The fashion industry has long been known for dictating a certain type of aesthetic, leaving little room for size and body diversity. While there have been some attempts to introduce more inclusive sizes, are we ultimately fighting a losing battle when it comes to allowing people of all shapes and sizes to grace catwalks and magazine covers? Luxury London takes a closer look at the issue of body diversity in fashion, and how it’s become a much-needed conversation in today’s climate.
1. The Unanswered Call for Body Diversity in Luxury London
The fashion industry reinforces notions of beauty and privilege through its branding and promotion, making the case for greater body diversity in luxury London outlets clear. In an ever more dynamic society, embracing diverse body shapes and sizes should be a bare minimum for luxury brands.
From long-legged, toned models on catwalks to hourglass shaped figures in magazine spreads, the over-abundance of an idealised physique is a neglected source of exlusion for many. Customers from diverse backgrounds are driven away by curved, stretched and edited images of bodies that reflect a single, narrow template.
- The fashion industry should be rethinking its approach to body diversity by expanding its view beyond two dimensions.
- The definition of beauty should be widened to anticipate and cultivate a more accepting, inclusive consumer culture.
With the shopping habits of the cosmopolitan consumer in mind, luxury London retailers should aspire to build relationships with real customers representing the diverse body shapes and sizes of their community. This way brands can move with the times and set the example for positive body image and a truly accessible luxury market in London.
2. Is Body Diversity in Fashion a Lost Cause?
Increasing body diversity in fashion remains a challenge, but it is one worth fighting for. Accepting bodies of all shapes and sizes is an incredibly important step in creating an equal playing field and in dispelling antiquated notions of beauty.
- Efforts have been made: Fashion companies and media outlets are actively working towards more representation in magazines, on the runway, and in campaigns. Brands like Aerie, Chubbies, and Target’s Universal Thread make efforts to reach out to a wider range of sizes.
- Designers still have a long way to go: Although efforts have been made, designers still have a long way to go in terms of truly embracing body diversity. Plus size options are either nonexistent or extremely limited in regards to design. To make true progress in this arena, designers must strive to make clothing available in a wide range of sizes, and to make each size look visually appealing and stylish.
3. The Reality Behind the Lack of Model Representation
We may have made progress in recent years, but sizeable disparities still exist between the many faces which inhabit today’s media and the wide-ranging demographics of the modern world. At the heart of this situation lies the systemic failure of the fashion and media industries to provide sufficient representation to a diversity of models. Here are some of the issues that exist.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Often, the rules of the game are set by rather stringent criteria that excludes ‘blemishes’ such as body shape or size, or ethnicity or age that don’t pass the arbitrary standards of beauty.
- Systematic Discrimination: A shocking truth is that LGBTQIA+ members, transgender people, and persons of color are still routinely left out of mainstream fashion scenarios. Despite genuine progress in this regard, this underrepresentation persists even in 2020.
To be sure, the prejudice we have discussed here is complicated, nuanced, and pervasive. It is a problem that has afflicted the modeling industry for decades. Prominent figures such as Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, and others have paved the way for a more inclusive future. All the same, there is still a long road ahead of us before real change will take shape.
4. What Can be Done to Achieve Inclusive Fashion Product Advertising?
Changing Advertisements
One way of achieving more inclusive fashion product advertising is to change the representation of different individuals of different body types, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, etc in the advertisements. Brands should advertise their clothing on individuals that make customers feel represented and accepted. Furthermore, advertisements should be made with understanding, acceptance and respect.
Destigmatizing Plus Size Clothing
Plus size clothing has historically been stigmatized because industry standards have been “one size fits all” for a long time. Changing the way plus size clothing is being marketed and advertised can help destigmatize the stigma around it. This can be done by representing more plus size models in fashion shows, editorials, and campaigns, and to show more curvier models that look different. Additionally, brands should also use language that celebrates and embraces the diversity and beauty of different body types.
The fashion industry has made significant strides in creating a more diverse and inclusive spectrum for all shapes and sizes. Today, as luxury brands continue to increase their support of body diversity, fashion has the potential to set the bar higher in creating an open, accepting culture of beauty for everyone. It’s up to us to ensure this cause is never a lost cause.
