I prefer curves any day

евгений фомиченко
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Не хотел бы я оказаться с ней в одной постели

Femke Markslag
Community Member
5 years ago Created 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!!!! ♥♥♥♥

sadie pilkngton
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Body positivity cuz i look like the left girl and i get bullied for it

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

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

MagNat
Community Member
5 years ago

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The waist of the one on the right <3

Vidya Sagar
Community Member
5 years ago

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Doesn't hide the fact that she's fat

Jing Yi Xu
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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

Lev Pertsov
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

What's the point of this?

Fiona Messenger
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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

djinnjeannie
Community Member
5 years ago

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This comment has been deleted.

Chris Watson
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Nothing is right about being morbidly obese.

MJ Scooter
Community Member
5 years ago

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

jiriw
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Fat a*s vs thin a*s...

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    #2

    Two-Friends-Same-Clothes

    denisemmercedes Report

    #3

    Two-Friends-Same-Clothes

    denisemmercedes Report

    SoozeeQ
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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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    #4

    Two-Friends-Same-Clothes

    denisemmercedes Report

    Debster
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yazzzz! Slender gurl needs some shreds too. Love this pic!

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    #6

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    Maul!
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    love the halter tops!!! is it crochet?

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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.

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    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.

    #7

    Two-Friends-Same-Clothes

    denisemmercedes Report

    Debster
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually gives so curves to slender gal. Cute!

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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

    Two-Friends-Same-Clothes

    denisemmercedes Report

    athornedrose
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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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    #14

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    Pam Olson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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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    #16

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    #17

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    #20

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    Ola Polowczyk
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a moment I thought it had pockets. I'm so disappointed lol

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    #21

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    #23

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    sJm
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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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    #27

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    Sandra Simpson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created 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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    #28

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    Wendy
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Curvy Girl nailed that look ♥

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    #30

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    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The don't look good on either girl, too baggy and too tight

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    #31

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    Gin
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created 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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    #32

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    Donna Leske
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That top is ugly, even on these two pretty girls.

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    #33

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    Sue Knerl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely hate the torn pants. I prefer to wear out my own.

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