I mark the annual Spring and Fall fashion shows in New York City by ranting biannually against skinny models. I refer you in this regard to “Skinny Models (Still) Reign at New York’s Fashion Week” on February 6, 2007.
I published my first rant (in a different forum) over a decade ago. Regrettably, there has been far too little transformation of (health) consciousness among the trendsetting madams of fashion since then.
And that, despite influential voices like Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s joining this weighty cause.
Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model,” a top-rated TV competition for aspiring models. And Banks is a self-proclaimed advocate for normal-size models.
So nothing betrays our daunting challenges quite like Banks’ show choosing skeletal Jaslene Gonzalez as this year’s winner. Is it any wonder that so many models are still dying to be thin?
Skinny model fired
Nevertheless, there’s reason to hope. Because the Daily Mail reported on Monday that a major London agency, Models 1, fired a fashion model for being “too thin.” That’s a first in the history of haute couture.
Moreover, the conscientious head of this agency told her not to think about returning until she has gained at least “one stone” (i.e., 14 pounds).
Charlotte Carter is the model at issue. She’s 5’10” but wears a bulimic “size 0.” So it’s hardly surprising that, instead of pouting with resentment, she expressed relief:
It was like a psychological wall coming down. It helped me to finally realize that I was too thin. I was impressed that an agency was addressing my well-being. It feels like London agencies are cracking down on this super-skinny idea . . . and the rest of the world is somehow listening.
Now, if only the madams of New York (at Ford, Elite, Wilhelmina, et al.) could get over their obsession with strutting, bone-thin mannequins.
But I’m not too focused on how bone-thin these bitches are to notice how bone-white they are!
Alek Wek is busy promoting her extraordinary autobiography, and Naomi Campbell is raising funds for flood victims in the UK. But does this mean that no other black models are worthy of showing off the clothes of the world’s top fashion designers?
UPDATE
September 27, 2007
Campaign against skinny models
Fashion group Flash & Partners triggered outrage and revulsion today by launching an ad campaign featuring an anorexic model – in all her glory. They did so to mark the start of this year’s fashion week in Italy. And they intended to make designers think twice about featuring skinny models in their shows.
He said he wanted this ad campaign to reflect growing concerns about “the unhealthy image of beauty” being propagated by the fashion industry.
Anonymous says
hey, it’s not like he called them hos. get off your politically-correct high horse girlfriend.
ALH ipinions says
I take and respect your point Seville.
It might interest you to know, however, that many of my very evolved female friends use this term rather casually. Therefore, I feel obliged to note that the word “bitches” does not have the sexist connotation, universally, that you mpute to it. Indeed, unlike the “N” word, this one not been officially buried….
Thank you for your interest and support.
Seville says
alh, after I posted, a friend pointed out to me that this was now a more socially-accepted phrase than I thought it was, so I removed my objections.
It may be a geographic thing… I don’t live in the US, and have not heard this term being used freely here, but I did learn something new today.
ALH ipinions says
Seville
I encourage you to express your objections, and appreciate your openess to new thoughts and points of view.
I am proud to know that you read my columns every day.
Anonymous says
Hi ALH,
I also read your blog everyday. I actually find myself reading your articles over and over again because they are always packed with so much to think about.
After reading your exchange with Seville, I had to write this to let you know why me and my girlfriends don’t write comments. We’re simply afraid that the minute you respond, we’ll have to delete our comments the way she did to avoid utter embarrassment.
I’ve been reading you for almost 2 years and it still amazes me that you can write so many thoughtful and flawless articles. This means though that all we can do is shut up and learn :)
Rebecca, London
p.s. Your repsonse to Seville shows that you not only have lots of brains but lots of class too.
Seville says
Anonymous, I did not remove my posts because I was “utterly embarrased”, but because my opinion had been changed and my comments were no longer valid – to me. Had I not been made aware, in a gentle and kind way by my friend, that Americans use the term “skinny bitch” as some term of “endearment”, my comments and objections would have remained standing. There is no shame in having a change of opinion, so you and your girlfriends should post what you feel like saying, without fear.
However, I feel the subsequent discussion remains all the commentary necessary on this topic, so I removed my original posts. I still do not believe women should be called bitches. It is demeaning. Apparently not as demeaning as “hos”, as the other Anonymous claimed, but demeaning nontheless. But, if skinny women in America aren’t up in arms about being called such, who is Seville to lose sleep over it?
I agree with you that Mr. Hall has displayed a lot of class in his responses, as he does with all his blog entries. With luck, we will all learn something about grace from him.
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Libby says
that is not right!