The fashion industry’s obsession with size zero figures and ultra-thin models has always been a matter of debate. While, designers, model agents and fashion editors blame each other for the growth of this unhealthy trend, many countries have made lackluster attempts to ban it. Over the past few years, the fashion industry has woken up to the concept of body inclusivity. The industry has made great strides towards accepting not just all body types but also ages and races, says a Dazed Digital report.
End of body inclusivity with rise of skimpy dresses
However, a lot still remains to be done. Recent feature of models Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, Jill Kortleve and Precious Lee on magazine covers and catwalks, has once again raised concerns amongst experts. They believe the return of figure-hugging dresses may rekindle the desire for such body types amongst consumers. Rachal Tashjan, Fashion News Director, Harpers’ Bazaar in a recent edition of her Opulent Tips newsletter, reflected on the growing concern amongst industry peers about a potential return to the ultra-thin body types. According to Tyler McCall, Editor in Chief, Fashionista.com, the fashion world is returning to its age-old hypocrisy. In order to make a real change, brands need to expand their size offerings for customers.
Blame game continues
Over the last few years, there have been concerns about the sustenance of body-inclusivity trend amongst brands. The trend of plus size models walking the ramp is yet to normalize, says Fran Burns, Stylist. In fact, even today, most clothes being produced for catwalk and editorial purposes remain designed for thin models only.
Burns, however, does not blame designers alone for this. It’s unfair to place so much responsibility on designers alone when big fashion houses do absolutely nothing about it, she adds.Designers, are meant to remedy the faults of earlier generation by being body inclusive and sustainable. Models should also be held responsible for their faulty representation, adds Burns. Currently, there seems to no real outrage against body shaming in the fashion industry as it no longer celebrates thinness. However, the core problems continue to persist as the worlds that emphasize on a celebrity’s status and power of visual overlap each other. Actresses, musicians, and influencers continue to be scrutinized for their body types. Despite the gibberish of embracing body positivity and widening the parameters of physical beauty, nothing has really changed in the industry.
