In keeping with the great amount of body and image positivity around here, there was a recent spread in Plus Model Magazine that gave some eye-opening facts about plus size bodies and models. It’s interesting to see that there has even been changes in the plus size modeling world when it comes to the average size of said models. I also find it perplexing that in a lot of agencies a size six is considered plus size and that the average weight of a fashion model is 23% less than your everyday gal. This spread had me realizing something else though, which is I think the “runway” model’s body in the spread is just as beautiful.
With all of the articles dealing with plus size versus average sized versus petite sized women, I think it’s important to state that ALL bodies are beautiful. One must remember that even though a woman may be a size zero, it’s not necessarily because she’s starving herself to achieve that. Just the same as any woman who is a size 14 doesn’t necessarily eat solely junk food and or live a sedentary life.
I love reading articles that bring to light the idea that every different size and shape needs to be used in print. There are healthy and happy women of every size and shape in the world, and they each want equal representation-from the size zero to the size 24. I believe that it’s important to understand that acceptance of all body types is the quickest way to gain self acceptance. While it’s important to move towards greater representation of every size, it shouldn’t be done in a compare and contrast fashion. It should be done with the knowledge that, as women, we are always going to be judged on our bodies so we should all band together in love and acceptance for the wonderful bodies we have each been provided.
What do you think? Do you think comparing sizes of women and models is necessary? Do you think there is different language or a more positive spin that needs to be put on the plus sized versus runway sized model debate? I would love to hear your input pertaining to this! Feel free to leave any comments, questions, or links!
You might also like…
- Nancy Upton and the American Apparel “Booty-ful” Campaign
- What is a “Real Woman?”
- Subverting the Fashion Photo
- Chaning the Mirror, Mirror Game We Play
[Model image via Plus Modeling Magazine]
3 Comments