100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
CO NT EN TS 01
The concept of my project is to collaborate Graphic Communication with Fashion since I have previously experimented with them in stage 2 and I am very keen to pursue my ideas. I plan to make experimental design work that considers the process of decision making. I intend the work to lead audiences to consider why mannequin and model body shapes have changed throughout the years and what effect this has on female society. My interests lie within print media and social media, therefore within this project I would like to create a print-based outcome that would be located and accessible within both a physical and digital space. To help my enquiry, I will research into who the most famous fashion models have been during the course of the last few years and I also want to consider a range of social media campaigns that have been made to battle female self-esteem problems. I am inspired by the work of fashion designers, for example the Moschino Spring Summer 2021 womenswear fashion show. Additionally, I would like to look into the work of photographers and how their work influences the modelling industry which I hope to expand my knowledge on in the project. As I evolve on my ideas, I realise that I may have to make some decisions which may result in changes to my project concept or aims, so I plan on creating a working document which will keep track of all processes of my project.
Pages 23-24
1960 TWIG Pages 3-4
Pages 27-28
GIBSON GIRL
DISCO DIVA
1910
1970
Pages 7-8
Pages 31-32
FLAPPER
SUPERMODEL
1920
1980
Pages 11-12
Pages 35-36
SOFT SIREN
WAIF
1930
1990
Pages 15-16
Pages 39-40
STAR SPANGLED
BUFF BEAUTY
1940
2000
Pages 19-20
Pages 43-44
HOURGLASS
BOOTY BABE
1950
2010
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
1910s
THE GIBSON GIRL The Gibson Girl is described as well-educated, poised young woman. The Gibson Girl led the way to future icons, like the flapper. They represented independence. This era was keen in corsets, long necks, sloped shoulders and big curls. Evelyn Nesbit became the first supermodel with a round, soft body gathered together in a small waist. Nesbit was a famous model, frequently photographed for newspapers, magazine advertisements, souvenir items, and calendars. Charles Gibson painted women from the 1900s; he created the "Gibson Girl" by observing various women in his life. Camille Clifford was his most famous, whose hourglass figure shaped the ideal look for women. This standard of beauty was invented by a man's drawing, rather than inspired by any existing woman. Live models were called "mannequins". Ethel Warwick was another popular model from this decade.
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Gibson Girls embodied the ideal of a tall, slender woman who stood out for her ‘S’ shape, achieved by wearing the Edwardian corset. The corset pushed the torso forward and pushed the hips out the back, giving a voluptuous look with large breasts and hips. The look, which was said to encourage good health and physical activity, was the invention of illustrator Charles Dana Gibson, but it was actress and model Camilla Clifford who defined the style. In the early years of the 1910s, the ideal body type was lean with a long waist and thinner hips. For those without this natural body type, the use of a new longer line corset helped achieve it. After WWI, women were asked to stop buying corsets because they used precious metal. As a result, women began wearing girdles to suck in and elongate the waist and thin the hips. As they sat below the breast, women began wearing brassieres.
https://flashbak.com/malcolm-scott-antarctic-explorers-brother-was-a-burlesque-sensation-47116/a-gibson-girl/
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
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OLD HOLLYWOOD FILMS Historically, the film industry has reflected ideal female body image in its actresses. Female stars represent the ideal body determined by society. Western media has caused an increase in the importance of physical appearance. Through editing and beauty standards, women have been left with low self-esteem, unhealthy eating, and a false view of body image. Historically, the film industry has reflected ideal female body image in its actresses. Female stars represent the ideal body determined by society. Western media has caused an increase in the importance of physical appearance. Through editing and beauty standards, women have been left with low self-esteem, unhealthy eating, and a false view of body image.
Reality shows about weight loss, such as the Biggest Loser, normalize the ideal of changing one’s appearance to “fit in”. These shows reinforce what a lot of women are already thinking according to a 2011 study, which revealed that 80.8% of women experience body dissatisfaction overall, causing them to show a higher interest in having cosmetic surgery. Reality shows about weight loss, such as the Biggest Loser, normalize the ideal of changing one’s appearance to “fit in”. These shows reinforce what a lot of women are already thinking according to a 2011 study, which revealed that 80.8% of women experience body dissatisfaction overall, causing them to show a higher interest in having cosmetic surgery.
