Shannon Skloss

​American Apparel's models are generally lithe and barely clothed, and never look to be above a size two. But the troubled fashion company recently launched plus sizes in some items, and an accompanying contest to find a plus-size model:

Think you are the Next BIG Thing?

Calling curvy ladies everywhere! Our best-selling Disco Pant (and around 10 other sexy styles) are now available in size XL, for those of us who need a little extra wiggle room where it counts. We're looking for fresh faces (and curvaceous bods) to fill these babies out. If you think you've got what it takes to be the next XLent model, send us photos of you and your junk to back it up.

Nancy Upton, a 24-year-old actress and student in Dallas, was galled by the campaign's tone and message. She recruited a photographer for a special project: she was entering the contest with photos like the one above, of herself smothered in different kinds of food. Her goal was simply to protest the campaign, but she actually ended up receiving the most votes and winning. She has no plans to actually model for AA, though.

Runnin' Scared spoke with Upton on the phone yesterday about the project.

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​Hipster clothier American Apparel has a new product out. It's a t-shirt that says "Teenagers Do It Better." Made in conjunction with a teen magazine called Electric Youth!, the t-shirts boast a 100% cotton design and domestic manufacturing. And of course, they're reminding people of the fact that CEO Dov Charney has been accused of sexual harassment by a number of very young women.

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