When we mention fashion model, most people will automatically think about models who have slim bodies. Switch on your TV, most advertisements show only models with hourglass figure. Seldom also we see magazines featuring model with normal body shapes we see on the street - from skinny to overweight.
In fact, thin models are notorious for anorexia. But, before we point fingers at cat walking model for advocating ultra thin bodies, let’s understand what is a model’s job function. Models are supposed to wear sample clothings and these clothes are made by designers. So, most of these clothes are only in one size, which is normally small size to reduce the costing. Once those samples are selected for mass productions, they will be made to end users’ size, which can be even smaller but normally bigger. So, if we must get to the root cause of the issue, we have to tell the designers to make these samples clothes in medium size, instead of the unusual small size. Also, in a fashion show, people should have paid attention to just the clothes and not the so called “human clothing hangers”. However, in real life, that is the other way around.
Therefore, as much as I think the model agency should shoulder the responsibility in creating the unhealthy “models must be thin” perception, it is the public who has made that stereotypes common too. What I mean, demand and supply. If many can accept a fat woman wearing Guess or CK jeans appearing in the billboard, I am sure the advertising companies will engage more plus size models’ service. Of course, in a more ethical way and not trying to make fun of them like this Yogurt Advertisement.
Many think that plus size girl will never made it big as fashion model. However, this girl, Jen Hunter, has tried to challenged the common perception.
Make Me A Supermodel is a popular reality TV show in UK. Through the show in year 2006, 24 years old size-12 Jen Hunter became famous. She has a curvy size of 12 which is considered plus size in the modeling world. She is 5′ 11″ and 154 lbs with vital figures of 34, 27 and 38 and a pear shaped body. She has fat around her tummy and spot of cellulite. Her size makes her look clumsy on the catwalk. However, the UK TV viewers disagreed with what the judges thought. Though the competition was won by a male model eventually, Albert, she was voted as the people’s winner in the show, making her the most popular size-12 in Britain.
Jen Hunter was then offered a 1-year contract. Cape London Model Management, which is a mainstream agency, helped her to secure work for mobile phone giant Nokia and cosmetics company Avon. However, a year later, she did not renew the contract with that model company. Why? She was not comfortable when she saw very few size-12 models in the line and the same old prejudice is still there to against plus size model.
Jen Hunter in a photo shootout
Jen Hunter in bikini
She then joined Excel Models which focuses in larger-sized women despite her being below average size. The average size of the UK woman is between 14 to 16 and Jen Hunter is only size-12. So, what is the average model’s size?
Size 6 to 8.
I salute Jen Hunter’s determination. She let the world knows that plus size is fine, even as a model. What we need is a radical shake-up in the fashion industry. Right from the designer, model agency, clothing company to the public, everyone needs to change the mindset. I rather see a normal size and healthy model doing catwalk than someone with protruding hip bones or skeleton doing the show.
What say you?
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Reena // Mar 18, 2008 at 1:01 am
If you talk about modeling industry, my answer is NO.
GymRat // Mar 18, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Hi Mun, thanks for this article. Agreed with you, I rather see a healthy model on the catwalk than a walking skeleton. I can watch horror movies if I want to see that … lol … Beautiful is not about being thin with bones sticking out .. To me, even a plus size woman can be beautiful. You just need to know how to bring out the best in you… =)
eksk // Mar 18, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Dear Reena , why do you say no?
If the clothes are for ordinary person who are plus size anyway, shouldn’t you employ a plus size to model the clothes so that it looks more natural?
sylvesteR // Mar 19, 2008 at 12:42 am
Who said plus size cant be beautiful? Who said plus size can’t go for modelling? It depends on how people see things and in today’s world, it’s more to stereotyping. Peoples’ mind are set to a stage that only people with nice bodyshape can go for modelling. But the real fact is, anyone can go for modelling, after all, they are going to promote items not the person itself.
Mike // Mar 19, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Personall i don’t get why normal sized women are refered to as plus sized, surely the skinny wretches should be classed as minus sized
I just don’t understand how people that… boney can think they look good… and that’s guys as well as girls…
trey // Mar 19, 2008 at 10:46 pm
from my point of view, i would love to see models (doesnt matter runway models or normal ad models) to be of “average” stature. Not too skinny and definately not too plump (for lack of kinder words).
ofcourse there might be some exceptions where you would need a skinny or plump model for certain ads.. but in general, i would love to look at healthy looking models on the billboards or on tv.
ria // Jul 10, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Skinny models are ok in my book, but not as skinny as the one in the pic you posted wearing the orange dress. That kind of skinny is hideous.