Exposure to hundreds and thousands of inaccurate and unrealistic images sends the message that they are normal within society, when in fact, they are difficult if not impossible for most people to achieve. In fact, these images are almost always digitally manipulated, modified and enhanced to achieve this ‘ideal’ body image, creating an even larger gap between reality and what we see in the media. The impact of not being able to look like these characters is associated with decreased self-esteem, body satisfaction, depression, and eating disorders. Moreover, exposure to sexualizing media leads to self-objectification in young girls which feeds a destructive cycle of measuring self-esteem.
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
1920s THE FLAPPER Clara Bow Colleen Moore Louise Brooks Anita Page Valentina Schlee Dorothy Sebastian Joan Crawford
The 1920s saw the rise of the Flapper, an image built on a more rebellious and free-spirited nature. Skirt hemlines were shortened, allowing women to move, dance, and have more fun. A flat chest, streamlined, petite, straight body was ideal. Height was also important, with women wearing higher heels than they had previously. Flappers brought about a complete change in fashion and body type. Since they were gaining a taste of men's power, the ideal women's body became a more boyish figure. For the first time, the curvy, fertile look was gone. Girls wanted to look thin with no curves, and they were chopping their hair to shoulder length. Many people disagreed with this look and some U.S states even tried to pass laws on the length of skirts, the amount of skin allowed to be shown, and ban form-fitting outfits. This decade represented freedom. However, the Flapper went down hill and eventually ended whenever the stock market crashed and the Great Depression occurred because nobody could afford the look.
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https://www.v2mshop.com/?category_id=5899560
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ACCESS In a recent survey, 13% of women said they had considered cosmetic surgery, fillers or Botox because of their body image. Nowadays, people opt for plastic surgery so that they can experience more joy in life, a higher sense of satisfaction, and greater self-esteem. It has been shown that undergoing cosmetic surgery enhances self-confidence and body image. One of the most obvious benefits of cosmetic surgery is improvement in appearance. Research proves that people with a pleasing appearance tend to have high self-confidence and a more positive body image. Further findings revealed that viewing cosmetic surgery–related material on social media, spending longer hours own social media platforms, and having negative self-views when viewing social media are associated with an increased likelihood of considering
undergoing cosmetic procedures in the future. In a recent survey, 13% of women said they had considered cosmetic surgery, fillers or Botox because of their body image. Nowadays, people opt for plastic surgery so that they can experience more joy in life, a higher sense of satisfaction, and greater self-esteem. It has been shown that undergoing cosmetic surgery enhances self-con fidence and body image. One of the most obvious benefits of cosmetic surgery is mprovement in appearance. Research proves that people with a pleasing appearance tend to have high self-confidence and a more positive body image. One of the most obvious benefits of cosmetic surgery is improvement in appearance. In a recent survey, 13% of women said they had considered cosmetic surgery, fillers.
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SURGERY 10
1930s
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
THE SOFT SIREN Lisa Fonssagrives Bette Davis
like Katharine Hepburn embracing Smaller waist, bigger bust and small curves. Marlene Dietrich Jean Harlow was a sex symbol and size 34B. sportswear looks. After the Wallis Simpson Great Depression, women became more sub ‘The Bread Diet’ was a weight loss method, Samba and the Rumba needed hips to dance dued and conservative with their fashion. Vivien Leigh Down went the hemlines and the waistline to. Wide shoulders, thin waist, and wide hips Jean Harlow returned. During this decade there was were the look for the soft siren. Sort of particular focus on the shoulders, similar to the hourglass, everyone wanted to Ginger Rogers creating a triangle body shape. look curvy and thin. These women were very Carole Lombard. Smaller waist, bigger bust and small curves. bold. After The Flapper, the hemlines were Jean Harlow was a sex symbol and size 34B. lowered and women were more bold and ‘The Bread Diet’ was a weight loss method, showed their shoulders. The Great Depression made Samba and the Rumba needed hips to dance fashion an afterthought. Most women weren’t able to to. Wide shoulders, thin waist, and wide hips worry about having a skinny figure and the perfect clothes, were the look for the soft siren. Sort of so the ideal body type became slightly more full. Fashsimilar to the hourglass, everyone wanted to ion was heavily influenced by Hollywood’s glamour, look curvier, thinner and wear practical clothing. however, clothing became more practical with women
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https://www.suyanllo.xyz/ProductDetail.aspx?iid=198686559&pr=55.88
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WHAT CONSTITUTES FEMALE BEAUTY?
