A New Standard

I was talking with a few friends this weekend about models.  You see, I'm obsessed with Project Runway.  However, having been a former eating disorder sufferer, I have this abhorrence for the models...

That's a loaded statement I know.  And here's the thing: I get it!  I get that you want a skinny model so that the clothes stand out and the perfection of the vision is shown.  But that's also where I have a problem.  NO ONE LOOKS LIKE THAT!  And the eating disorder in me taunts and mocks and screams at me to work on looking like those girls.  that's where the clothes "look best" so that's, therefore, how I should look.

WRONG!  Clothes should look good ON ME or I should keep looking until I find something that does - not force myself into unhealthy habits just to fit an industry desired norm.  That's what I challenge.  I had this vision a few years ago that if I were to be a designer, my models would be a minimum size 4 and up to a size 8, because THAT's what people want to see.  They want to see clothes that reflect the curves of a healthy woman.  And those are standards that give hope and real reflection, not self-deprecating enhanced self-hatred.

The fashion industry would tell me I'm crazy and that if I want to see a "plus size model" I should look to plus sized fashion.  But why is it one or the other?  Why is it size 0-2 or size 12-14-16?  Why can't it be size 6 is a new norm and everyone can work to feel better about clothes and themselves upon seeing the clothes reflected in magazines?  How terrible of us as a society to say "well, if you're not the size 2 then you better start reflecting yourself in the plus sized people."  Shame on you, fashion industry.  That's not how women's bodies exist. 

And is it the fashion industry's responsibility to promote good self-images?  There are those who would say "No, far from it.  That's on you," but I challenge that and say "Yes, yes it is."  It's not SOLELY their responsibility, but it's wrong to think it should play no part.

So here's to the real-woman, who knows how to be healthy and loves herself for it.  You are beautiful.