My inbox held the magical invitation to the Fashion Television Host Hunt Afterparty at Rockwood this Thursday. Click in if you want to go. (Who says KC doesn't take care of her peeps?)
Anyhooo...
The FT host hunt leads into Canada's Next Top Model and of course that had me wonder where miss last year's winner is (aka - Andrea). Of course I caught Sisi strutting her fabulous self down the runway at Toronto Fashion Week looking like she owned it. However, like all the top models, invisibility seems to ensue.
So I, of course, wondered why this could be and with a little research I realized a few key points:
1. In 1991 the average size of a model was a size 6. During that time we were at the height of the Supermodel Era.
2. In the 1970's the average size of a model was a size 7/8 or about 135lbs (8% less than the average woman). This was the beginning of the Supermodel.
3. In 2007, the average size of a model is a size 0 or about 110lbs which translates to 23%
less than the average woman.
Ask yourself... Where is the Supermodel?
I don't think that has anything to do with coincidence. I think it's a simple fact: Women are drawn to shapes they can relate to. When the average size of a model equates to the average size of an 11 year old girl, then what do we have to relate to?
On average, I would say... nothing. Trust me, my cutie lil' booty will barely fit into the most generous of sizes at La Senza girl. The whole scene looks like an over stuffed sausage casing OR Mariah Carey on a fat day.
Yes.
I did go there.
So how did we lose the Supermodel?
Well here's my theory:
Make no mistake, the industry of fashion is one of marketing. Models are as disposable as the images they wear, because once you're yesterday's news, you need to step aside. The public gets bored fast, for example, who else is so over the UGGS trend or the Skinny Pant in Boot look?
Yep... me too.
So when your market's tastes get bored, you have to jazz it up with something new. And, when you're moving so fast, no wonder cocaine is the drug of choice... coincidentally that too keeps you thin.
So let me drive this puppy on home... Women have a group of overworked and coked out designers stressing on designing a line of clothing that will sell sell sell. This all needs to happen all in less than a 6 month window, twice a year. So do you think they have very many reflective surfaces?
No.
They have their circle of coked out designers and model friends stressing about their own issues. So they design clothes with that in mind.
Enter the fashion show, the emaciated models, manifestations of a cocaine dreams and martini chasers, take the catwalk. Everyone recoils in horror, at least most people did at Fashion week here. The shock really did resonate in an audible gasp, which by the lackadaisical designs confirmed that it had nothing to do with the fashion.
Then after a while, the audience relaxes, grooves to the music and when it's all done, we all feel guilty for wanting to eat. Brainwashing successful.
So the moment that happens- the moment you stop feeling beautiful in your skin and feel miles away from the contrived ideal from fashion shut ins, you just bought into the image they were selling.
Success! You just sold out!
Stay fierce, stay true and stop buying into an unrealistic ideal because the only way we will ever bring back the Supermodel will be the day when you are ready to look like her.
Get it?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
I might be a bitch but at least I'm not fat!
Posted by
KarmaCake
1/30/2007 12:10:00 AM
- Leatherhands 1:34 PM
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Good rant, hon. Popular culture has always been run by coked-out, self-absorbed people. It's the way of the world.
My anecdotal impression is that Plus -size modelling has become more of an industry though. (Or maybe it's just that Addition Elle billboard that makes me drive off the road ;) - KarmaCake 2:08 PM
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As a model Plus sized modelling is still a tiny un profitable market.
Interestingly enough, one of the most successful beauty campaigns that ran recently was the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. Where beautiful women of shapes, sizes and backgrounds were equally featured in an international advertising campaign that showed them in their skivvies.
Why was it successful? Because, for once, women were being honoured and celebrated for their inherit beauty. Not because they fit into a size 0.
It's fucked up when intelligent women don't understand that there's nothing artistic about fashion, it's not art, it's marketing.
It's two completely different things.
Business is notorious for not taking into account the welfare of the public more over fabulous profit margins. - Leatherhands 2:19 PM
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Right you are; but as a marketing professional of sorts, I can tell you that "successful marketing" is not a static definition. Most marketing agencies are only obsessed with winning awards, and stealing contracts from each other. You'd be shocked (or maybe not) how rarely this translates into increased sales. Again, a self-absorbed, vaccuum world.
And none of these people are curing cancer.
Let's start a cynic club! Black walls, and goth attire only. - KarmaCake 2:39 PM
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In terms of the world of fashion, the image is being sold.
Successful campaigns are ones that sell.
A beauty campaign featuring traditionally non acknowledged body types that sells well and generates buzz, that's success.
Why is it successful?
Women who look at it feel valued, beautiful and empowered.
Cash in the bank.
Better than at Fashion Week when few people were talking about the fashion more over the size of the models "Oh My Gawd! They are skinnier than I thought?!" was a common catch phrase.
But, we still buy into it.
Sick.
However, I love to look stylish, so I would never be goth. Please, I got over that in Junior High. - Leatherhands 3:38 PM
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LOL! That was just a nod to the fact that most of my comments on your blog get all negative about the world. I'm really a happy guy. Honest. (I'm not 100% sure what the Goth look really is, as I'm an old guy.)
My fave part of that Dove campaign? Guys with pot-bellies saying that "fat" or "fab" chick was too fat. Uh-huh. - K-Dough 8:27 PM
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Karma- in case you missed my reply on the sexy chicks post:
KC- You get the top spot in the Sexiest Supernumerary category!
@karmacakedotca
Blog Archive
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2007
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January
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- I might be a bitch but at least I'm not fat!
- Canadian Male Achetype
- I am Exhausted & My South Park Character
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- You're a good lad Robbie
- News Flash: Hillary Clinton for 2008!
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- Does This Wreck My Karma?
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- Wow, what can I say?
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- There are limits to empowerment
- Karmacake V3
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- Karma's 100th Post!!: Donair! Donair! A Candy Meat!
- A KC Promise for More
- Karmic Travels: Toronto Jan 13 2006
- Karmic Update: Canadian Opera Company and ME!
- FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
- My Box in a Box
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- 24Hrs Locked in a Haunted Castle
- Dinner with The Cake
- How Do You Like Me Now?
- Jax and I are starting a revolution!
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January
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Where did all the supermodels go?
One of two options here.
1) they are super-models I do understand that part-so maybe they are going to sign up for a special eposoide of Heroes where Hiro actually get's laid.
2)a strong gust of wind has blown them north to become food for the emaciated polar bears.
-HATTERE