the superficial

A former Ralph Lauren model has claimed that her contract with the company was not renewed because she was too fat.

Surprised anyone?

Karl Lagerfeld is renowned for only using the thinnest of thin models on his catwalk, and even came out recently to basically state that “realistic” women have no place on the runway. At one point, he himself also teetered dangerously close to looking seriously underweight and emaciated.

This industry has been around for decades and it’s not that often you see anyone who is anyone, step up the ladder of social responsibility.

The fashion world is what it is. Those that reside in this world live on a diet of predominately air and cabbage. They are under the strong illusion that they live and are the true definition of “beauty” and most of the time are high kites on various “happy” medicines. Many of the designers prefer walking clothes hangers to women whose hip bones don’t make the finish line before the rest of their bodies do.

Yes, yes I know, the above are tiresome clichés. I don’t doubt there are exceptions to these. It would be marvelous to see the media get as excited over stories where models and designers stray from the norm as when the likes of Lagerfeld come out making ridiculous statements. But the latter makes more sensational headlines unfortunately.

All we can do is work on ways to boost our self-confidence and self-worth while living side by side with the fashion world. Because that is the ultimate test isn’t it- to be able to love yourself wholly while being surrounded by a world where the superficial reign.

I’d like to believe that there are models out there who love to eat and that actually do while still maintaining a healthy career in what is a stressful industry.

Until then, work your damndest not to let it take away from the beauty every single one of us are born with. It’s hard, but you can do it slowly and surely.