1. The fashion industry and advertisers promote an unrealistic body type. They use tall, skinny models to sell clothing. A public backlash has developed against the skinny top model image. People on both sides of the controversy have an opinion. They may love the fashion industry. They may hate it.
2. Critics accuse the fashion industry of creating impossible standards. Most models must fit into a size zero. They need a 32-inch bust, 23-inch waist, and 34-inch hips. That is an unhealthy size. It is more realistic for children. The average eight-year-old has a 22-inch waist. Also, in recent years, models have become younger and younger. In 2011, French Vogue used ten-year-old Thylane Loubry Blondeau in a sexy fashion layout. Additionally, the fashion industry affects males. Young men feel pressured to have perfect six-pack stomachs. Insecure adolescents often become addicted to intense exercise. Many people also develop dangerous eating disorders. Pro-anorexia websites use magazine images for “thinspiration.” They also use clips from programs such as Canada’s Next Top Model.
3. Most in the modelling industry have ignored the complaints. Some are getting the message. In 2006, fashion organizations in Spain banned super-thin models from catwalks. Italian fashion shows did the same thing a few years later. In 2012, Vogue editors promised to exclude underage and underweight models. They refused to stop Photoshopping images to make models look perfect. In 2012, Israel became the first country to ban underweight models from advertising. Maybe other countries will follow with legislation.
4. The skinny model controversy will continue. Many in the fashion industry refuse to change. H&M clothing company has defended its practice of using computer-generated bodies on its models. According to designers Karl Lagerfeld and Victoria Beckham, clothing looks better on thin models. Critics should stop complaining. The debate about underweight models is important. It may never be resolved.
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