The fashion industry has always been accused of presenting unrealistic beauty standards and harmful ideas about body image. Everything from magazine covers to runways have been scrutinized for their close-minded perceptions about beauty. These ideas are anything but foreign. I can remember watching America’s Next Top Model and practicing the perfect “smize” in the mirror while simultaneously never understanding how intently each girl was being judged. Within the last few years things have started to progress and the industry has started to welcome more diverse figures to represent their brand, but part of me is still not convinced.
This year a plus size model was featured on the cover of Sport’s Illustrated for the first time ever and she looked great. It’s refreshing to see someone who breaks away from the beauty norm, but the media painted this to be revolutionary, and in a way, that made me question its sincerity. The fact of the matter is the model featured, Ashley Graham, is the same size as the average American woman, yet her front-page photo made news everywhere. The photos were amazing, but by saying they are revolutionary we’re contributing to the idea that her body was lesser to begin with. Media has blown up the idea of a plus size model being some sort of statement of change, but I think change would be not making a big deal of it at all. I’ll be impressed when plus size models are referred to as just models. This label segregates these talented individuals into different sections when ultimately they are completing the same job. In any other career this would be outrageous, yet for models we see it as completely normal.
The idea of exploiting beauty outside the previously set norms applies to a lot more than just models above a certain sized waistline. Skin color, height, gender and beauty marks are just a few different components that make up people’s physical appearance. Whether it’s curves, big ears or a face full of freckles, young girls should be able to relate to women in the media, but for the right reasons. The fashion industry has made a trend of “atypical” models instead of just truly appreciating their differences. I can’t help but feel that curvier or more unique models are being exploited to a generation that loves body positivity and appreciation. The same way over-the-knee boots are a trend, so too are models above a size 2. And that’s not to say there aren’t certain brands that are standing by their body positivity. I just think the fashion industry still has a lot more progress to be made. Models have features and flaws just like everyone else and I think it’s time they are embraced without being commodified.