Feminine beauty ideals are mainly rooted in male opinions. The feminine beauty ideal traits include, but are not limited to, body shape, facial feature, skin tone, height, clothing style, hairstyle and body weight. A symmetrical facial appearance makes a woman appear harmonious. Women with a 'low waist-to-hip ratio’, commonly known as an ‘hourglass figure’ are seen to have the most attractive bodies. In todays' society, women are constantly pressured to fit certain standards of beauty in order to be considered “good looking”, however, these standards change over time, varying by culture and era in history. Women are influenced more by models than actors, while models are much thinner than the average person.
1940s
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
STAR-SPANGLED Cinched waists, soft bodies and fuller, cone-shaped breasts were in style, and new lingerie was marketed to meet this new look. The ideal body shape was plumper “sweater girl” or pin-up girl. Modelling became a viable career for women, with the emergence of the world’s first supermodels. Dorian Leigh was constantly booked for magazine covers and campaigns, due to her famous eyebrows. She was one of the most popular models and appeared on six Vogue. They were very patriotic and vintage.
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These girls would wear button up dresses with belts and collars. They would be cute and fashionable. They had thin waists and bodies. The style was very vintage and had a lot of stripes, like the American flag. Broad shoulders were popular. Bustline goes military with ‘torpedo’ and ‘bullet’ bras. A-list actresses were 5’8 which became the new ideal. The most aspired models were Lauren Bacall, Katherine Hepburn, Fiona Campbell-Walter, Jinx Falkenburg, Rita Hayworth, and Ava
Gardner. It was all about curves in the 1940s. With WWII, women once again moved into traditionally male roles, but softer materials such as silk and nylon saw the ideal body shape sexualised with big breasts, slim waists and swelling hips. Hair was glamorous and make up was in the pin up style. The ideal body shape was plumper “sweater girl” or pin-up girl. Modelling became a viable career for women, with the emergence of the world’s first supermodels, for example Dorian Leigh.
http://incountryvalueoman.net/homes.aspx?iid=52792914&cid=42
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SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram has a deep effect on teenage girls as it focuses on body and lifestyle, compared to TikTok’s dancing videos and Snapchat’s comedy filters. Instagram contributes to body image issues and depression because humans have an innate desire to compare themselves to others.
Instagram has a deep effect on teenage girls as it focuses on body and lifestyle, compared to TikTok’s dancing videos and Snapchat’s comedy filters. Instagram contributes to body image issues and depression because humans have an innate desire to compare themselves to others. “People have always wanted to present the best version of themselves to others. It’s just that on social media, people often present an enhanced, unrealistic version of their appearance.” Instagram has a deep effect on teenage girls as it focuses on body and lifestyle, compared to TikTok’s dancing videos and Snapchat’s comedy filters. Instagram contributes to body image issues and depression because humans have an innate desire to compare themselves to others. “People have always wanted to present the best
version of themselves to others. It’s just that on social media, people often present an enhanced, unrealistic version of their appearance.” Instagram has a deep effect on teenage girls as it focuses on body and lifestyle, compared to TikTok’s dancing videos and Snapchat’s comedy filters. Instagram contributes to body image issues and depression because humans have an innate desire to compare themselves to others. “People have always wanted to present the best version of themselves to others. It’s just that on social media, people often present an enhanced, unrealistic version of their appearance.” Instagram has a deep effect on teenage girls as it focuses on body and lifestyle.
