Body Image

Models have become noticeably thinner and thinner as the years have gone by. From a healthy UK size 6/8 in the 1990's to a shrinking UK size 2/4 also known as 'Size Zero' in the 2000's..

Where once models were seen to be a healthy and strong role model to women, they are now promoting an unhealthy, dangerous and frankly unrealistic body image towards real women that will only be achieved through extreme measures of exhausting exercising and ridiculous dieting.

"Paris Thin"
The term 'Paris Thin' was created by the former editor of Vogue Australia, Kirstie Clements. It stemmed from the idea of designers hiring models to fit into their tiny sample sized garments rather than fitting the garment around the model. This originally began in Paris as it was noted more than ever that the models were shrinking year by year to fit into these ridiculous size zero garments that should realistically fit a naturally slim 10 year old girl, let alone a 20 something year old 6ft model! No longer do we see glowing healthy sized models strutting down the runway showcasing the garment in an exciting and desirable way, but now a gaunt, run down carcass of a model drowning in material.

So what effect does this size zero trend have on young women? It has been proven that from the years of 2000-2010 the rates of depression have doubled in women and that 90% of British women feel body image anxiety with 50% of these women smoking to suppress their appetite. With us being exposed the 5000 photo shopped images a week it is hardly surprising that research has proven that the 'airbrushing culture' leads to self esteem issues supported by the fact that half of 16-21 year old's consider having cosmetic surgery on a day to day basis.

After considering all of this information I feel that until designers realise the impact that the size zero trend is having on young women, we will keep going round in a vicious circle until these sample sized models have a healthier sized garment to fit into.