The ongoing battle of the anorexic model continues for the fashion world- it has now reached the fashionable store windows of Spain. Since last year's ban of "skinny models" on the runways of Madrid and Milan during fashion week the fashion industry has been working on ways to counter the image of "skinny models", which some believe are contributed by eating disorders. Skeletal looking mannequins in store window fronts, and the leggy, long size zero models that grace the runways have lead Spain to get rid of the barely there dummies (mannequins not the models) and replace them with healthier looking ones.
Two big changes, announced in late January, are in the works: Stores run by four big names will start swapping window display mannequins so that none are less than size 38 (roughly equivalent to a U.S. size 6). The designers will standardize the dimensions of their women's apparel so that a given size will fit the same way no matter who sells it.
To get a better idea of the shapes of Spanish women's bodies, the government is employing some serious technology. Using laser-fitted booths that can take 130 measurements of a body in 30 seconds, the health ministry is fanning out across the country to evaluate the true sizes of Spanish women. Bring this program to the United States!! Wouldn't that be nice if a size 8 at the Gap was a size 8 at Ann Taylor?
According to showbuzz.cbsnews.com the program will study a sample of 8,500 women ranging in age from 12 to 70, and pass this data on to the clothing designers taking part in this drive so they can to make garments that reflect the dimensions of real women, not catwalk waifs. The designers taking part represent more than 80 percent of the clothes produced by the Spanish fashion industry. The study will be completed later this year and the standardization will be phased in after that.
Another program designed to help revamp the image of the skinny model was implemented earlier this year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced new guidelines designed to help models eat and live more healthfully. The offensive might seem odd coming from Spain, a nation that to the casual eye is neither fat nor thin, nor readily associated with anorexia, bulimia or obesity. Spain prides itself on a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and heart-healthy foods like olive oil and fish. However, one in every five Spanish women among the 13-22 age group suffers from an eating disorder. Pop culture and fashion are a small part of the weight issue affecting young women in Spain, the country's new found wealth is a big factor they are fast becoming an "I want it now society" fueled by an economic boom after years of suffering under poor dictatorship. Teens and young people are buying material things like cell phones and BMW's and if they cannot lead the lifestyle they want they often take it out on their bodies because that is one thing they can control - their weight.
holly says:
Sweet.
sasha says:
This is discrimination ill never be a size 6 im 5'7. THe highest maybe when im pregnant a 4 i am regular 1 or 2. Why lower standards cause people are lazy thats the truth their is a reason their is the highst rate of diabetes embracing it is disgusting. THe model you sho is gorgeous and her body. Thats why they all have rich husbands cause theyre so gross. Next thing you know were going to take away the honor roll and professional sports and iv league schols cause being better than everyone is bad.
marie says:
that is the most ridiculous comment ever. although YOU may be a size 1 or 2, the majority of the world is not. And standardizing the sizes does not mean taking away smaller sizes, they will still exist. I am myself am tall and lean (although not as skinny as the model pictured, who i think looks africa sickly) i am so glad for these changes. Instead of having to try on a pair of pants or shirt at a new store, I will just have to check the size because it will be the same as everywhere else I buy. convience my friend.