Melissa Aronson, better known as Emme (born 1963) is a plus-size model, and is largely recognized as the pioneering model in the profession. She was the first plus-size model to attain supermodel status.^[1]

Early life

Born in New York City, Emme was raised in Saudi Arabia, returning to the United States as a teenager to attend Kent School in northwest Connecticut.^[2]

It has been reported that weight has always been an issue for Emme, sometimes causing self-esteem issues. As a preteen girl, her stepfather encircled her thighs with magic marker and drew on her stomach to show her how she needed to lose weight.^[2]

Syracuse University awarded Emme a full athletic scholarship and she became a member of the crew team. Emme 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. Emme was invited to the U.S. Olympic Team trials, as well as several U.S. National Team trials.

After graduation, she spent two years in Flagstaff, Arizona where she was a reporter and morning anchor for the NBC affiliate KNAZ-TV.

Media

She previously hosted Fashion Emergency on E! where she gave fashion advice to women of all ages. Emme is frequently seen on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, and other cable networks about socially compelling and women's related issues.

Her column Ask Emme appeared monthly in Mode magazine in the 1990s. She's been named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" (1994 and 1999) and Glamour magazine's "Woman of the Year" (1997). Ladies' Home Journal selected her as one of its "Most Fascinating Women of the Year" (1997) and as one of its "Most Important Women in America" (1999).

Her first book, True Beauty -- Positive Attitudes & Practical Tips from the World's Leading Plus Size Model, was published in 1997. Also in 1997, she was invited to speak before a Congressional subcommittee about eating disorders.

Her second book, Life's Little Emergencies: Everyday Rescue for Beauty, Fashion, Relationships, and Life, was published in 2003. Her third book, "Morning Has Broken: A Couples Journey Through Depression", was published in January 2006. She and her husband wrote their first children's book "What Are You Hungry For", illustrated by Erik Brooks and published by Harper Collins, which was released in the summer of 2007.

Personal life

Emme's sister Melanie is also a model. Emme married Phillip Aronson in 1989, though they are now divorced. Their daughter Toby Cole, was born on August 10, 2001, and is the couple's only child. Emme, Toby Cole, and their goldfish (Goldie), live in Closter, New Jersey.^[1]

Emme has a sportswear line 2-26 women's clothing sold at QVC under the me BY EMME label. A 16" collectable doll bearing Emme's name and likeness generates money to benefit body image and self esteem organizations.

References

External links

• Emme Online - Emmestyle.com