Heroin chic is stalking the catwalks again
The London Standard|September 26, 2024
Stick-thin models are filling my social media — and it's seriously worrying
Adot Gak
Heroin chic is stalking the catwalks again

Heroin chic never truly left — but now it’s here with a vengeance I haven’t seen in years. Why now? It feels like an insult to the past decade of progress on size inclusivity in the fashion industry. There’s also the influence of powerful new drugs, but more on that later.

One might think that the business has changed dramatically. From my perspective as a model, though, it’s the same. Fashion week is still an absolute nightmare for me and my friends in the industry — especially when it comes to the measuring tapes. I’ve been thin most of my life but when it comes to modelling I’ve never felt like I was enough, despite having the perfect measurements.

I grew up in a culture that praises and celebrates women with curves and big butts — an amazing body type in itself — and being skinny wasn’t something that was celebrated.

I worked at McDonald’s for years trying to gain weight because I was so thin. I was bullied — at home as well as at school — and called all kinds of names. There were even times when I would miss school so I didn’t get bullied.

My mom took me to all different kinds of doctors to try and find a way for me to gain some weight. Nothing helped. Not overeating, not eating fast food, not even birth control.

Nothing. I have tried it all. But even though I am in a society which celebrates me as I am, I’ve had my fair share of eating disorders and extreme body dysmorphia. For the longest time I thought I was the only one but most models go through it. Thirty-four inches on the hips is the ideal size and that is the size most models struggle with. Some models go days without eating. If they do eat it’s just one meal a day to keep the weight off.

Fashion month’s dark side

This story is from the September 26, 2024 edition of The London Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 26, 2024 edition of The London Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE LONDON STANDARDView All
'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger
The London Standard

'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger

As our final appeal total hits £3.46million we talk to a beneficiary of Refugees at Home a charity we are funding thanks to your amazing support

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Make new and lasting changes
The London Standard

Make new and lasting changes

The start of a new year often inspires positive changes, and for those seeking to reclaim their mental health and wellbeing, Ibiza Calm provides a haven of transformation and healing

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings
The London Standard

Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings

Have you ever wondered why you feel constantly tired, experience brain fog or struggle with health issues like skin problems, pain or mood swings?

time-read
1 min  |
January 23, 2025
The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout
The London Standard

The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout

Chefs: duller than you think. Sporting rumours of delinquency still propagate—’shrooms at award shows, clingfilm mischief — but the naughty boys and girls are largely a lost breed.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Make room for what matters
The London Standard

Make room for what matters

The new year is here, and it's the perfect time to reset and refocus.

time-read
1 min  |
January 23, 2025
She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen
The London Standard

She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen

It has been two years since action thriller The Night Agent landed on Netflix, but Luciane Buchanan, the breakout star of this twisty hit, still gets messages about it — ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?
The London Standard

Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?

Chairman would solve nothing by sacking Ange — he must spend

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?
The London Standard

Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?

Pity the poor souls doing it but it's also a blight on our streets

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits
The London Standard

A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits

Nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Tracy Tredoux suggests ways to start the new year as you mean to go on

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Ski's chicest, for before and après
The London Standard

Ski's chicest, for before and après

This season's essential skiing guide for any budget

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025