On the runway and in fashion photography, a subject that is commonly discussed and debated about is the size of the models wearing the clothes. Some argue that the smaller size of the models is better suited for displaying clothes, their shapeless bodies less likely do distract from the garments than the curvy form of a ‘real woman’, for they are almost acting as a human coat-hanger if you will. Others argue that the use of such imagery can be damaging to the mental well being of women through advertising such body shapes as society’s ideal.

Another question raised is if it is indeed patronising to expect all women in general to see images of scrawny, androgynous shaped women and feel brainwashed into wishing to look the same. Many women can look at an image in a fashion magazine or on the internet and scrutinise the size of the models featured, or simply admire the clothes being advertised. Maybe you think that people need to stop being so sensitive towards such things?

A popular argument made is to use ‘real women’ as models, but this is often mistaken for plus size women amongst the media. If all of a sudden fashion houses were to start displaying their collections on larger models, would that not be pushing it to the opposite extreme?

Surely if one wanted to carefully consider the reverberations models can have on the public, and indeed the impressions they can leave in the minds of women old and young alike, the best option would be to use healthy women, of an average size but not stepping to close to either extreme?

It is my opinion that every human body is beautiful (at the risk of sounding incredibly cliche and artsy), and while I do not in any way indorse anorexia or eating disorders, I believe that it is entirely down to the individual how they feel happy with their bodies. I am in the belief that models so thin that they look unhealthy can be damaging to younger and more impressionable minds, and that perhaps to censor this is a good way to go, but at the same time one must be realistic in acknowledging that it would almost take the entirety of the market to boycott fashion houses that use such thin models before any changes were to start occurring on a wide enough scale for it to be effective enough.

It has always been a part of human nature to have an ideal image for both men and women. Looking back across history, fashions have dictated the shapes and sizes of the male and female figure for centuries. In this age of the internet, information is just a button click away, and so imagery is much easier to come across of these tinier models that are seen as the current societies ideals. Do you think it will ever be possible for the ideal image to change to that of a person simply being happy with their figure? Or will their always be some aspirational part of us trying to change to emulate what is in vogue.

Do you have an opinion on this subject? It is a particularly important one amongst the industry, and like many other debatable topics there are a lot of people with extreme opinions on the subject. While some are genuinely passionate about defending or opposing the use of models of a particular size, there also those who run with the argument for sake of having something to discuss or to be seen as fashionable themselves in another sense of the word. 

Do you think that fashion house should start changing the size of the models they use or are you content with the current state of the runway and photography studios? Step right up and voice your opinion, you will not be judged for it in any way, I assure you. I’m definitely interested in hearing what people have to say on this topic :)

This is an argument/debate-type-thing I posted on another blog, just wanted to know if anyone has a particular opinion on it from here. It’s an argument I can view from both sides, but I’d like to know your opinion, if you’re up for sharing?

xxx