The editorial featuring plus size model Katya Zharkova in the January 2020 issue of PLUS Model Magazine has sparked controversy after revealing shocking statistics regarding runway models and their BMI. In an industry in which models seem to feature considerably ‘shrunken’ physiques, plus size models seem to find it difficult to fit in the picture. Although many fashion designers have banned the ‘anorexic look’, the use of plus size models is still not as predominant.
Raising the question ‘What’s wrong with our bodies?’, the magazine reveals shocking statistics that show the evolution towards a more thin frame physique over the years. The magazine wants to trigger an alarm and help people become more comfortable in their own skin as the average size woman is far from the ‘ideal’ image that seems to be predominant nowadays.
Plus size model Katya Zharkova poses in a spread for the magazine which shows her posing provocatively alongside a thin frame model, trying to emphasize the beauty of larger size women. The magazine reveals the following shocking statistics in its January 2020 issue, stating that:
“Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less. Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modelling industry continues to be questioned. The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction. 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.”
The magazine also states that most runway models today have a very low BMI, as low as it enters the ‘anorexic’ category. “Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.”
The magazine doesn’t talk about health but tries to raise the question why bigger size women are usually associated with being unhealthy while thin frame women are labelled beautiful, as being thin doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. Trying to make a difference and help change preconceptions in the fashion industry, the magazine also shares advice on how to make a change and support the fact that there’s nothing wrong with being a plus size.
Do you support plus size women? Find out more details in the January 2020 issue of PLUS Model Magazine out now! Photo courtesy of PLUS Magazine
