Almost a year ago Talent Management reported on the launch of a brand new bi-monthly plus-size fashion magazine called ‘SLiNK’. At the time, editor Rivkie Baum said that she was motivated to create SLiNK having noticed a need for a good quality media format designed with curvier women in mind.

Since then the online publication has gained itself a reputation as a lifestyle and fashion bible for plus-size (12-14+) women. It covers topics from travel to food and includes stunning fashion editorials, featuring clothing which is all available up to a size 22.

Baum has gone to great lengths to ensure that the magazine stays loyal to its market. She features only plus-size models, and where images of clothing being modelled in plus-sizes are not available she has even commissioned a fashion illustrator to provide drawings that show how the clothing would appear on a fuller figure. The magazine is also anti-airbrushing, and steers clear of any articles relating to diet advice.

However, while many see these efforts as positive, they have inspired criticism from some who claim that SLiNK promotes obesity. Baum was quoted on the Plus Size Tall website this week as giving the following response to these claims: “We represent real women and in no way do we promote obesity. With the likes of Adele and Christina Hendricks as our pop culture icons, curves are back on top and skinny is so last season. We talk health and fitness not diets and bikini bodies. Our food section is run by a top chef, and is all about great ingredients not counting calories. Our fashion is an eclectic mix of high street, high end and online fashion that fits up to a size 22.”

Talent Management has been impressed with SLiNK over the last year and were delighted to hear that it will now be available to buy in print. Issue 5 contains interviews with brand director of Allistyle, Pam Shainhouse and plus-size winner of America’s Next Top Model, Whitney Thompson.

But does a publication like this need to be careful about the message that it sends out to readers? In an interview featured in edition 4 of SLiNK, Anna from Milk Model Management shared her own view: “I don’t think being a size 22 is healthy just as well as I don’t think being a size zero is healthy.”

It seems that balance is key. What do you think?