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1950s
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
THE HOURGLASS Having wide hips and shoulders, but a thin waist, like an hourglass was trending. Marilyn Monroe had a very low weight and her waist was 27 inches. Because of her hourglass figure, her size was considered "plus" even though she was very thin. She got a lot of criticism for this even though it shouldn't have been a bad thing. Elizabeth Taylor measured 36/21/36. Hip and booty padding were sold to ‘round out’ female figures. ‘Bust cream’ was sold in magazines. Once the Great Depression and WWII were over, people were in the mood to celebrate, and with that indulgence came a slightly fuller figure. The hourglass figure was sought after and having a large bust was popular. Nowadays, people think the sex symbols of the 1950s were plus sized, although were still very thin, they just had boobs. Anne Marie Wooldridge featured in an advert, showing that black women occasionally got a commercial ad, but weren’t hired for high-fashion, editorial work.
Marilyn Monroe Dovima Barbara Goalen Jayne Mansfield Carmen Dell’Orefice Suzy Parker Bettina Graziani
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20 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/experts-reveal-how-ideal-body-shapes-have-changed-over-the-decades/5BZHLL5EYSXA5YIB3JNXB25QLU/
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
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60 100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
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THE TWIG
The ideal was wide hips, petite, delicate, doll-faces. Amphetamines were prescribed for weight loss. Twiggy was 5’6 and 91 pounds. The ideal image at this time was to be very thin and no curves. Women wanted to look like a twig, straight and small.
Jean Shrimpton Peggy Moffitt
Twiggy’s popularity and famously thin figure marked a shift away from curvy models to a more slender physique. Naomi Sims became the first black woman to cover ’Ladies Home Journal’, breaking down social barriers. Lauren Hutton was the first model to sign an exclusive contract with a cosmetics brand (Revlon). Veruschka was declared "most beautiful woman in the world" by Richard Avedon.
Donyale Luna
Colleen Corby Veruschka
Pattie Boyd
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s
https://www.retrowaste.com/1960s/fashion-in-the-1960s/twiggy/
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A
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DVERTS AND CAMPAIGNS Dove Self-Esteem 2020 ‘Reverse Selfie’ Girls aged 10–17 were surveyed: 80% of girls have downloaded a filter or used an app to change the way they look in photos by the age of 13.67% of girls try to change or hide at least one body part/ feature before posting a photo of themselves. 59% of girls with lower body esteem regularly d istort their photos before posting them on social media. 37% of girls say they don’t look good enough without any photo e diting These girls said that if ages on social media were more representative of the way women look in everyday life, they would feel m o r e confide -nt: 67% o f
girls say they would not end up feeling judged on the way they look. 66% of girls would be less worried about the way they look. In 2020, Dove fought for real beauty standards by pushing into the activist digital era with a hard-hitting new campaign – Reverse Selfie. The crucial issue of women and girls’ self-esteem is a huge issue, as Dove highlights the widespread damage caused by the trend of heavily edited selfies. Social media is a big part of young people’s lives, but retouching apps and the pressure to post the ‘perfect selfie’ are hurting their self-esteem and confidence. Dove Self-Esteem 2020 ‘Reverse Selfie’ Girls aged s on social media were more representaheavily edited selfies. Social media is a big part of young people’s lives. 66% of girls would be less worried about the way they look. In 2020, Dove fought for real beauty standards by pushing into the activist digital era with a hard-hitting new campaign – Reverse Selfie. The crucial issue of women and girls’ self-esteem is a huge issue, as Dove highlights the widespread damage caused by the trend of heavily edited selfies. Social media is a big part of young people’s lives, but retouching apps and the pressure to post the ‘perfect selfie’ are hurting their self-esteem and confidence. Dove Self-Esteem 2020 ‘Reverse Selfie’ Girls aged s on social media were more representaheavily edited selfies.
