Post: More on Models and the Media
More on Models and the Media
Now fashion designer Armani is sounding off on the whole skinny model controversy, saying that it's really all the media's fault that so many models are so dangerously thin.
"I have never wanted to use girls that are too skinny..." he said in an interview with Reuters television. "Unfortunately though, the stylists and also the media have interfered and they now want models that are incredibly thin."
Well, Armani is fooling himself if he really believes fashion designers have no control over what happens. We've heard similar arguments from magazine editors who claim they have no choice but to photograph skinny models because sample sizes always run in size zeroes and twos. That said, he does make an important point by bringing "media" into the discussion.
Because the skinny phenomenon isn't limited to the runway, but to TV actress, pop stars, and celebrity culture in general. Just look at the jutting bones on Lindsey Lohan and Nichole Ritchie. Because your kids are looking at them, and they are getting dangeous messages about what it means to be healthy and beautiful.
It's great that Spain banned skinny models in its fashion show. It's great that Armani made his silly comments, even. Because now we can get the discussion going -- in the media and at home.
Parents, the burden is really on your shoulders to help kids wade through these unrealistic, unhealthy ideals about body image. For more on how to talk to your kids check out: True Love and Flatter Abs by Nancy Gruver, publisher of New Moon magazine and myth-busting tips from Coutrney Macavinta, author of Respect.
There are 3 replies to this post
Date: September 22, 2006
I think that one things parents can do is model good behavior. That means families eating healthy together and excercising together. That also means that mom shouldn't talk about their own weight, and dad shouldn't comment on mom's weight.
Date: September 22, 2006
I wonder if anyone watches Project Runway and saw a really great designer kicked out because her clothes made one model "look fat" as if that were the worst thing a designer could do! I bet there is pressure on designers -- but in all his years of designing did he ever once put out a line that resisted what he thought was a terrible trend?
Sharon
Packaging GIrlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers' Schemes
Link: http://www.packaginggirlhood.com
Date: September 22, 2006
As I just wrote in my blog, "I’m all for portraying healthier body images, in fact, we’re working on a film about kids being mired in the media muck at the K-5 level called “Body Blitz: Media, Shaping Youth”…but this puts way too much emphasis on calculating height and weight ratios using the BMI as a finite tool. That just shifts the focus from one set of ‘musts’ to another. Not healthy either."
I’m clearly in the minority mindset here, but blogs are about dialogue, not ideologues, so I might as well toss in my two cents! Here's my 'modeling' post: http://www.shapingyouth.org/blog/?p=72
Link: http://www.shapingyouth.org