Lane Bryant

Here we go again. Another fashion designer felt it necessary to diss plus-size models, calling them “a joke” on the runway next to their size zero to six counterparts.

In a recent interview, British fashion designer Julien MacDonald dismissed the current interest in plus-size models, insisting that "a catwalk model is a size six to eight" and when referring to the reality TV show Britain’s Next Top Model which he judges, said of the competition: "This is a serious show. You can't have a plus-size girl winning – it makes it a joke."

Ahem.

I understand that as a designer, MacDonald is an expert in women’s fashion. But, as a woman who has worn a “catwalk size 6” to a full-figured 20 and every size in between…at least twice, I think I have some insight that makes me an expert, too.

Please allow me to opine:

Although the majority of American women wear above a size 12, a great number of fashion collections, runway shows and magazine editorials idealize women who are much smaller. Unlike most women who face reality in the mirror every day, realism seems to conveniently escape the grasp of the likes of MacDonald.

Designers readily admit their clothes look better on thinner models. But let’s face it, drawing a stick figure is a lot easier than drawing a 3 dimensional figure and rolling a piece of clay between your palms to produce a cylindrical shape is much easier than molding clay into a form with height, width and depth.
Chanel once said, “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions” and I think Coco was right.  Some figures are more difficult than others to keep in proportion and some measurements require extra time and skill to reflect their beauty.

I’d like to see designers who, unlike McDonald and his ilk, embrace the challenge of designing for various sizes of women and with their success, I believe everyday women like myself will have the last laugh.