When news broke of an eyebrow-raising cast of models for the Prada show, fashion news sites and blogs buzzed over the possibility of having plus-sized models in the showlist. Speculation and anticipation grew over which models would walk and what the collection would look like. Unsurprisingly, many were displeased with the collection itself and the model choices of the so-called “curvy” models like Doutzen Kroes, Allesandra Ambrosio, Lara Stone, Catherine McNeil and Miranda Kerr. The use of Victoria’s Secret angels was controversial being that they are normally not casted for a high-fashion house like Prada. Reactions raged as fashion websites felt as the use of “curvy” models was a tactic of trend.
Let’s all face it, most of us are not a sample size zero. The fashion industry has recently made strong strides to make certain that the models on the runways and in campaigns are healthy. Yet, communicating that to the general public is a work in progress. Nonetheless, the CFDA is addressing the issues of weight, age and eating disorders in models with their Health Initiative. V Magazine released their Spring/Summer 2010 size issue in January featuring spreads with plus-sized models like Crystal Renn. While models themselves spoke out about their feelings on body image in the fashion industry. There was a fantastic segment on the Ralph Lauren “photo-doctoring” scandal with Fillipa Hamilton on the Today Show in October 2009, that not only enlightened those outside the fashion industry but opened the minds of those with stark opinions in the matter.
It was an important statement that was made by Miuccia to release a collection that was tailored to compliment the body shapes of average-sized women. Ruffles and pleats accentuated the bust line offering a womanly silhouettes. High necklines dominated the construction of full skirt dresses in dark woodsy hues. Cable-knit sweaters, skirts and dresses made for the chicest look a librarian could ever sport.
Prada Fall/Winter 2010 was a smart collection and even smarter show. There was the perfect balance of the standard runway models like Natasha Poly and Mariacarla Boscono and the reality of models like Miranda and Doutzen. The clothing was geared to the average shaped woman that would be buying pieces. The collection was thoughtful, feminine and exhibited what a true lady can look like. In turn, women should feel united through the gracefulness of Miuccia’s pieces rather than debating over why a shapely model was included her show. Essentially, fashion is for the masses to admire, critique, inspire, purchase and even to create a lifestyle around. Therefore, our runway shows, our advertising campaigns, and editorial spreads should substantiate the idea of fashion for all shapes. Now, if and when we will ever see that is a whole other blog post.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, feelings, concerns and opinions on the word “curvy”, plus sized models, the current state of the modeling industry or anything else that you would like to comment on.
i was really disappointed by this. when prada said “plus-size” or “curvy” i didn’t think it would mean using models that eat. these words need to be redefined in the industry, it’s so sickening
the word “curvy” and “plus-sized” when concerning models has been thrown so out of context by the media, it is ridiculous. the quote on quote curvy model is something that the fashion industry may not be ready for in general sense. yet, i think it was smart to use traditionally commercial models like miranda, lara, doutzen and allessandra because they are a positive representation of what healthy women can look like. and those are the women that can potentially be buying entire collections from houses like Prada. Its important to have a realistic representation of what your consumer wants to see. And its even more important to keep these positive images on our radar.
The industry’s concept of what is considered beautiful or even healthy is so contrived. I get the whole idea that runway models are suppose to be hangers. Why doesn’t the industry adjust their collections to fit a reasonable size, does it make the clothes any less beautiful? If you are in fashion, you are suppose to understand the body as much as you understand the clothes. If you want people to actually wear your clothes, dress the woman not the hangers. In any business, one of the first rules is understanding and knowing your consumer. Body image will always be a burden for women, no matter what, but isn’t this an industry that empowers woman, a little piece of us that makes us who we are, we are your audience, we are the ones you are suppose to be pleasing. Okay, i commend you for taking a “huge” stride and using VS models who are still traditionally thin but healthy models. I get it fashion is about creating fantasy and selling the fantasy but hangers don’t pay, real woman do. I’mjustsayin’
P.S. Check out this video
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/03/09/opinion/1194838469575/op-ed-sex-lies-and-photoshop.html?scp=1&sq=photoshop&st=cse
I really don’t understand how VS models are considered curvy. I mean really, models with a bum and chest. I’m not a skinny girl, but that doesn’t mean Im thankful that Prada created ‘ugly’ clothes for girls who don’t weigh a pound. It’s really offensive!