Melissa Owens Miller (born June 30, 1963), known professionally as Emme, is an American plus-size model, social reformer and body image advocate. Emme gained worldwide fame as the first full-figured model chosen for People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People, first in 1994, then for a second time in 1999. Emme is largely recognized in the 1990s as the leading model in the profession, as well as its highest earner.[1][2]
Melissa Aronson | |
|---|---|
 Emme advertising for Chromat in 2018 | |
| Born | Melissa Miller June 30, 1963 Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Other names |
|
| Alma mater | Kent School Syracuse University (BS) |
| Occupation(s) | TV Reporter (1986–1988) Model, Activist (1989–present) TV Personality (1994–present) |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Spouse(s) | Phillip Aronson (m. 1989–2008; divorced) |
| Children | 1 |
| Website | www |
Early life
editBorn Melissa Miller in New York City, Emme was raised in Saudi Arabia, and returned to the United States as a teenager to attend Kent School in northwest Connecticut.[1]
In her book, she tells the story of her stepfather instructing her at age 12 to strip down to her underwear while he took a black marker and drew circles on her outer thighs, hips, stomach and arms to highlight where she needed to lose weight.[1]
Syracuse University awarded Emme a full athletic scholarship and she became a member of the crew team; she is also a member of the Syracuse University Orange Plus Hall of Fame, where she was inducted for her significant contribution to women's athletics and to the sport of rowing[3] In addition, Emme was invited to the U.S. Olympic Team trials, as well as several U.S. National Team trials.
After graduating in 1985,[4] she spent two years in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she was a reporter and morning anchor for the NBC affiliate KNAZ-TV.
Career
edit
In 1998, she was the first plus-size model to be a spokesperson for Revlon.[5] Emme had a sportswear line of sized 2–26 women's clothing sold at QVC under the me BY EMME label and the Emme Collection sportswear line manufactured by Kellwood and sold to department stores.
A 16" collectible doll bearing Emme's name and likeness generates money to benefit body image and self-esteem organizations.[6]
Personal life
editEmme's sister Melanie is also a model.[7] Emme married Phillip Aronson in 1989 and moved to New Jersey. In 2001, Emme's daughter Toby was born. She separated from her husband in 2007, and later finalized her divorce in 2008.[2][8] Emme's daughter Toby Cole was recently in Teen Vogue and is signed at IMG Models.[9]
Cancer
editIn May 2007 Emme was diagnosed with Stage 2a Hodgkin's lymphoma – a type of lymphoma that is often curable with radiation and chemotherapy. She had surgery and in November 2007 doctors declared that she was "cancer-free".[10]
Awards
edit| Award | Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Hall of Fame [11] | Syracuse University Orange Plus | 1994 |
| Woman of Distinction – New York[citation needed] | Girl Scouts of the USA | 1997 |
| S.A.R.A. Award [12] | Syracuse University | 2006 |
| Letterwinner of Distinction [12] | Syracuse University | 2008 |
| Hall of Fame [12] | Syracuse Alumni Rowing Association | 2013 |
| Inspiration and Visionary Award [13] | Women & Fashion FilmFest (WFF) | 2015 |
| Fashioning Futures for Women Award [14] | Career Wardrobe | 2015 |
References
edit- ^ a b c Witchel, Alex. "Size 14, 190 Pounds: A Model Figure", The New York Times, March 12, 1997. Retrieved October 11, 2007. When Emme was in high school, her family moved back to the States, settling in Houston. At Kent School Emme joined the rowing team, sealing a life's passion for strenuous exercise. In her book, she tells the story of Sam's instructing her at age 12 to strip down to her underwear while he took a black marker and drew circles on her outer thighs, hips, stomach and arms to highlight where she needed to lose weight."
- ^ a b Pedota, Chris. "One couple's climb to hope Supermodel and husband tell their sides of coming back from his depression", The Kansas City Star, April 2, 2002. Retrieved June 2, 2007. "Emme and Phillip Aronson at home in Closter, New Jersey."
- ^ cuse.com. "'Night of Distinction' to Honor SU Athletics Alumni", Syracuse University Sports, Syracuse, NY, October 15, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- ^ "Supermodel Emme '85 to Support Women's Heart Health in Central New York". College of Visual and Performing Arts. October 22, 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
- ^ Refinery 29, Channing Hargrove (October 9, 2018). "Seven plus-size models who paved the way for today's biggest names". CNN Style. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Emme Doll Aims for Healthy Body Image". ABC News. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "Beauty at Large". Retrieved July 13, 2011.
- ^ "Emme's Cancer Battle: 'I Needed to Be Strong'". Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ Toby Cole Signed to IMG
- ^ Emme's Cancer Battle: I need to be strong (interview in People magazine, Jan 2008)
- ^ "Emme: Syracuse Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- ^ a b c Night of Distinction To Honor SU Athletics Alumni
- ^ Women & Fashion FilmFest Launches Online WEBFest featuring Panel Discussions with Fashion & Entertainment Leaders, Films & Webseries on Womenfashfilm.com
- ^ Career Wardrobe Gala: Fashioning Futures for Women Award