If you remember Mode Magazine, you remember a plus-model heydey, when women who wear size 10 (I know) and higher had as part of their fashion/beauty references a glossy publication filled with gorgeous photos of stunning curvy models in fantastic makeup and great styling. Then 9/11 happened, and Mode and the plus modelling industry became something of a casualty soon afterward. The industry is in recovery mode however (as mentioned here), and a Canadian digital magazine is new bright light.

Meet Dare Magazine, founded by Diana Di Poce, who started the publication as her thesis project at Ryerson University in Toronto. (As well as design-student time with Martha Stewart Weddings, Wedding Bells and Today's Parent,Diana's work history includes the art department at The Kit; her editor on the upcoming Fall issue is Ashley Kowalewski, a longtime freelancer for the same mag.)

Dare Magazine is friendly, energetic and fun. The debut issue features fashion bloggers Karyn Johnson (killercurves.ca) and Dee Barron (xxElleFatshion.blogspot.ca); MTV personality Sheena Snively; Project Runway Canada alum Jessica Biffi; indie designer Tracy Broxterman; fashion veteran Jeannie Bekker on her special-edition EDIT for Addition-Elle collection; playful fashion shoots; and a look at social media + the plus community. I'm particularly partial to the inclusion of my friend Liis Windischmann, one of Canada's top plus models during that heyday, once a Mode Magazine cover model, active spokesperson for size-acceptance and fashion diversity, and director at Ben Barry Agency. (More of Liis's beauty faves and tips here.)

Here, have a read at daremag.ca and let me know what you think. Is this a magazine that appeals to you? What kind of stories would you hope to see?

Dare Magazine cover photo by Jesse North; Diana Di Poce portrait by Yin