So why is it that high-end magazines want more “full-figured” models on their covers these days, while high-end fashion shows are still seeking super thin, super young girls to roam the runway?

“People that pick up magazines are consumers. They want to see people that relate to them, which will make the consumer more eager to buy products. But designers are showing their garments to the majority crowd, who are mostly retailers. The collections are also considered ‘drafts’, and those drafts are fitted to a mannequin that is size 0 or 2 dress size,” explains Krystle Kelley, former model turned president of the California-based Desert Models Agency. “The other concern of the designer is for the garments to flow, as well as be mesmerizing on the catwalk, and the way to accomplish that is for the dress, pants, gown etc. to be long. The only way to fit a long garment is with a model who is thin and tall.”
Dikhtyar’s claims come shortly after two major initiatives were put in place to combat extreme and dangerous weight loss behaviour. In January this year, the CFDA released guidelines asking NYFW designers to, amongst other things, ask models for I.D., encourage those with eating disorders to seek help and to provide substantial amounts of healthy food backstage. Similarly, Vogue magazine launched ‘The Health Initiative’ in June – a pact between 19 of the magazines’ international editors to encourage a healthier approach to body image within the industry.
- Thanks to the Aussie stylist Sash Benz and her blog: All my friends are models.
We in Australia are glad to see positive signs of more healthy weights on our catwalks, though the pressure or Europe is ever constant for our International model contracts.