Comments on: How Skinny is Too Skinny?

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:16:18 +0000

This picture is just sad, dysfunctional and obscene. Not someone I could identify with nor understand. She and anyone that looks this way really need some professional help (and I say that with concern and not contempt). Whatever this type of figure would wear down the runway is not something I would find appealing. I feel the fashion industry and the models that choose to work in it are both to blame.

Here’s the solution:
Change the industry model requirements to the following:

1. Healthy weight according to age and height (a national table suggests that if someone is 21 years of age and is 5’10″ -she should weight approx. 139 lbs minimum up to 160 lbs maximum.)
2. The model would have to be checked for her weight before each job to ensure she is within the guidelines of a healthy weight. If she’s not, she’s not allowed to work until she’s within the healthy guidelines.

3. The fashion designers should start designing clothes that fit real women and not mannequins.

…and just to add, maybe a random drug test to ensure the model is a healthy role model?!&

With those simple adjustments, the fashion industry will get better designs, healthier models and possibly a better reputation.

By: SadStateofAffairs

SadStateofAffairs — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:32:13 +0000

As the mother of a 19 year old who is 5’4″ 135 pounds and a size 8, this frightens me. Granted she could lose ten pounds, I could lose 20 and still be pleasingly plump, as we used to call it. I HATE that anyone is forced to be this size to work almost as much as I hate the idea that anyone would CONSIDER that prerequisite as a condition to work, or the fact that this is the message to our girls – that you need to look like this to be fashionable and/or sexy.
SO unrealistic.

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:33:17 +0000

Disgusting. It’s appalling that women would be considered “hangars.” Please, somebody get this girl some bread, stew, and a sweater. I’m cold just looking at her.

I don’t consider dressing a hangar talent. I call designing for real women with normal bodies talent.

By: jennie

jennie — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:52:34 +0000

From what I understand, despite the lip service the fashion industry sometimes pays to the concerns about emaciated models and eating disorders, there is a lot of resistance to addressing or even recognizing the problem that's inherent in the industry. I think it's a pretty closed little community and the people in it don't really "get it." It's unfortunate. I admit that I don't really get high fashion, but the whole notion that the women who are going to be wearing the clothes are somehow incidental, are clothes-hangers, is offensive to me.

By: Erin@IW

Erin@IW — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:16:03 +0000

I think about women in the industry all of the time and the pressure they must be under to meet this unrealistic ideal. I can’t imagine the position that they are in. Their body is their tool. They literally can’t do what they love if they don’t fit the mold.
I watch Project Runway too and yes, I think it’s ridiculous when they absolutely lose their stuff over designing for someone with curves.
I dont’ know that the industry will change but I think it’s important to expose young girls to beauty of all shapes and sizes.