A friend of mine who is in the modeling industry forwarded me this great article written in the Daily Mail today. The Daily Mail is a UK news site that I also read at least once a week to gain perspective on how those outside the US view our beauty and fashion industry (plus I cannot resist their celebrity gossip, it’s always entertaining). This particular article speaks of our fashion industry and model standards and how here in the Western World, we have a great love for fashion models with little meat on their bones.
Previously I had raved about John Lewis Department Stores forward thinking by using “average-sized” models in their swimwear campaign. Average being a size 12 and not a size zero. What I found most interesting today was the Daily Mail’s discussion on how those with curves and “average-sized” women are those who are most sought after in the African fashion industry. It’s really quite interesting to hear that high profile and in demand models such as Kate Moss or Jessica Stam, would rarely get a second glance if they hit the runway in Africa. Our idea of beauty is the complete opposite to those in Africa, where a healthy looking body is the sign of wealth and status. In the West, a healthy looking body means maybe you ate 3 meals today instead of 1.
While our ideals of what beauty in fashion means spreads throughout the world, I have to say it is refreshing to find a Country not caught up in it and relishes in their shapely figures. According to the Daily Mail, even Levi Strauss made changes to their red label jeans to accommodate those in Africa wanting to dawn a pair, yet couldn’t fit in the jeans aimed at Western shaped bodies.
I do find the modeling industry fascinating and I surely love the fashion industry, but you can’t help but love how another country is sticking to their ideals despite the pressure of conformity from Western society.
What do you think about seeing more average-sized models on the runway; does it take away from the beauty of idealism or does it represent our society today?
Comments (4)
Size 0 or 2 models are fine if they are under 5'6". Personally, I'd like to see more short, non celeb girls modeling. The average height in America is about 5'4" to 5'5" and it would be great to see what clothes look like on people who are of average height.
If they're going to use plus-sized models, then they should also use petite. Petite women are probably the most ignored bunch in the industry as everyone assumes that we can send things to the tailor. Not so. There are items that cannot be altered simply (e.g. sleeved dresses, most tops, some pants) and may even require complete reconstruction! Oh and don't get me started on shoes smaller than a US size 6.
Posted by Cynthia | April 29, 2007 3:48 PM
Posted on April 29, 2007 15:48
Cynthia, I like your idea of short girls modeling. ;) I am only 5'1".
Posted by Shannon | April 30, 2007 9:14 AM
Posted on April 30, 2007 09:14
I shoot mostly lifestyle photos for stock photography so don't really need the "runway" 5'11" skinny models. As long as she is proportionate, I'm happy! d:-)
Bob
Posted by Bob Pardue | April 30, 2007 6:26 PM
Posted on April 30, 2007 18:26
EXACTLY Cynthia. Shorter models need to come in. What's the point of representing fat, if you're not gonna have short? Also, eating 3 meals a day is not gonna guarantee naturally skinny people will gain weight.
Posted by ALe | January 26, 2008 8:44 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 20:44