The Thin Thing

"What you two don't seem to realize is that inside of me, inside of me, there is a thin person just screaming to get out."--Jennifer Saunders as Eddie in Absolutely Fabulous

So I read Women's Wear Daily...daily. And for the past two weeks every other headline has been about weight regulations for runway models.

A couple issues sparked this debate.
First, and sadly, this model, Ana Carolina Reston...

...died of complications due to anorexia at the age of 21. She weighed 88 pounds.

Also (perhaps as a result), Italy's Chamber of Fashion...

...has been pushing for models to have a license guaranteeing that they are healthy before walking in Milanese fashion shows, they're at least 16, and have a healthy Body Mass Index (18.5). All of this will be regulated by doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, experts, etc.

Most designers have been mum on the issue, probably because they know that the industry just won't change. I mean...Tyra totally stopped having the one token 'plus sized model' on America's Next Top Model...

...perhaps because they realized that putting the 'big girl' through all the hoopla was a waste of everyone's time.

I am the number one supporter of healthy weight. When my sixteen year old sister (Lord Help Her!) wrote me the following, "Hey if you have any model gigs you know of....hook me up puhlease because im losing the weight and really want to do it!" my other sisters and I proceeded to figuratively shake her and scream, "WHY are you trying to lose weight??" Thankfully my younger sister has more sense (I hope), and will simulataneously pursue her education while healthfully pursuing her modeling dreams.

Here's my argument: There are certain types of vocations that you have a natural predilection for. I like to write. I've written all my life. Therefore I'm a writer. Not so good with numbers, so I don't work in finance. Though I'd LOVE to get a phat check (and matching bonus) like an I-banker, I'm gonna go ahead and stash those dreams away...because I can barely carry the one.
Modeling is great, but if you're not one of those rare women who can eat a full buffet and not put on a pound, opt out of the big fashion business.

Do what you can do. Everyone has a path. Follow it.

And my honest suggestion for big women who want to model?
Eat a chicken wing....

...and land the cover of King.
Smootches!

News:
*Gucci signed a lease for a 45,000 square foot, three level store at 725 Fifth Avenue in the Trump Tower. Sounds like a Fashion Bomb wonderland!

One of my dreams is to go into a Gucci store one day and play around as Mariah and Andre Leon Talley did in the LV store in the 'Say Somethin' Video. Don't remember it? Here it is: