The fashion industry is witnessing a shift towards skinny models, reminiscent of the ’90s trend, with a decline in the representation of curve models on international runways. Australian Fashion Week is gearing up to address the issue of size diversity, as statistics reveal a significant lack of midsize and plus-size models in major fashion capitals like New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
According to Vogue’s size inclusivity report, only a small percentage of models at recent fashion weeks fell into the midsize or plus-size categories. This trend has raised concerns about the industry’s emphasis on a narrow definition of beauty and body standards. Australian curve model Natalie Wakeling highlights the industry’s regression towards the waif-like aesthetic, which fails to reflect the diversity of real women.
Research from the body-positive fashion app Mys Tyler confirms that the average Australian woman wears a size 16, emphasizing the disconnect between the industry’s standards and the reality of consumers’ bodies. The pressure on models to conform to sample sizes for fashion shows further exacerbates the issue, leading to a lack of genuine representation on the runways.
Model agent Christine Fox views the fluctuating trends in the industry as part of the ever-evolving fashion cycle, where different looks come in and out of vogue over time. The dominance of traditional size 8 models, as seen in the selection of breakout stars by Vogue, underscores the current preference for a specific body type in the fashion world.
The forthcoming Australian Fashion Week is expected to continue the trend of featuring predominantly sample-sized models, reflecting the global shift towards a narrower size range in the industry. While the Australian Fashion Council promotes diversity in its code of conduct, the responsibility for casting models ultimately lies with individual labels.
Designer Alix Higgins advocates for inclusivity in his casting process, welcoming models of all sizes and backgrounds for his shows. Despite efforts to be more inclusive, the fashion industry’s inherently exclusive nature means that decisions about model selection remain subjective and geared towards the show’s aesthetic.
For curve models like Natalie Wakeling, the lack of representation in the fashion world has spurred initiatives like the digital magazine Curve Rapport, aimed at showcasing the value and beauty of women of all sizes. The struggle for visibility and recognition persists, with limited opportunities for plus-size designers and models to gain prominence on a global scale.
As the industry grapples with issues of body image and representation, the importance of embracing diverse beauty standards and promoting inclusivity remains a crucial challenge for the fashion world. The ongoing dialogue around size diversity and the push for greater representation of all body types are essential for fostering a more inclusive and authentic fashion landscape.
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