The Great Weight Debate in 2012
The year is 2012 and the Great Weight Debate continues. In the fashion industry it plays itself out as a debate around what models should look like and weigh vs. what they do look like and weigh.
Online publication Plus-Size Model Mag recently ‘weighed’ in on the discussion with a spread featuring Katya Zharkova surrounded by factoids on the fashion industry’s body politics. Zharkova is naked (again?!) and in some pictures poses provocatively with another much thinner model.
We know the nakedness is an attention-grabber but someone should really shock and shoot a plus-size model in some great outfits for a change! That would definitely be an irregular occurrence. Also, the construction of the plus-size model as the “real” or “healthier” ante to the traditional model build is more divisive than progressive. There is no body type that can be afforded more integrity or cast as more realistic. The fact that any model is standing in front of that camera means that their body type exists. They are real. And is for the health arguments; its been long established that one cannot gauge another’s fitness or health levels based on any assessment of their weight or shape. Unhealthy people come in all shapes from anorexic to obese and everything in between.
Models have been applauded then rejected from catwalks, other have been scrutinised closely for signs of weight loss or gain. We’ve heard all the health stats before. Hopefully in 2012 the fashion industry’s take on the Great Weight Debate will take a decisive step in the direction of scrutinising and labelling women less in favour of more action. A subtle, less gimmicky/tokenist inclusion of women of all types and shapes will speak volumes more than declarations about clothing sizes and BMIs.
That being said, how beautiful is the picture above? That is some serious modelling going on!
Images via: fashionista.com
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Awesome pic.
On a serious note though, its going to have to take a miracle to change the fashion industry’s view on weight and even harder to convince the public. I mean as I gain weight I hear myself consoling myself that “thick is in” and not too long before that my mantra was “get thin or die trying” I know a lot of women who use these sayings as way to deal with their weight. I’ve never really been bothered by my size, whether I was looking smaller than usual or I had gained wieght, I’ve always been comfortable with my body. I think the issue because one of health, am I gaining too quickly? am I losing too much?
The next thing is fashion for all sizes. My biggest thing is women should know their body type and dress accordingly.
I would love it if Marie Claire took it the next step and published a front cover and photo shoot of some SA plus sized models. I’m tired of boney models on front covers. I would love to see the 60′s glamour reflected in a photo shoot today. Think Marilyn Monroe etc! I really enjoyed the cover that Italian Vogue did a while back with their gorgeous and voluptous girls.
You are what you eat. This how I live. If you eat healthy food and look after yourself you should be quite happy with your weight.We all know that what you put in, is what you will get out:)
Zanele Mji is the reason why I purchase Marie Claire. Does she have a personal blog perhaps?