Tall, skinny, svelte and sexy. Those are but some of the qualities designers look for in models or at least that’s what I noticed when I went on to some Instagram fashion pages and noticed their preference.
Most models (even in Namibia) are slim. It is no secret that fashion designers always preferred slim-looking girls to thick girls.
Why? Well according to an anonymous designer;
Making clothes for slim women is always easier, less costly and slim girls always pull off the type of look most designers want. Although this sounds unfair to thick women there is little anyone can do about it. Most designers, if not all, are looking to cut costs while making garments and of cause save themselves the time it takes to make them. Tall figures are impressive and gives a good appeal to the product, so long legs are generally preferred. It is a harsh reality but, thin models are somehow preferred cause once you dress them up, the fall and look of the dress is as when you hang that dress in hangers in your wardrobe. It’s nothing personal. It’s just business.
Another reason why skinny models are preferred to thick women is; on the runway, they only send in very small clothing sizes, and either you squeeze into the outfit or you don’t get to work. Same with shoe sizes, they are all sent in the same size, but unlike weight, shoe size is impossible to manipulate.
However, we are now in 2018!
There are few modelling agencies that are now looking for thick women rather than skinny women, or both! In Namibia, there is the Plus Size Modelling which takes place annually. This event celebrates thick women and aim to show the world that thick women can be in the fashion industry too. So body standards are shifting slowly but surely and making sure that thick, curvy women are not left behind. Most modelling agencies such as Pro Model Africa do not mind if you are “a little thick” they invite all candidates to apply.
So, the plus-size fashion industry has come very far and still have a long way to go. The industry is starting to come around to the idea of curves in the fashion industry but it takes time. For what it’s worth it has made its dent on the very harsh and strict fashion world. Even though steps have been slow and small, incredible things have happened and progress is being made all thanks to a very passionate bunch that try to push the barriers of body standards in the fashion industry.
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