Monday, October 19, 2009

When plus-size women can't be plus-size models

I read the other day about the tiny-sized Ralph Lauren model who was sacked for being too fat. She's a size 4, which means she's about a size 10 in New Zealand sizing. Now, you know and I know that that is not fat. And apparently the preferred dress size for a plus-size model is 8-10 (which is probably about a 14 in NZ sizing).

Apparently the reason models have to be so thin, is because the sample clothes that designers send in to be worn on the catwalk (and in the magazines) are so small. And the reason they are so small, is to save money on fabric.

Well, I have the solution.

Why doesn't the fashion industry just model all new collections on Barbie dolls?
The construction might be a bit fiddly, but they'd save a ton on fabric.

8 comments:

Deborah said...

Brilliant, Violet.

Watson Woodworth said...

I didn't think "plus sizes" started until about 14 or 16 American. That's ridiculous.

Kazzer said...

I always thought I'd make a good plus-size model. But, even if you're fat, you have to be tall. Obviously short fat women don't wear clothes.

Determinist said...

I we the fashion industry start doing that, they will then complain about fat barbies - you know it is coming.

Violet said...

Deborah: yeah I think so. but then women, as a gender,would no longer have a career in which they earn much more than their male equivalents.

nigel: my point exactly

kazzer: no, we just wear our hubbies' cast-offs. And tablecloths.

determinist: but that's okay 'cos Barbies don't have feelings.

Unknown said...

LOL! I did think about that article when it came out and came to the same conclusion about why the sample sizes were so small. Your idea, however, is brilliant!!

Violet said...

Christy sews: glad you think so!

Daleaway said...

But haven't they worked out that larger women show off so much MORE of their design skills - not to mention displaying the fabulous fabrics? Stick-like women are always going to look like a bandaged finger no matter what you put them in.

It's a US fixation. If you look at some Australasian plus size clothing catalogues, by contrast, they use all ages and shapes of women. Long Island are upfront about using a 5'2'' size 18 model, for example, and some other local plus size makes are House of Heather, and Dale and Waters. No Skinny Minnies in their catalogues.