Emme (model)
American model
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
June 30, 1963
- Emme
- Melissa Entwistle
- Melissa Julian (On-Air TV Reporter)
Syracuse University (BS)
Model, Activist (1989–present)
TV Personality (1994–present)
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) |
| Occupations | 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
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.[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
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 Closter, New Jersey.[2] 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
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[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 |