The fashion industry is far from being inclusive of all body shapes. However, the small pushes in the right direction must be mentioned, because there are designers and models doing incredible things for the body positive movement.
The French government has recognized the dangerous trend among fashion models and eating disorders and has taken regulatory measures to preserve the health of these girls. According to new laws instated by France’s Health Ministry, models must provide a doctors’ certificate proving they are in good health in order to work. The certificate considers models’ overall physical well-being relative to their body mass index, and ensures that they follow a healthy nutritional lifestyle and do not run the risk of working underweight. Those who hire or solicit models that do not pass this health test face fines up to 75,000 euro. The law also states that all photos that are retouched, in print or online, must be marked with “photographie retouchée” (retouched photograph). Italy, Spain, and Israel have also put laws in place to protect models. Hopefully the United States will be next!
The runway shows of New York (and Paris and Milan) Fashion Week are typically a parade of ultra-thin models, but 2017 showed a different side of the industry. Designers like Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Cristian Siriano, and Tome embraced body positivity by sending plus-sized, gender-nonconforming, fresh-faced models down their runways in clothing that sent a strong message: fashion is for everyone. See more of these incredible models and designers in the video below.
Not only are high fashion designers beginning to portray women of all sizes, but ad campaigns have gotten a little more inclusive, too. Nike recently launched a powerful sports bra campaign featuring plus sized models, while Dove began advertising with “real women.”
Aerie, American Eagle’s lingerie sister brand, has completely redesigned their advertising strategy around this movement. The brand pledged to stop retouching in ALL of their photographs, from social media posts to e-Commerce photos. The result? An inspiring Instagram account and online shop full of stretch marks, devoid of makeup, and absolutely filter-free. The photographic overhaul and its accompanying hashtag, #AerieReal, has not only boosted Aerie’s revenue, but also the confidence of millions of girls around the world.