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
1970s
THE DISCO DIVA At this time, it was all about dancing, glitter, and afros. The 1970s was about being in the spotlight. Janice Marie and Hazel Payne were idolised for playing the electric bass and guitar. Women aspired to be long, lean, dancing queens, and followed a low-carb diet. Virginia Slims advertised cigarettes for weight loss. Popular model, Farrah Fawcett, had 34B bust size. An androgynous and thinner look was part of the counterculture movemwent which rejected conformity. This sharp change in ideals was difficult for women to keep up with, and fuelled a
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Lynda Carter Cheryl Tiegs Christie Brinkley Cheryl Tiegs Iman Linda Morand Lauren Hutton Margaux Hemingway Gia Carangi Farrah Fawcett Janice Dickinson
massive growth in the diet industry. Beverly Johnson became the first African-American model to cover on Vogue. It was a major milestone for inclusivity in the industry and paved the way for women of color in the modeling business. At this time, it was all about dancing, glitter, and afros. It was all about being in the spotlight. Janice Marie and Hazel Payne were idolised for playing the electric bass and guitar. Long, lean, dancing queen. Low-carb diet. Virginia Slims advertised cigarettes for weight loss. Popular model, Farrah Fawcett, had 34B bust size.
https://www.pinterest.com/brendywendi/karen-graham/
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
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FEMALE BODY STANDARDS ARE EVERCHANGING Naturally, beauty is an individual perception, the aim of this project was to show the fleeting nature of what society deems as beautiful upon a woman’s body. Humans have always tried to change themselves to look how the perfect female body ought to look like. Simultaneously, they have also been unable to stick to any specific beauty ideal for a prolonged period of time. Beauty ideals have changed significantly throughout the ages. Nonetheless, society has always tried to enforce whichever fad was prevalent at some time period, and whoever deviated from some beauty standard got labeled as ugly. What we consider a perfect female body in 21st century differs from what people considered beautiful in various other time periods and cultures. Nowadays, popular culture has created a very specific image of how a beautiful woman ought to look like. A woman must be very thin with hardly any fat on her body. Simultaneously, she also needs large breasts. Those with naturally pale skin must be sun-tanned. In the 21st century, modeling agencies and fashion magazines insist that skinny women are the prettiest, but people didn’t always agree with this opinion in previous years. Naturally, beauty is an individual perception, the aim of this project was to show the fleeting nature of what society deems as beautiful upon a woman’s body. Humans have always tried to change themselves to look how the perfect female body ought to look like.
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
1980s
THE SUPERMODEL Being tall, having long, thin legs, and being sporty was all the rage. In the 1980s, the supermodel look was very popular. Legs were the main idea of the supermodel look and most people wanted to have them. An athletic look became popular. Incredibly toned, slim women were considered incredibly attractive. Linda Evangelista was referred to as “the chameleon” of the modeling industry due to her ever-evolving hairstyles and beauty looks. Elle Macpherson was famously dubbed “The Body” of the era. Brooke Shields appeared in a campaign for Calvin Klein jeans. Cindy Crawford is known for her signature beauty spot above her lip. Legs. Sports bra were trending during the jogging craze. Ella McPherson aka ‘the body’ was 6 feet.
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Naomi Campbell Kathy Ireland Ines de la Fressange Jerry Hall Paulina Porizkova Helena Christensen
https://the-original-supermodels.tumblr.com/post/185018462861/elle-uk-1987-naomi-campbell-by-martin-brading
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The modelling industry gives young girls, particularly those under the age of 16, the pressure to acquire a perfect body type. This pressure has unfortunately caused many girls to develop eating disorders, like bulimia, anorexia, and dismorphia, to look like the models on the runway. The United States should issue stricter rules on how models look in advertisements and on the runway, so young female audiences can be content with their body. There are so many negative impacts of the thin-ideal. Most girls that strut down a runway are between the ages of 14 to 19, 5-foot-11, with an average weight of 120 to 124 pounds. So if a young girl, still growing into her own body, looks at herself in the mirror and doesn’t see that, what exactly is she supposed to think? “The promotion of the thin, sexy ideal in our culture has created a situation where the majority of girls and women don’t like their bodies,” says body-image researcher Sarah Murnen, professor of psychology at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. “And body dissatisfaction can lead girls to participate in very unhealthy behaviors to try to control weight.” A research study performed by Todd Morrison and Emer Sheahan recognized that “sociocultural norms and values in Western societies, particularly those portrayed in the mainstream media, are often proposed as major contributors to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among women.” These researchers also concluded that the thinbody ideal, which refers to “the extent to which an individual cognitively buys into socially defined and unrealistic ideals of attractiveness,” has a correlation to girls developing eating disorders. proposed as major contributors to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among women.” Although there are obvious claims for how altering a photo to make the body slimmer or by only hiring size-0 models can negatively impact how a young girl thinks about her own body, there are still many women and organizations that support these trends.
