Friend Friday is a lil late this week… better late than never
The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Katy of Modly Chic sends us questions weekly, and we answer on our blogs.
1. Should someone’s size stop them from fashion blogging or having a voice in the community?
HELL to the NAW! Fashion blogging and blogging in general is representative of real people who have a passion for a variety of topics. Someone’s size should not and does not dictate their interests or love of fashion.
2. In your opinion, can the term “curvy” and “plus-sized” be used interchangeably when it comes to fashion?
No because I think they refer to different things. A woman can be thin and be curvy, whereas “plus-size” (a totally reprehensible term by the way) refers to larger size clothing.
3. Many people make the argument that catering to plus sized women would promote being overweight as “okay”. What do you think? Should more designers be catering to plus size women?
The reality is that women come in all shapes and sizes and to say that because designers cater to women of larger sizes they’re promoting being overweight is ludicrous. I think the fact that overweight has a negative connotation of unhealthy is the true underlying issue. Being above “standard” weight does not mean unhealthy and more designers should provide their clothing in a variety of sizes.
4. Should the mainstream fashion industry be showcasing more plus size models?
Why not!!! Fashion can only benefit from being more inclusive. Women of all sizes love to shop and fashion incorporating more images of larger women will garner support from them. I understand that fashion is aspirational but the ideal that is portrayed (be thin, be beautiful or you don’t matter) can be very damaging.
5. For you personally, how do you view your size, the struggle with it through the years, your ideal size, etc…
Like most women I’ve struggled with my size. Being a thin teenager as I entered my mid twenties, I’ve gained what I call my “womanly weight” and it was troubling at first. I began to workout and regained perspective; I’m healthy, in excellent shape and honestly size on a label doesn’t translate to looking and feeling good. It’s about dressing for your body, no matter what the tag says.
I love that you’re adamant about your opinions & not afraid to express them on your blog! This is an issue I’ve been grappling with for a long time, though more from a design perspective. At one point I argued that thin models served as idealized clothing hangers for designs, and that the media was responsible for most of the body image distortion that occurred. But fashion design must reflect authentic humanity, and more and more I’m beginning to see that sidelining the model issue isn’t going to work. I will be posting my own reflections in the near future, so stay tuned! And thanks for broadcasting this important topic
Thanks Tessa! I can’t wait to read your thoughts.