This year, it seems like body shaming is something that cannot be escaped; it has come from every source imaginable, even presidential debates. However, the fashion industry has been taking steps to combat all of this negativity by creating body positive campaigns. From JCPenney’s #HereIAm to Lane Bryant’s empowering campaigns, brands are slowly trying to change the way they look at women’s’ bodies. Even Fashion Week saw a change this year, with a number of brands introducing a more diverse line-up of women.
Change on Fashion Week
Designer Christian Siriano seems to have led the charge, though not necessarily intentionally, with this by including a number of plus-size models in his New York Fashion Week line-up. He is well-known for making designs for all body types and even designed actress Leslie Jones a custom dress when no other designer would work with her. Recently, he has even partnered with Lane Bryant, citing a need to celebrate all body types, rather than shaming them.
But, he was not the only designer and brand to take a different approach to the runway this year. Some of the models were transgender, while more still were over the age of 50. J.Crew and Tracy Reese went so far as to ask ordinary people to come to model their lines to promote the importance of being body positive. It made for an incredible and eye-opening experience for designers and Fashion Week attendees alike. It also shows the fashion world that change is possible and necessary.
While there have always been complaints about the lack of diversity on the runway. 2016 is the first year steps are actively being taken to deal with this problem. In fact, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA) became involved last month, when they released a new set of guidelines for designers to follow. In the letter that they sent, they made a point to mention that modeling agencies had a responsibility to scout models from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, the mentioned a need to make models of color the norm, rather than just an exception.
These guidelines may not mention a need for more plus-size models, but it is still another step in right direction. Brands like ModCloth and Aerie have made huge strides in creating a more body positive image with their brands. They drop the “plus-size” term and featuring real, unedited photos of their models, respectively. Changes like this may seem small. But, by encouraging people to leave behind labels and love themselves, these brands are sending a powerful message of self-empowerment.
Conclusion
There is still a long way to go in terms of overall diversity within the fashion industry. But, if New York’s Fashion Week is anything to go by, hopefully, more brands and designers will begin creating a more diverse line-up of models. In doing so, they will be helping to create a more body positive society regardless of their size, gender.
See also:
The Photo Series for Body Positivity: the All Woman Project
The Body Positivity Movements: Mermaid Thighs & #ThighsForJeaux
