Let’s talk about body image…
What’s your ideal body image and what is it influenced by?
Last year fashion cities like London, Madrid and Milan imposed bans on underweight (too thin) models. While top fashion magazines and shows keep pushing ultra-thin models… on the other side of the globe (well, sort of)… Africa seems to fancy curvy
models.
Take Nigeria for example, thin models typically have a 26-28 waist. Whereas in Europe it’s more like a 23 inch waist.
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“I’ve always believed in the African woman with all curves and shape, somebody that can bring out the curves and fit of a dress.”
says Lexi Mojo Eyes, Project Director, Nigerian Fashion Show (NFS). [source]
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How about Ghana?
They say curvy models stay home and skinny ones go international.
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“A lot of them want to go. But not everyone has the chance to go because of the size the Europeans want them to be,”
said Exopa’s Ghanaian director Sima Ibrahim. [source]
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True, some aspiring African models have to think through the opposing images of beauty: a western ideal size zero and the African well-rounded, curvy figure. (and this I simplifying the matter!).
But how about you? What’s your ideal image?
I mean, if you could have your dream body in 3 months time… what would it look like?
M. Jamal
P.S. It’s been believed that one of the factors super thin models bring to the table is that clothes look better on them! Would you say this is true?
Here’s an interesting take on this…
Back in September one study claimed that more women tend to be keen on ‘skinny models’. In fact, it goes on to say that women tend to find these ‘skinny models’ more interesting and elegant.
Two month later, another study at the University of Sussex in England said the opposite: “There’s no point in using skinny models in ads”. Well, because average-sized women work just as well when it comes to selling body care and even diet products.
This is just a small glimpse into this ongoing debate. What’s your thoughts on this? (click ‘comment’ and let us know)
Related posts
Is it good to be in a size zero in Pants if so is it it healthy or not and what is the perfect size in Jeans to be in if their is a such thing is the perfect size in jeans?
I think it’s depressing to see these “ultra thin” anorexic looking models everywhere. The majority of women aren’t going to look like that in clothes. I think most women would like to see someone more “realistic” looking so that they can have some idea whether the clothes are going to be flattering on themselves.