NPR on FASHION

So, I was riding in the car with my dad today, and he ALWAYS listens to NPR (National Public Radio).

Amidst listening to the boring BLAH, BLAH, BLAH of today's news, my ears perked up when I heard the word FASHION! The reporter even sounded surprised to be speaking on the subject!

The report was very interesting. Apparently, Germany's top fashion magazine, Brigitte, has planned to cease all use of professional models, and will only use 'REAL' women in the magazine's photo spreads next year. Brigitte chose to do this to separate itself from the 'rail-thin' image of beauty that we have all become accustom to seeing in every outlet of fashion. The magazine's readers have 'reportedly' been writing in to express that they are tired of seeing bones popping out of the size 0 models used in the photos....

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I don't like the phrase 'real women' because it can be discriminatory in my eyes, however, I will back NPR up in reference to this saying because Brigitte plans to use ACTUAL real women. Not necessarily 'plus size,' but the magazine plans to use it's regular readers and other prominent women in next year's photo spreads. Kudos to you: Brigitte Magazine!

SIDE NOTE: (Directed to Brigitte) PICK ME!! I want to model. ☻LOL
But seriously, if you happen to live in Germany and read the magazine regularly, you should send your picture in with a short bio. They might use you in a spread!

To all my fashionistas, the industry is changing ladies/gents. I predict a real paradigm shift in the next few years in regards to size and body image. Lots of magazines are moving towards the 'plus size' or 'real women' trend. If this trend persists, designers will follow.

Maybe sz. 8 will be the new 2! Who knows what the 2012 runways will look like. Imagine all size 8 models!!! Well let's not push it, I think couture designers would rather slit their wrists! J/K!!

FUN FACTS!

*"In 2007, the U.S. Council of Fashion of Designers of America issued voluntary guidelines to curb the use of overly thin models." -NPR.com

*"Fashion officials in Madrid set a minimum body-mass index, and those in Milan tightened restrictions. Efforts gained urgency after 21-year-old Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died of anorexia in November 2006, weighing 88 pounds (40 kilos)." -NPR.com

P.S.
Louisa von Minckwitz, who owns the German-based Louisa Models agency, told The Associated Press she believed the ban on models was a marketing gag that would not last for long.
"Women want to see clothes on a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing person," von Minckwitz said.

Sounds like Brigitte has a HATER!! Understandably though. German modeling agencies will lose business.

WELL, it's gonna be some broke skinny models in Germany next year!! Or either they'll be fleeing the country!! I guess we'll be seeing the NEW Heidi Klum in America soon... LOL