For a long time, Japan has been behind on embracing plus-sized chic. In fact, it's the norm to weigh just 8 ½ stone. But the country is beginning to celebrate its larger girls, namely with the launch of a new magazine calledLa Farfa, aimed at plus-sized women.

More often than not, if a brand steps out of line, there's usually an army of online protesters ready to call them out. #IAmPerfect was the response to an ad campaign titled 'The Perfect Body' featuring a line-up of tall, slim and toned Victoria's Secret models.

TheToronto Sunrecently featured transsexual Amelia Maltepe as its daily 'Sunshine Girl'. While several readers took to the internet to complain, the support shown by the paper highlights gradually shifting attitudes in the media.

High fashion may be about an unattainable ideal of beauty and attraction, but real women spend real money and they favour brands which reflect their identity. Catherine McColl looks at the model debate in publishing.