This week I read an article that I felt needed to be shared. The article is called 'The Limits of Fashion's Inclusivity' and it discusses how beauty in the fashion industry is being redefined. Runways have embraced diversity of skin, shape and age.
Working in the fashion industry, this article really stood out to me. It is known that in the past there has been a stigma within the fashion industry on what exactly "beauty" is. The industry led women to believe being a size 0 and 6 ft tall with porcelain skin, was the embodiment of beauty. However, studies show that 68 percent of the women in America wear a size 14 or above. Proving the pervious standard does not represent the average woman in America or across the world.
I feel this topic is extremely important to address and share because of the power behind it. The definition of what beauty is, is not limited to age, race, ethnicity, or weight. Beauty has no limitation or guidelines. By defining who & what is beautiful, the industry has created a dangerous expectation for not only women, but young girls as well. These unrealistic expectations can drastically affect how women see themselves, love themselves and treat their bodies.
Designers and those within the fashion industry hold a very important responsibility. This responsibility is to advocate for all women, in all shapes and sizes. As a designer it is essential to design for every type of woman and not only make them feel beautiful in who they are, but empowered as well. Real women are not perfect. Real women have curves, stretch marks, scars and even facial deformities. These imperfections are things we should be proud of, because they make us human. We were not all created the same, but we were all created beautifully.
For those of you that are interested here is the original article. It is a very touching and inspiring article, so please read it if you get the chance!
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/30/fashion/disabled-beauty.html
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