THE MODELLING INDUSTRY’S IMPACT ON THE YOUTH
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90 100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
Heidi Klum Niki Taylor
Stephanie Seymour Karen Alexander James King
Stella Tennant
Carolyn Murphy Alek Wek
Gisele Bündchen
19 WAIF
Waif: used to describe an extremely thin woman, commonly with big eyes. During this time it wasn’t so much about clothing, like before; it was about their body size. They usually don’t wear makeup or jewellery and wear long baggy dresses or T-shirts. Spanx were created and low fat diet was encouraged. Kate Moss’ Klein campaign sparked a skinnier look and said “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”. Tyra Banks was the first African-American woman to cover GQ and Sports Illustrated. Mixed, non-European ethnic and racial backgrounds are portrayed in media. Claudia Schiffer was the face of Chanel. Christy Turlington was “Face of the 20th Century” and face of Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Maybelline. Sophie Dahl was one of the first fuller-figured models: “Starving is not sexy”.
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s
https://www.camille.co.uk/blog/2013/10/which-body-ideal-do-you-fit-into/kate-moss-photographed-by-corinne-day-1990/
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LACK OF BODY DIVERSITY
IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY
When you sit down and open up a fashion magazine, what do you see? Tall, skinny, white women. It’s the same in almost every magazine, except a few. The diversity in the modeling industry is improving, but very slowly. This hyper-skinny look has been defined as the ideal beauty standard in the American modelling industry and this has negative impacts. Many women, and especially young girls, are being influenced by the media and are being seriously impacted by the pressure to look like the women that they see plastered all around them. There is nothing wrong with being skinny, but there is something wrong with the idea that a size 2 is superior to a size 10. Many models have been turned away from photoshoots for being “too fat” and as a consequence, some have developed eating disorders. So, why does body diversity matter so much?
For teenagers, depiction goes much deeper than viewing relatable images. Because they internalize the messages they see, this can greatly affect their self-esteem. These images are impactful with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. The message is to do whatever it takes to be skinny. It is worrying for young girls as these images bombard them and teach them that the most significant part about them is their appearance. What society needs to focus on is to normalize all body types and promote better health. The bodies we see are not natural, but are technologically altered. These images pressure viewers to meet an impossible standard. Unfortunately, girls see these images and turn to unhealthy means to gain this desirable body. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders shares that when one feels poorly about their appearance, they are more vulnerable to other mental disorders.
It is vital that all body types are represented so women can relate to what they see and not feel the pressure of being expected to look a certain way. The lack of diversity also has an affect on men, as the message indicates that being muscular is associated with self-acceptance. I believe an important goal in making progress is to encourage people of all body types to pursue their dreams. I find it critical that the modeling industry promotes overall diversity, no matter the body type, so that people feel beautiful in who they are and that both their body and mind is stable. I find it vital that we fight back against the modeling industry by seeking out social media accounts that promote strength and health at every body size, refrain from body bashing and engage in appropriate eating habits and exercise. Much of what we view in the modeling industry is toxic and it is time for a change. It is time that the culture in this industry learns to value and appreciate true diversity and beauty.
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2000s
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
BUFF BEAUTY
During this time, the ideal image of the female body had changed to being very fit. Women wanted to be muscly and some would do spray-on abs just to get the look. Muscled, midriff-exposed was a popular look thanks to Britney Spears. The female body was all about appearing long and lean. There was a lot of attention on flat stomachs, and the thigh gap became idolised. This decade was dominated by Brazilian Bombshells, Russian dolls, and baby-faced beauties. Karlie Kloss and Adriana Lima became the most famous Victoria’s Secret Angels.
