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Today's the day the over-the-top Victoria's Secret runway show airs, and Lane Bryant is rebooting its hit #ImNoAngel campaign from this past spring today to ride the wave. That involved an #AskLaneBryant Twitter chat with Refinery29 this afternoon and if Lane Bryant hoped for softballs questions in this chat, that's not how it turned out. Shoppers voiced their frustrations with the brand for everything from the quality and look of the clothes to the models Lane Bryant uses for its advertising.
One question that kept coming up was why Lane Bryant hired Wendy Williams for its #PlusIsEqual body positivity campaign event in New York. According to Huffington Post, when asked during the campaign event if she had any advice for her teenage self, Williams said, "Honestly? Push back from the table, stop with the barbecue potato chips and stop with the junk food."
Here's what Lane Bryant had to say about Wendy William's involvement in the event:
@alala0386 she's been open about her struggles w/weight and she wanted to work with us.We are happy when voices of influence join us
— Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) December 8, 2015
At one point, Lane Bryant tweeted out a frowny face in response to the onslaught of critical tweets from customers.
@TrendyCurvy :( that makes me feel a little sad. there is a whole family of associates who truly love women.
— Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) December 8, 2015
Here's a selection of some of the questions and critiques brought up in the chat:
#AskLaneBryant Why are your in-store mannequins smaller than any of your clothes, so they are pinned to look smaller/"more flattering?"
— Brynna (@brynna42) December 8, 2015
#AskLaneBryant Will we see designer collaborations with plus size designers rather than just straight size designers?
— Alysse Dalessandro (@readytostare) December 8, 2015
The #AskLaneBryant tag looks to be going horribly wrong for @lanebryant but incredibly right for all the frustrated consumers..
— Hi, I'm Dani. (@DanielleMonifa) December 8, 2015
@lanebryant is a staple in the ps community and they have pushed the envelope. We just want more, no more playing it safe! #AskLaneBryant
— PHAT GIRL FRESH (@PHAT_GIRL_FRESH) December 8, 2015
Mod Cloth isn't perfect but they have been on the scene for a very short time and learned really quick how to do things #AskLaneBryant
— Amanda Levitt (@FatBodyPolitics) December 8, 2015
Can yawl stop charging Bloomingdales prices for Wet Seal quality? #AskLaneBryant
— Milk Chocolate Queen (@AsToldByKandi) December 8, 2015
The #AskLaneBryant tag ignites so much passion. It's time to stop fighting @lanebryant and start spending with companies that get it.
— Aimee Cheshire (@Amebeca) December 8, 2015
When are you going to use size 22+ women as regular models rather than PR fodder? #AskLaneBryant
— Jingletits L'Amour (@Lottie_Lamour) December 8, 2015
Looking at the #AskLaneBryant tweets...we want a lot of different things. Lol! @lanebryant you have the power to be the game changers!
— Curves and Chaos™ (@CURVESandCHAOS) December 8, 2015
So how am I supposed to feel "accepted" since none of these bodies look like mine?! #AskLaneBryant pic.twitter.com/GOdokCL6hV
— Legend•Dairy (@R3NSKI_BaeBii24) December 8, 2015
what we want is to actually be heard and have REAL answers given to us, not PR approved BS.
— gabifresh (@gabifresh) December 8, 2015
Other plus-size brands even joined in:
#AskLaneBryant Move over, you're not the only game in town anymore.
— Hey Gorgeous (@heygorgeousny) December 8, 2015
@lanebryant Deal! You helped create the space!
— Hey Gorgeous (@heygorgeousny) December 8, 2015
Lane Bryant and Refinery29 promised a follow-up article to answer questions, so stay tuned.
We’re so grateful for the candidness and openness today. We had such a short amount of time but want to keep the convo going. #AskLaneBryant
— Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) December 8, 2015