When news broke of an eyebrow-raising cast of models for the Prada show, fashion news sites and blogs buzzed over the possibility of having plus-sized models in the showlist. Speculation and anticipation grew over which models would walk and what the collection would look like. Unsurprisingly, many were displeased with the collection itself and the model choices of the so-called "curvy" models like Doutzen Kroes, Allesandra Ambrosio, Lara Stone, Catherine McNeil and Miranda Kerr. The use of Victoria's Secret angels was controversial being that they are normally not casted for a high-fashion house like Prada. Reactions raged as fashion websites felt as the use of "curvy" models was a tactic of trend.
Let's all face it, most of us are not a sample size zero. The fashion industry has recently made strong strides to make certain that the models on the runways and in campaigns are healthy. Yet, communicating that to the general public is a work in progress. Nonetheless, the CFDA is addressing the issues of weight, age and eating disorders in models with their
Health Initiative. V Magazine released their Spring/Summer 2010 size issue in
January featuring spreads with plus-sized models like Crystal Renn. While models themselves spoke out about their feelings on body image in the fashion industry. There was a fantastic segment on the Ralph Lauren "photo-doctoring" scandal with Fillipa Hamilton on the
Today Show in October 2009, that not only enlightened those outside the fashion industry but opened the minds of those with stark opinions in the matter.
It was an important statement that was made by Miuccia to release a collection that was tailored to compliment the body shapes of average-sized women. Ruffles and pleats accentuated the bust line offering a womanly silhouettes. High necklines dominated the construction of full skirt dresses in dark woodsy hues. Cable-knit sweaters, skirts and dresses made for the chicest look a librarian could ever sport.
Prada Fall/Winter 2010 was a smart collection and even smarter show. There was the perfect balance of the standard runway models like Natasha Poly and Mariacarla Boscono and the reality of models like Miranda and Doutzen. The clothing was geared to the average shaped woman that would be buying pieces. The collection was thoughtful, feminine and exhibited what a true lady can look like. In turn, women should feel united through the gracefulness of Miuccia's pieces rather than debating over why a shapely model was included her show. Essentially, fashion is for the
masses to admire, critique, inspire, purchase and even to create a lifestyle around. Therefore, our runway shows, our advertising campaigns, and editorial spreads should substantiate the idea of fashion for all shapes. Now, if and when we will ever see that is a whole other blog post.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, feelings, concerns and opinions on the word "curvy", plus sized models, the current state of the modeling industry or anything else that you would like to comment on.
