Refinery29 Uncovers a Plus-Size Practice That's Bad for Body Image
Meghan Young — April 9, 2015 — Lifestyle
References: refinery29
The use of Photoshop may have drummed up a lot of body image controversy in the fashion industry, but there are other practices that are just as troubling including the use of plus-size padding. As magazines and designers embrace plus-sized women more and more, they do so in their own way to create an ideal even within this demographic.
Through the use of plus-size padding, which is explored by Refinery29 with the help of photographer Kristina Wilson, these models are able to fake a more perfectly curvaceous body without going under the knife. Plus-size model and industry consultant Elizabeth Taylor says, “Padding shows that advertisers don’t really believe a woman who really is size 14 or above can sell clothing. When I first started modeling, they told us that women want to see really skinny women sell regular-sized clothing. So, they see a size 0-2 and they're a 6 or an 8, and that's aspirational."
Through the use of plus-size padding, which is explored by Refinery29 with the help of photographer Kristina Wilson, these models are able to fake a more perfectly curvaceous body without going under the knife. Plus-size model and industry consultant Elizabeth Taylor says, “Padding shows that advertisers don’t really believe a woman who really is size 14 or above can sell clothing. When I first started modeling, they told us that women want to see really skinny women sell regular-sized clothing. So, they see a size 0-2 and they're a 6 or an 8, and that's aspirational."
Trend Themes
1. Body Image Manipulation - The use of plus-size padding highlights the ongoing issue of body image manipulation in the fashion industry.
2. Idealized Plus-size Representation - The practice of using plus-size padding reflects the industry's desire to create an idealized version of plus-sized women, potentially reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards.
3. Authenticity in Advertising - The controversy surrounding plus-size padding raises questions about the authenticity of advertisements and the need for more genuine representation in the fashion industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry is confronted with the challenge of reevaluating its approach to size representation and promoting inclusivity.
2. Advertising - The use of plus-size padding prompts a reexamination of advertising practices and the impact they have on body image perception and self-esteem.
3. Body Positive Movement - The issue of plus-size padding highlights the ongoing importance of the body positive movement in advocating for diverse and authentic representations of beauty.
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