For today's topic blog I will be connecting health and fashion. Since this blog is connected to a class I am doing this semester I am required to blog about certain topics. I will be linking these topics with fashion so that they are still relevant and interesting. I hope that this post gives you a new perspective and provides you a deeper look into the fashion industry.
One of the most pressing issues in the fashion industry is the health of fashion models. Open up any fashion spread or look at any runway show and you are flooded with waif like models. In the past few years there have been reports of models dying from lack of proper nutrition and speculations of eating disorders.
The industry has tried to address the situation and bring more awareness to the problem. In 2006 Madrid Fashion Week made a bold move and restricted models under a certain BMI from participating in the show. That year, 30 percent of the models who had modeled the year before were dismiss based on their low body mass index.
Even though there have been efforts within the fashion industry to control the issue, we continue to see twiggy-esque models on the runways and in our media. Many in the industry feel like they are being made the scapegoat for the cause of eating disorders. A lot of designers prefer skinny models over a plus size model and they are not afraid to admit it. Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic figure behind Chanel and Fendi is quoted saying
"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly. The world of fashion is all to do with dreams and illusions, and no one wants to see round women"
As a person who has worked in the industry as an intern behind the scenes, I can say for a fact that body image is a topic that is on people's minds in the office. No one is exactly ordering a cheeseburger for lunch. But that doesn't mean that the industry is full of eating disorders either. The fashion industry is based on image and looks, it is just a reality.
Many people may automatically cast the fashion world as one evil industry bent on making women feel bad but I would argue that having thin models is sometimes essential.
Here are some arguments for using thin models:
- Designers are usually using very expensive fabrics and ateliers to make beautiful garments, it is often just cost efficient to use a thinner model. This means less fabric is needed to create a dress for the runway show. When the garment is being mass produced then larger sizes can be made.
- When showing a collection a designer is wanting focus on the garments themselves and not the models. Having a tall thin model wear one's garments on the runway will draw the least attention. If you look at past collections or editorials where plus size models are used there is more media attention given to the designer's use of these models than to the actual clothes. We must not forget that fashion is a business, in order to be successful you must sell the CLOTHES!
- The fit also is a large part of the issue. It is just the plain truth that thin models are more versatile when it comes to dressing them in various looks. They require less alterations than a plus size model. A plus size model comes with more factors that a designer must consider when creating pieces that will be flattering for a plus size body.
- The need for uniform models. A typical model can be in multiple shows during fashion weeks.Since it is the industry standard to use sample sizes (which run from extra small and small) for their RTW shows It is important that they are able to go from show to show and fit everything with out major adjustments.
In my personal opinion there IS a difference between these two pictures. There are models that are naturally skinny and are not affected by eating disorders.
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| Valentino |
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| Former Model Battling Anorexia |
I know what I may say is controversial or offensive but I also think that the reason we have tall skinny glamazon models in our industry is because we are selling an image. I have to admit that Lagerfeld's above comment has some truth to it....
Advertising 101
Why do consumers buy certain brands or products? It isn't because the advertisement says that they are fine just the way we are. It is because we are striving to be something better.
A person may buy a shiny new Bentley because they want to appear rich and successful, not because they want to feel like everyone else. The second people become content with themselves the drive to spend on luxury items diminishes.
(watch a few episodes of Mad Men and you will have a better idea of what I mean).
In our society and culture being thin is seen as beautiful and powerful. This is because of the nature of our socioeconomic structure. As Americans we are an industrialized country where people are not struggling to survive on $2 dollars a day. We are affluent and constantly consuming. It is only natural that our society sees thinness as having control over our consumerism, it reflects our capitalistic culture.
If you want proof of this statement please consider the other side of the spectrum. A country in Africa or India have different views on what is seen as beautiful. Women are allowed to have a little extra around the waist, this is because food may be more scarce in that developing country. Being plus size equates to status and wealth in this situation.
I leave you readers with this to think about; V Magazine did an editorial where they dressed a sample sized model and a plus sized model in the same designer outfits. They wanted to make a statement as to what was acceptable in the fashion world, and whether weight still matters when it comes to what is beautiful in the industry. What do you think?
What I have just blogged about is a very controversial topic and there are many opinions on the matter. I think that it is important that we as a community are open about it. I am curious to hear what you have to say on the issue. Please comment below with your opinions!
