I read an interesting little article today that gave me quite mixed feelings so thought I’d share it with you…
I adore fashion week, catwalks and browsing pictures of models. But… I’m not sure what it does for my body image – I’m quite happy with my shape, but it always feels like there’s room for improvement, and it’s possible some of this comes from the huge number of Victoria Secret images I consume! Cue browsing Beyonce’s workout routine Instagrams while I sit on the sofa avoiding the idea of deadlifts and planking.
So, when I saw the latest Cosmo article I had mixed reactions….
As a mini viral campaign a photoshop genius has taken images of runway models and made them ‘real’ size (i.e. around a 12/14 UK). I generally stand by the principles of proven economics – that designers wouldn’t choose such thin models without reason – maybe it really does make people want to buy the clothes more? However, in this case I found myself still adoring the clothes, so I don’t think it took away from the ‘desire to buy’ at all.
Having said that, I am always surprised by how I consistently prefer the runway version to the red carpet version in comparison posts. Considering the celebrities wearing them are still nowhere near ‘normal’ perhaps I am warped to prefer runway models to any other shape? Or maybe it’s simply that no one can exude the bizarrely appealing grumpy confidence and posture like a strutting model, and that’s what appeals rather than their weight….
So, would I really be ok with seeing fewer size 0s on the catwalk, or am I just kidding myself? I’d like to think I would! Realistically models of any size are going to have amazing features, perfect proportions (both body and face), hours of hair and makeup, and lovely lighting – so would it be so bad for the industry if they didn’t have an eating disorder too? Coincidentally, this week is actually Eating Disorder Awareness Week and I read a lovely (and relatably honest) article by fellow blogger Alice which I’d highly recommend: My Eating Disorder. Catwalk models, magazine models, and red carpet celebrities, are never going to be attainable if we’re honest, but it’d be nice to see a bit more variation in skin colour and waist size.
What are your thoughts? I’d be really interested to hear so I can clear up my own!!
Thank you so much for linking to my article, I am really glad it made such an impact on you it means a lot!x
No problem! Thanks for writing it 🙂 I found it via Jess and was happy to read one which was so honest about highlighting how it could happen to anyone without them realising.
This is a very thought provoking article. I would like to see more athletic types on the runway, women who aren’t excessively thin thanks to a combination of extreme diet and good genes. If the models had more diverse bodies, but were still toned and athletic, it would be a step in the right direction.
I totally agree – then it’s still an aspirational, hard to achieve body type, but healthy and athletic. Great plan! Now who do we tell that we’ve solved it…?