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Coco Rocha Kate Upton Jourdan Dunn Devon Aoki Liya Kebede Ling Tan Daria Werbowy Gemma Ward Lily Cole Agyness Deyn Chanel Iman Miranda Kerr Natalia Vodianova
In the 2000s, mental and physical health were very important. Juicing, yoga, meditation, healthy eating and conscious living promote the ideal and it had been popularised by Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and Miranda Kerr. During this time, the ideal image of the female body had changed to being very fit. Women wanted to be muscly and some would do spray-on abs just to get the look. Muscled, midriff-exposed was a popular look thanks to Britney Spears. The female body was all about appearing long and lean. the thigh gap became idolised.
s
https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/gallery/devon-aoki-noughties-style
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
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2010s
100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS
THE BOOTY BABE More recently, the ideal image of the female body is to have a thin waist and more curvy. Women wanting a big booty and a small waist, similar to the hourglass look. Kim Kardashian ‘breaks the internet’ with her backside. Nicki Minaj sang “I got a big fat ass”. Nike launched a ‘My butt is big’ advert. Megan Trainor released her ‘All about that bass’ song. Ashley Graham has inspired a plus-size representation in modelling. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are working their way into the modelling world after building huge social-media followings. Winnie Harlow started her career on “America’s Next Top Model” and became one of the most famous contestants. Kelsey Merritt became the first Filipino woman to walk for Victoria’s Secret Fashion.
Reeling from the heroin chic trend of the 90s which glorified nearly emaciated bodies and drug use, the 2000s continued the idea that being skinny was something one should aspire to be. Diet culture constantly degraded anybody that was above a size 2. Style icons like Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera made a habit of showing off their slender physiques. The rigid body standards of this decade were also unattainable by those in the public eye. The media loved to pick on celebrities they thought were too big or too skinny and constantly handed out negative remarks. The “skinny is pretty” mindset drove many healthy people to feel like their bodies weren’t adequate, dishing out insecurities that many millennials still struggle with to this day.
Cara Delevingne Bella Hadid Joan Smalls Chrissy Teigen Anok Yai Emily Ratajkowski Andreja Pejíc
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Many trends of the early 2000s thrived off of exclusivity. Many stars of the century had what was considered the “ideal body” needed to rock these trends which almost always consisted of a flat, toned stomach. Having a flat midriff was unrealistic for most, yet this was the only figure that was idolized because only so few could achieve it. Because of this, being able to feel like you belonged in the trendiest clothes felt like gaining an invitation into an elite club. In shows and movies, relatively thin actors used fat suits for punchlines of jokes. People who weren’t model thin were continually seen as less than, and the trends of the era helped to enable this way of thinking by reinforcing a size 0 as the ideal body type.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-inside-story-of-kim-kardashian-wests-billion-dollar-shapewear-bet-11562584021
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100 YEARS OF FEMALE BODY STANDARDS https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/plus-size-models-fashion-industry-inclusivity
R
ecently, more plus-size models are being accepted in the modelling community and a wider, more inclusive representation of female bodies are shown in the fashion industry. Inclusion is finally starting to get the attention it deserves, but there is still a long way to go in the fashion industry. Every brand should aim to be more inclusive, even if they start with a small step.
N OW INCLUSIVITY
Fashion is all about expressing yourself, and there is currently a group of people who may not be able to express themselves to their fullest potential. They might not be able to find clothes that fit, or that look good on their body type and skin tone.
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DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
Participation of older, plussize, transgender and non-binary models, as well as those with disabilities is still rare. Plus-size models accounted for just 0.69% of those who walked the runways last season, while only 0.77% were openly transgender women and non-binary models. Although there have been moves towards inclusivity over the last few years (the autumn/winter 2015 VOGUE runways, for instance, were 80% white), so much more remains to be done.
W
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WANT TO TALK..?
Mental health helplines
Body image campains
YOUNGMINDS text YM to 85258
Dove Self-Esteem Reverse Selfie
THE MIX call 0808 808 4994
Mind Over Mirror 2021 Campaign
CHILDLINE Call 0800 1111
Youngminds Coping With Life
...REACH OUT Positive influencers Danae Mercer @danaemercer
Or contact me! Email layla.maybank@icloud.com
Ambar Driscoll @ambardriscoll
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Tiffany Ima @tiffanyima
Phone number 07927 699934
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Layla Maybank