Last month, Reuters published a thought-proving article titled: "Fat Models Stay In Africa As West Wants Size Zero." According to the article, women who are accepted as beautiful and suitable to model in Africa are more shapely but African modeling agencies are unable to sell their look abroad because the West is still fixated with the superskinny look. Ugandan fashion designer Sylvia Owori is quoted as saying, "Few Africans want to see a superskinny model ... I think most Ugandans would be disgusted. They'd think she'd just come out of the village and she was malnourished." You can read the full story at Reuters: www.reuters.com/article/companyNewsAndPR/idUSL1655405120070422.
This issue runs deep—it is rumored that the career of former Face of Africa winner Benvinda Mudenge (1999) came to a screeching halt because of her weight. Perhaps this explains why African models who are naturally very skinny, like Oluchi, Iman and Alek Wek have acheived iconic status. But what kind of message does that send to girls at home who dream of making it big in the industry?
.MIMI Features Link: Catwalks, Cameras And Covers www.mimimagazine.com/november2006/02-08-catwalks01.html
.(Photo Credits: Ivan Naudé)
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2 comments:
I've never understood why the fashion industry cannot accept women of different sizes. Who wants to see clothes on an emaciated woman? I know I don't. When I see women who look normal in designer clothes, I know that I can wear them and look good as well.
if u agree to size 0 models then u are obviously blinded to TRUTH! i mean dont get me wrong im not hating on women who are blessed to be so thin,your just as beautiful! so do designers consider a women whos a size 2 "fat"? what is wrong with all u designers?? whats your inspiration when creating an outfit?? "hmm, let's see how i can make this outfit fit on women who are ONLY a size 0!" what is blinding u to other body types...pretty shallow if u ask me! i say all the "fat" women around the world go in protest against agaisnt all the dumb ass designers in the world! PUT REAL PEOPLE ON THE RUNWAY IDIOTS!
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