Too thin, too fat


Selfridges catalogue

Selfridges have won their court case over their alleged socially irresponsible ad featuring  a very thin model, sent in a promotional email.
I am actually glad of this outcome, I think it's the right decision.
I am saying this because I embrace diversity and I am passionate about fashion representing different bodies and shapes. That is, precisely, the point.
We need to realise that some women and men are naturally thin and  their thinness should not be demonised.  Some other women and men are more bulky,  and that's fine too. This is what diversity is about.
Rather than taking Selfridges to court for featuring a model that is very slim (the photographic angle may have had its share in fostering this perception), on the basis that this might lead other women to follow unhealthy diets to be like the model, it would have made more sense to ask Selfridges whether the dress came in different sizes (which it probably does).  If so, could  one  see what the dress looks like on a fuller body? This kind of approach may indeed yield better results.
Embracing diversity does not mean that thin people should be policed and/or reviled.
Embracing diversity means that different ranges of bodies should be seen, side by side. This is what is going to make diversity normal.  Court cases and bans will not achieve the goal, rather they will continue to foster polarised attitudes.
I am an over-fifty model. It would be silly and extremely counterproductive  for me  to go round saying that younger models should be banned because it is ageist not to have older models in an ad. Or in fashion. And that seeing young models may lead people to depression or to undertake  dramatic cosmetic surgery procedures.

From my recent shoot with Emma Innocenti, Florence

What really needs to be said is that you can have older and younger models, thinner and curvier models, white and black models, because diversity is all about difference and being OK with it.
So I will not regard Selfridges' win as a loss to the cause of diversity in fashion.
On the contrary.


Comments