What are your views on the banning of overly-thin models?

Question

Madrid Modelling Agencies have banned underweight models, due to the image it has been giving them as celebrities seem to be following in their footsteps, and a lot of teenagers also try to starve themselves.

The reason for this ban is because a South American model, who was 22, starved herself to death for the catwalk.

Do you think this is good? Or do you think it isn't just models so-called perfect images, and some other outside influence?

Answer 1

I think it is nice that they are considering the consequences of promoting a fashion model that makes all women feel inadequate if they weigh over 100 lbs. But, just anything else with potentially negative consequences (violence on tv & in movies, cigarettes, alcohol, etc), we wouldn't have super-thin models if they weren't working. The truth is, people like thin models, and they make lots of money for the fashion industry.

I admit, I'm nowhere near the super-thin model body type. I used to work at a clothing store for larger women (selling US sizes 14 and above). Keep in mind that the average mannequin is approximately size 2 (the US standard for Extra-Small). A friend's sister once asked "why do they have fat mannequins?" I never thought our mannequins were fat, but the truth is they do register around a size 10 or 12, the us standard for Large (I know because when I dressed them, I had to pin back quite a few inches even on the smallest size we carried, which was 14). A friend who worked at Victoria's Secret had a similar experience... their mannequins basically wear extra-small panties and a size 28-B bra.

My point is, clothing marketers know that small sells. Racks are sized in order from smallest to largest because the smallest version of a garment is more likely to attract attention than the largest version. And all clothing stores use mannequins that fit the smallest size they sell -- even plus-sized stores. So, unless the world suddenly decides that thin is no longer chic, banning ultra-thin models from the runway will probably have negative effects on the bottom line of the fashion world.

Answer 2

I think this is a very good thing, Most people are not starving thin, and it really sets a example for the young girls who are looking at these women, trying to be the same. In the process of "perfections" they are causing real harm to themselves if not worse even death. As in the case of this young woman. So, I agree with the ban, and hope this sets a precedence for models everywhere. Young women are looking at this and being young already has it everyday struggles fighting to be thin is an added burden not needed

Answer 3

Very good about the ban. Clothes models are also role models. Now I would like to see them smile instead of looking like they are on their worst day of the month and would like to kill every member of their audience. It doesn't even seem polite to glare at the people they are supposed to be selling to.

Then let's have some rules about designers who get away with dressing these scarecrows up as if they were 5 years old and had raided their grandmas wardrobes.

Lastly, I like to see a well formed breast as much as any guy but what is the point of dressing these women in transparent clothes that hardly anyone would feel comfortablle with in real life. Normally women wearing such things would be disrespected by men and despised by other women.

Answer 4

What is a "model" in the first place?
IT is a perfect or near perfect specimen of something. and something which can be looked up to as an example.
so the Madrid Mod. Agency is perfectly right in this case..and this is what it has to do to avoid more nasty cases in the future. Models--human models in this case, are girls/boys..men/women, who have an ideal body and physique, and this definitely means good weight, height, even strength. So as for me i would want a model to be solid, attractive, strong....not frighteningly thin (and many think this makes them look tall!!??) and starving girls..
So weight, height, and thiness and fatness, to an appreciated extent are definitely the criteria for being models. THe fact that some try to starve and suffer to a pathetic extent means that they are not fit to be models in the first place. Why not give those more fit to take their place?

Answer 5

I agree with the ban. Some of them are sickly thin and unhealthy. Unfortunately the fashion industry is to blame, so maybe this will be a wakeup and help some poor girls out who think they have to starve themselves to make it. I really dont understand how designers think that modeling their clothing using sickly and depressed looking models will make us want to buy their clothing. Lets get some normal weight healthy women who can smile doing runways instead.

Answer 6

I think it is brilliant! its about time ultra skinny models lost out to more normal size girls. I think size 10 to 12 is perfect and healthy. I know some people are naturally very skinny but for it to get to the point where a girl starves herself to death is just terrible. I think models that are healthy are much more beautiful

Answer 7

There is no doubt that high fashion sends the wrong message to the world. In actuality, do you ever see those starved chicks and dudes walking the streets? I am not sure banning is the right thing, but since clothes are best modeled by skeletons, that will continue.

Answer 8

I think the ban could be a step in the right direction...and exactly for the reason you stated...many are starving themselves to be impossibly thin..and then everyone else thinks that too thin is the norm or perfection or whatever in turn creating more eating disorders.

Answer 9

I think it's a very good thing, so many people have problems with eating because of wanting to look like really thin models, and wanting to look like their role models, I think it would be a good if all models looked like everyday people and everyone was encouraged to be proud of how they looked, instead of feeling that they should conform to an image that could cost them their lives.

Answer 10

I think Gisele and Kate Moss look perfectly healthy, but some models too take it too far. I think they definitely need to promote a healthier body image. Most agencies wouldn't dream of taking on a fat (aka normal size) girl. They have to be tall, thin and stunning.