Emme (model) explained

Melissa Aronson
Birth Name:Melissa Miller
Birth Date:30 June 1963
Birth Place:Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Occupation:TV Reporter (1986–1988)
Model, Activist (1989–present)
TV Personality (1994–present)
Years Active:1989–present
Spouse:Phillip Aronson
(m. 1989–2008; divorced)
Children:1
Alma Mater:Kent School
Syracuse University (BS)

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]

Early life

Born 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.[2]

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.[2]

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

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

Emme'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.[8] Emme's daughter Toby Cole was recently in Teen Vogue and is signed at IMG Models.[9]

Cancer

In 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

Award Organization Year
Hall of Fame [11] Syracuse University Orange Plus 1994
Woman of Distinction – New York Girl Scouts of the USA1997
S.A.R.A. Award [12] 2006
Letterwinner of Distinction 2008
Hall of Fame Syracuse Alumni Rowing Association 2013
Inspiration and Visionary Award [13] Women & Fashion FilmFest (WFF) 2015
Fashioning Futures for Women Award [14] Career Wardrobe 2015

Notes and References

  1. 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."
  2. 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."
  3. cuse.com. "'Night of Distinction' to Honor SU Athletics Alumni", Syracuse University Sports, Syracuse, NY, October 15, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  4. News: Supermodel Emme '85 to Support Women's Heart Health in Central New York . March 20, 2021 . College of Visual and Performing Arts . October 22, 2019.
  5. Web site: Seven plus-size models who paved the way for today's biggest names . Refinery 29 . Channing Hargrove . October 9, 2018 . CNN Style . en . October 29, 2019.
  6. Web site: Emme Doll Aims for Healthy Body Image . . July 12, 2011.
  7. Web site: Beauty at Large . July 13, 2011.
  8. Web site: Emme's Cancer Battle: 'I Needed to Be Strong' . July 12, 2011.
  9. http://wwd.com/media-news/marketing/toby-cole-emmes-daughter-signed-to-img-10260391/ Toby Cole Signed to IMG
  10. http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20171259,00.html Emme's Cancer Battle: I need to be strong (interview in People magazine, Jan 2008)
  11. Web site: Emme: Syracuse Hall of Fame . March 16, 2016 . March 22, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160322172421/http://suinnycgiving.syr.edu/alumni/alumni-profiles/arts--entertainment/emme.html/ . dead .
  12. http://cuse.com/news/2008/8/15/lwd2008.aspx#.VunhffkrLcd/ Night of Distinction To Honor SU Athletics Alumni
  13. https://www.prweb.com/releases/women_fashion_filmfest_launches_online_webfest_featuring_panel_discussions_with_fashion_entertainment_leaders_films_webseries_on_womenfashfilm_com/prweb13070340.htm Women & Fashion FilmFest Launches Online WEBFest featuring Panel Discussions with Fashion & Entertainment Leaders, Films & Webseries on Womenfashfilm.com
  14. http://www.libertycitypress.com/pulse-article/974-career-wardrobe-gala-fashioning-futures-for-women-award-.html/ Career Wardrobe Gala: Fashioning Futures for Women Award