Body diversity is trailing far behind racial diversity in fashion -- the media indisputably reinforces the idealization of thinness and the concept of a “perfect body.” Plus-size models account for .1 percent of the total. A handful of New York-based brands that offer plus-size collections, like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors, repeatedly choose not to represent this portion of their client base in shows or in print campaigns.
It’s then no wonder that girls and boys are constantly feeling insecure about themselves, their bodies, and who they are when the surrounding message is that they must change in order to just feel like they’re part of this human race. It’s hard to wake up feeling good about ourselves, and it’s getting harder with the idealized version of beauty compounded by the industry. The fashion industry doesn’t just sell clothes but a whole look and style, and people buy into it. This narrow representation of bodies is incredibly dangerous. These images perpetuated by the business do make a difference, and the disturbing statistics of eating disorders in our culture showcase that. Claire Mysko, COO of the National Eating Disorders Association says, “30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives. While images of thin models don't cause eating disorders, we do know that the lack of body diversity on runways reinforces the idea that thinness is equated with happiness, success and beauty. For those who might be in a vulnerable place, that is a potent and dangerous message." In the 60s and 70s, models were sizes 6 and 7. Marilyn Monroe was not a size 0. It’s only the 21st century that is fueling the widespread assumption that if you’re not a size 2, you’re not healthy. This is not just a vanity issue nor a passing fad, it’s a serious public health issue. Fashion doesn’t need to be one size. Men and women come in all different shapes and sizes and it’s all about embracing the different standards of beauty. A lot of progress has been made, but it's far from enough. I want to see a day when girls are saying “I want to be as confident as her,” not “I want to be as skinny as her.” I love how our Barbies have diversified with different body shapes, I don’t understand why mannequins that display our very clothes haven’t followed. Have different things on different people of different sizes -- is that so hard? Everyone’s open to seeing a new normal. We’re all different, and we should be. http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/news/a18288/spring-2017-fashion-shows-most-diverse/
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