A skinny model, quick! Where's the bandwagon?!

A skinny model, quick! Where's the bandwagon?!

While I agree there are consequences to 'ultra-thin' perfectionism, I also believe there are great gaps in the solutions, and further discrepancies in the debate itself. I admit, restrictions on size in the smaller spectrum of models in Madrid, and soon Australia, are potentially positive, and could help alleviate expectations of and pressure on the industry's clothes horses. I also think the claims from the industry itself, arguing that the restrictions disenfranchise 'naturally thin' girls who always wanted to model a bit rich. Hey, I feel ripped off by the very tall modelling world because I'm five foot four. Furthermore, they would have been turned away for being 'too thin' ten years ago. Contextualise the situation, get a different job (that will last longer than five years), and get a clue.

My concerns are about how the moral panics treat their target. Often, it is as though they need protecting and guidance, with a voice of authority telling them what to do. Apparently, women still cannot think for themselves. Hello, women's liberation? Voice of reason, where did you go?

I have a sneaking suspicion that an industry established on viewing and aesthetics will always be attacked for violating physical and moral vision. Second wave feminists would have derided the fashion world for subscribing to a feminine ideal. People today question why some models are

models at all, considering them ugly. It's all a matter of taste, and no one has any authority to tell another what should be considered attractive. Yes, designers are in a power position to send teeny items on tiny women down the runway, but that doesn't mean someone else has to agree it's what's hot. When Jean Paul Gaultier sent a size 20 model down the catwalk in lingerie, I did not agree it was a great stance against or for the debate. I do not think he was taking anything or anyone seriously. Big is beautiful? Overweight replacing underweight is not a sensible statement, nor is it respectful of the body at all. If Gaultier really wanted to make waves, maybe he could have had Australian size 12 women model his wears.