models

It's London Fashion Week here in the UK, and the designer Mark Fast has caused a storm by--gasp--using normal-sized women to showcase his knitwear range.

Fast's stylist has allegedly walked out in a huff because of the use of three UK size 12 -14 (US size 10-12) models. And, the reporter Alice Fisher, whilst applauding the move, mentioned how odd it seemed to see these models on the catwalk:

It was a tiny picture tucked away on page 194 in Glamour magazine (US edition). But, it was responsible for hundreds of grateful emails to the editor, newspaper articles across the world, and setting blogs and Twitter ablaze.

So, what was so shocking about this photo? It showed a normal, healthy looking woman.

Originally published in Marie Claire, this is an account of the modeling industry and its culture through the eyes of a former model.

Here are some highlights of her musings, which are sardonic and whimsical, yet describe a poignant reality.

Fitz talks to actress Brooke Shields about diet and exercise.

Fitness Brooke suggests moderation in all things: "You don't have to be crazy and you don't have to be like an athlete... to be more fit". She goes onto talk about how going to extremes, setting unrealistic goals proved to be counterproductive. "Find something you enjoy and stick with it."

Diet Again attempts at extremes (going non-fat or cutting out lots of foods) backfired - resulting in weight gain. Brooke talks about finding a balance, maintaining smaller portions, giving into cravings, and an awareness of when eating is for emotional reasons.

Many thanks to Fitz Koehler of SportsHealthExercise.com for creating this, and to Brooke Shields and Latisse for agreeing to this and letting us embed it here.