Back in October, German fashion magazine Brigitte vowed to cut out size-zero models from its pages and use “real” people in its spreads going forwards. And now, as promised, they’ve come through with the goods: The first issue minus the Photoshopping and “protruding bones” is out. The amateur cast is composed of a 21-year-old hotel receptionist from Capri, a 28-year-old restaurant owner from Hamburg, a 45-year-old Icelandic artist, a 21-year-old economics student and a 29-year-old teacher. Although each is made-up, styled and shot professionally, their wrinkles, freckles and curves shine through.
Editor Andreas Lebert said in an interview with the Independent: “It is not a question of them suddenly becoming models. They simply step out of their normal lives for a moment and present fashion for us as personalities.” It’s a refreshing and inspiring change we’re happy to see more of.
The fatter the general population, the thinner the idealized woman. And for all the public posturing and blogging, the only force that stopped people from buying clothes and magazines was the souring economy, not righteous indignation over skinny models. Fashion doesn’t just reject the overweight and the obese. It also gives the average a hard time, too; it makes them worry about every cookie eaten at the end of a meal or every exercise commitment that goes unmet. Fashion is a purveyor of status. It is a badge of honor for having outrun, outfasted saddlebags — unless they are floral-printed and made by Dolce & Gabbana. Those who can indulge in fashion feel their prize is that much more valuable.
We've seen a rise in the trend of industry professionals battling the way for curvier models and protesting against the size zero standard that is deemed normal at the moment, however one of the biggest names in fashion, Mr Karl Lagerfeld himself, has openly criticised the recent change.
While Glamour magazine have been keeping to their promise of showing more plus-size models, and German magazine Brigette announced last week that they will stop using uber-thin models from now on, Mr Lagerfeld insisted that the runway should be reserved for those thinner than the average woman. "No one wants to see curvy women," he told Focus magazine, adding "You've got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly".
These recent comments might mark the beginning of the end for the pro plus-size industry debate, as ironically not so long ago, Lagerfeld chose plus-size icon Beth Ditto to perform at the Fendi party last season. Ditto herself admits, “I know that one year Karl Lagerfeld was refusing to make clothes for women of a certain size, and the next year he was asking me to play the Fendi party". Always one to spark a trend, maybe Karl's support to thin models will throw a spanner in the works of all those who fought for 'normal sized' girls on the catwalk, and allow more professionals to air their opinions. The debate continues...
No one wants to see curvy women. You've got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying thin models are ugly. Fashion is about dreams and illusions.
”Mr Lagerfeld minces no words on his objection to larger models. Thanks, but we'll take a happy medium.
Some of the international designers' samples look like dolls clothes when they arrive. We shouldn't have to starve to fit the clothes. The clothes should fit us.
”Vogue Australia editor Kirstie Clements speaks out, as Vogue UK editor Alexandra Shulman previously has, in efforts to return to fashion normality
Malnourished women aren't interesting any more. They're depressing ... Fat people, meanwhile, look better every day. Why? Because they look carefree. So heave a sigh of relief and let your gut out. Kate Moss might be "fat", but it turns out she's bang on trend, as ever.
”Yes, our eyebrows are scrunching over this Times of London assessment, too.
