runway controversies
Photo Credit: Model on the left and right.
In the past couple of years, the media has payed a little extra attention to the size of runway models walking for fashion designers. In 2006, Spain banned “sickly”-looking models from participating in shows. If a model’s BMI were below the number deemed as “healthy,” then they would lose the opportunity to walk the runway. This, in turn, caused reactions from both arguments of the issue. Many were saying that it was finally time for “normal”-looking models to gain attention, which would influence other young girls to accept their own body type. However, people were also against this ban because they believed that designers lose freedom in their own show by being forced to use models that they previously would not have used. Moreover, girls who are actually thin by nature would feel rejected from society due to news sources claiming that the overly thin girls looked sickly and were unacceptable for the catwalk.
The design world should not discriminate any kind of healthy abnormality or difference in body types, as it is a unique form that truly creates a compelling atmosphere. Designers are constantly searching for innovations and fresh ideas that would make a successful composition. These models who are seen as both unusually small or large contribute to the vast amount of variety offered by nature. Their uniqueness should not be discriminated upon, but should be embraced, especially by the designers who often look for special qualities in anything they do.
See an article about the ban here.
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