Model Designs Essay Example

industry alter its criteria for models and design clothing and fashion that caters to average, healthy women. The depiction of beauty in the modelling industry frequently results in eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, conditions characterized by a fear of weight gain or loss of control over food consumption.

Dawson (2001) defines bulimia as the act of consuming excessive quantities of food and then purging through vomiting or using laxatives. Hesse-Biber (1996) suggests that young children who are not yet anorexic often develop a 'fear of fat' influenced by what she calls the 'fashion cult'. Despite having a healthy body weight and receiving adequate nutrition, numerous adolescents resort to extreme dieting due to societal pressure from television, magazines, and other media sources.

Hesse-Biber (1996) stated that extreme dieting results in "nutritional dwarfing," characterized by short stature and delayed puberty. CBS reports how consumers, particularly teenagers, strive to emulate fashion models. Tracy Smith interviewed model Christine Alt, who revealed the pressure on models to conform to a specific shape and size that is not attainable for all women (2007). Models themselves are targeted by the fashion industry, as they aim to fit into increasingly smaller sizes as designs become thinner.

According to fashion show producer Kelly Cutrone, clothes appear more flattering on taller, younger, and thinner models (Smith, 2007). However, there have been recent cases of models suffering from anorexia and even fatalities. Baroness Kingsmill, the head of the Model Health Inquiry as quoted by BBC news, is advocating for models to provide evidence of their good health. The Model Health Inquiry has been pushing for a ban on models under 16 years

old. In contrast, Madrid Fashion Week (Smith, 2007) has prohibited US size 0 and now mandates that models have a minimum body mass index of 18.5.

Concerns regarding the well-being of models have arisen, particularly following instances of eating disorders and unhealthy lifestyles leading to multiple deaths. Ana Carolina Reston's case is one such example, as her death in 2006 resulted from an infection caused by anorexia. London Fashion Week emphasizes the urgent need for model agencies to implement a health education and awareness program in response to these incidents. Diane von Furstenberg, representing the Council of Fashion Designers of America, also underscores the significance of raising awareness, as it would be distressing for models to discover that their BMI is inadequate or that they are grappling with eating disorders (Critchell and Scott, 2008).

The fashion industry relies on innovations and trends in clothing and accessory designs. It focuses on what models should wear rather than how the models will fit into the clothing. For the past twenty years, being thin has been both a trend and a tradition in the industry, leading designers to create clothing for size zero. Today, models are prized not for their curves but for their ability to showcase designs on the runway like hangers.

Salkind and Rasmussen (2008, p. 311) state that cultures which do not prioritize thinness as a beauty standard typically have rare or non-existent occurrences of eating disorders. However, when thinness becomes an ideal in a culture, the prevalence of eating disorders tends to rise. Anna Motz (2008) also found that eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa disproportionately affect women.

By using 'super-thin' models, designers can now focus on creating clothes that fit well and look good on hangers without needing to adjust for curves in a specific model.

According to Anna Motz (2008), eating disorders cannot be solely attributed to socio-cultural factors, even though not all women experience them (p.189). Motz argues from a feminist perspective that the fashion "beauty cult" not only promotes thinness but also highlights flawlessness and youthfulness. Modern technology, especially in dermatology and cosmetics, actively promotes these three aspects. There are many techniques available for maintaining perfect appearances, and different advertisements and product endorsements explicitly aim to achieve a youthful look.

In terms of self-harm, particularly self-starvation, prevalent in women of modern societies, culture and gender meanings are often held responsible and yet still celebrated and commodified. According to Sarah Chase (2008), magazines play a significant role in shaping the notions of femininity and masculinity among teenagers. Chase argues that while men gaze at women, women focus on how they are being perceived by others. Magazines impose a strict standard of physical appearance that women are expected to uphold.

To this extent, individuals must adhere to the beauty myths and cultural ideals dictated by the fashion industry. According to Steele (1998), luxury and fashion have historically been symbols of power, cherished by rulers and sought after by the nobility. This can help explain why fashion becomes popular. Being fashionable is akin to luxury because it is designed to satisfy the elites who tend to be the supporters of designers. Similarly, luxury signifies power. In a way, being fashionable also represents power as it has an influence on

others (Steele, 1998).

The average woman typically wears sizes 8 to 12, while models usually wear smaller sizes like 2 to 0. This significant difference not only poses challenges for regular women in keeping up with fashion trends but also creates unrealistic expectations for aspiring models and fashion-conscious individuals. According to research conducted by Chase (2008) and Motz (2008), many teenage girls see modeling as an exciting career and aspire to become models themselves, even on their own terms. Being seen as fashionable or a trendsetter can enhance self-confidence and self-esteem. Therefore, it is crucial for models to act as role models themselves.

To promote a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial to reassess conventional beauty and thinness standards. Designers should focus on creating clothing that fits a broader range of people rather than targeting specific groups. The media should depict women in a way that celebrates their natural curves and emphasizes overall well-being across various platforms. It is imperative for the fashion industry as a whole to discourage the promotion of extreme thinness and provide education about the risks associated with modeling. Additionally, both models and the general public need to be informed about appropriate dieting and weight loss programs.

The significance of a well-rounded diet and the effects of starvation are vital in persuading models that change is needed. It is particularly crucial to educate women, especially pre-teens, about the risks associated with "beauty myths" and the obsession with being thin, as it can result in death and devastate lives. It would be more beneficial for everyone if the fashion industry redefined beauty norms to accommodate a broader range of people.

Ultimately, the fashion industry serves the public, not itself.