Skinny Models

Is there a change in the air? From UK's The Times:

Research from the University of Queensland shows that ads featuring average-sized models are every bit as effective at selling as those with thin models.

Also "women who saw the size 14 models felt significantly better about their own bodies in comparison to those who saw the thinner models."

A draft law in France is looking to punish "incitement to excessive thinness" in magazines, on websites and in other media.

Winner of a UK modeling show has put the catwalk modeling industry to the test.

Jen Hunter (5' 11", 154 lbs) won the "Make Me a Supermodel" show in 2006 - despite being criticized for being too fat.

Many people applauded her win. Last year a magazine writer asked:

Answer: No.

The Worlds Thinnest Noodles Chinese noodle king Li Enhai manages to thread 39 strands of noodles through the eye of a needle. The amazing feat has put him and his noodles in the Guinness Book of Records. Perhaps it's the start of a new diet - eat thinner noodles and lose weight.

Obese Weighed on Horse Equipment Hospitals in Rio de Janeiro have been sending their obese patient to the racetrack - not to watch the horse races - but to be weighed using the horses scales. It's no surprise the patients find the practice humiliating.

India Ditches Skinny Models "At the five-day show, skirts accentuated curvy hips and sensuous tops revealed plump bust lines, as the focus of designers and local fashionistas seemed to shift to fitness and health rather than the stick-thin look."

Fast Food Everywhere For those of us obsessed with fast food, FastFoodMaps.com allows you to locate every major fast food outlet in your city of choice. Scary stuff.

Fat Counters Vitamin C Benefits Some intriguing research has shown that a meal high in fat may counter any positive effects from anti-oxidants. When high levels of fat are in the stomach at the same time as ascorbic acid (Vit C) --"the ascorbic acid could no longer convert the hazardous compounds into safe ones."

New York Magazine has listed the 7-day food diaries of four people in the fashion industry; two models, fashion editor, and producer.

Here are a few examples (enlightening to say the least):

New research shows that fashion models have a lower self-esteem and feel less-fulfilled than people in other careers.

The Spanish government has introduced a campaign to standardized women's clothing sizes. It has also gone as far as restricting sizes in window displays.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is in the process of issuing new guidelines for models - ahead of the NY Fashion shows starting soon. It appears that the CFDA will not go as far as the rules imposed in Madrid and in other countries. [...] the recommendations are likely to include scheduling fashion-show fittings with younger models during daylight hours, rather than late at night, to help them get more sleep; urging designers to identify models with eating disorders; and introducing more nutritious backstage catering [...] (from the NY Times).

Many thought that the Spanish "ban" on skinny models was a flash in the pan. However awareness is growing - with Italy to adopt a "national manifesto of self-regulation" among the fashion industry.

Some months ago I mentioned that "Your body is not just a clothes-hanger for other people to gawk at". One commenter (accurately) pointed out that "Top runway models are actually intended to be walking clothes hangers!".

The trouble is many young girls are looking at the bodies - not the clothes.

Some people say that popular media has no influence or correlation with body image issues or disorders.

I beg to differ.

The pressure to be thin is alive and well and shows no sign of abating... not when there is serious money to be made.

It seems that Madrid's ban on skinny models has started a small avalanche across the fashion industry.

Modeling agencies are outraged.

The regional government of Madrid, Spain (who sponsors the Fashion Week show) has imposed restrictions that effectively ban skinny models from appearing on the catwalk.

Empty-headed, self-obsessed, emaciated clones.

That's how author J K Rowling describes today's fashion models (see her blog post here) . Rowling was quickly joined by former Marie Claire editor Liz Jones who also adds her opinions of the glossy magazine industry. Her words are cutting, insightful, - and oh so true.