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.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
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.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'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
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
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?
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.
Make room for what matters
The new year is here, and it's the perfect time to reset and refocus.
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.
Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?
Chairman would solve nothing by sacking Ange — he must spend
Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?
Pity the poor souls doing it but it's also a blight on our streets
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
Ski's chicest, for before and après
This season's essential skiing guide for any budget