Size 20 Model on Catwalk for Gaultier

With all the hubbub lately about models being too skinny, one designer decided to go the other way and used a plus sized model in his fashion show.

Apparently, this is a big controversy.

You guys hear about it?  Thoughts?

EDIT:

Here is another link....

there's some pretty harsh talk about this model and his decision to use her...

Good for him. Seriously.

incredibly big step forward... now he just needs to make it more than just a one-time deal. let's get some girls of all sizes in there too though, not just a very large lady to make a statement.

I think it's great.  I think they should use models of all body types.  Hopefully this will catch on with other designers.  And I love Gaultier perfume.  It's my favorite! 

Unless it is some sort of joke...?

I don't think it's great.  Promoting an unhealthy body, too big or too small, just seems wrong.  

no, it's real - I saw a teaser on it on the news this morning

I dunno, I thought she was pretty damn hot.  I saw the photo on yahoo and went "HUH???" and looked...and liked what I saw ;)

good point pooh - is it too much to ask to have models within the healthy bmi range?

It's not a fluke - says he used her before for another show.  Also mentions he used an older model too.  My kind of man.  And I would be thrilled to look as good as she does.  I may be lighter but I'd love to be that appealing!

yeah, i agree with the healthy bmi... let's promote health as beauty... not size big or small.

I'm not sure if he's promoting an unhealthy body or just his fashions, but I'd still like to see a wider range of body types.  I think it's good that he used a plus sized model since there are so many women her size, but why couldn't she model clothes?  Was that strictly a lingerie show?  It would be nice to see models of all body types model clothes that are flattering to their figures so those of us with those body types can see realistic options.  Clothes models wear are always so over the top.

I guess he wanted to push the boundary in the other direction - kind of reverse psychology.  If the rest of indsutry follows him even a quarter of the way they'd be promoting women who were healthy.

amanda - what makes you think you don't look that appealing?

I looked at the second link.  Could the author have come up with any more unflattering terms to describe the model?!?!  I guess only sticks are beautiful.

Not going to go into all my flaws here, but I know don't frighten small children :-)

it was a lingerie show, and i for one, do not see how the lingerie she is wearing does NOT flatter her body. she's wearing a corset that camoflouages the worse parts and a full-sized bra top for support! i think her outfit is exactly flattering.

I think avant looks cute, at least the pictures she has up is *shrug*

Aw HK thanks *blushes*
To get back on track though I only just read the second link.  Wow what a huge difference of opinions.. Interesting.

I know cecily, the writer was very unkind...

but in reading that article, it appears that he used the plus size model in protest of the Madrid rule about skinny models -- his point is that he doesn't want the govt to tell him what size models to use

Madrid's point is - stop using models that promote anorexic behavior for those who aspire to be like models...

I don't think he's trying to get things to meet in the middle.  He was probably just doing it for publicity.

It would have made ripples and invited applause if he would have used a size 12 woman who is healthy but considered "plus size" in the world of modeling.  But unhealthy is just unhealthy.  Not that a "larger" woman can't be beautiful, but care about the messages you are sending.

Avant - you can be as appealing too!  It's all in your attitude!!