Why Thin Vs. Plus size Models? What's wrong with "Average Size"?

With NYFW, LFW behind us and MFW heating up, a lot has been covered in the media about trends that we must have and what designer collections we should love right now. However, the deeper issues that came across as of late has to do with the acceptance of plus-size models on the runway and the huge market for plus-size fashion that is in the billions of dollars. Sure, the quantity of fashion consumerism will be much greater than ever before
with plus size available more widely, especially in designer collections. But does that really mean plus-size is embraced because socially it is the right thing to do or is it just a for-profit band-wagon?  What do you think?

photo source

I have a very difficult time understanding why the industry  just  can't have normal, "average-size" models?? Wouldn't it be for the best of everyone's interest? The models themselves, the fashion industry, the consumers? The substitution of aspiration for relatability should be a better approach than the "image-selling" unattainable unrealistic depiction of beauty achieved with fashion. There should be standards or rules prohibiting models to work if they are under their healthy BMI (Body Mass Index).  This is the most social-conscious thing to do--to prevent  models and young girls who aspire to be models (or try to emulate their thinness) from eating disorders, depression, drug use, and other metabolic/medical problems associated with these dangerous activities.

 Over more, if we celebrate the "healthy size", which I think is attainable by aiming for the right body mass index, we  change the world by advocating for healthier lifestyles and putting a break on the worldwide obesity epidemic [World Health Organization Stats].  With millions of Americans overweight and obese, it's not a sign of social empowerment to encourage the sustaining of lifestyles that perpetuate this trend--the plus size trend. There are many health problems associated with being extremely underweight  and overweight, and it's more than just how one looks on the outside. We need to raise the bar to ensure that the standards for social acceptance does not drive one towards self destruction.  Because quite frankly, when one is sick or suffers clinical depression fashion is not going to save them.

From a responsible medical and social perspective, one of the best solutions would be to encourage the industry to employ models who are healthy examples that everyone could strive to be-- proportionally beautiful from inside and out; mentally and physically. No fashion statement is as beautiful as good health. With that said, I believe that the responsibility to make things right is a 2-way street: "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

 

Resources:
1) Aim for Healthy Weight
2) Health Problems associated with overweight and obesity
3) Health problems associated with underweight