Crystal Renn and the plus-sized revolution

Crystal Renn, one of the most successful plus-sized models working today, once carved away 42 percent of her body weight in an attempt to achieve the silhouette of normal models.

Then again, normal models -- not so normal.

That's what Renn had to realize before she stopped starving -- and before she transformed herself once again, this time into a supermodel who pulls down an estimated six-figure annual salary stomping runways and posing for department store catalogs and fashion magazines.

And Renn stands to get even more work -- if companies were listening when experts, last year, pronounced the plus-size niche as the retail sector with the biggest profit potential. Forever21 jumped on the tip immediately, unveiling their plus-size line Faith21. But there's still plenty of room on the bandwagon for other brands.