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US fashion group calls for more diversity in model size
NEW YORK, Jan 5, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A trade group representing hundreds of
America’s designers has called on the fashion industry to showcase women of
greater size diversity, such as plus-size models Ashley Graham and Candice
Huffine.
Graham, of Nebraska, in 2016 became the first plus-size model to make the
cover of “Sports Illustrated.” She also appeared on the cover of “Vogue,”
helping to break down barriers in the notoriously snooty fashion world.
“We are beginning to see signs of fashion moving in the right direction,”
Marc Karimzadeh and Nicky Campbell wrote on the website of the Council of
Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which says it represents more than 500
men’s and women’s designers as well as jewelry and accessory designers.
“Designers such as Michael Kors and Christian Siriano are casting models
that defy tradition,” they said in a reference to the fashion world’s
longstanding preference for slimness.
“Body Positivity is important in fashion and we want to see more designers
and companies embrace this in 2019,” the CFDA communication officials wrote.
A movement to recognize alternate body types started in 2017 at New York
Fashion Week, with runway shows by Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano and
Michael Kors.
In September, the CFDA launched with plus-sized brand Dia&Co the
#TeeUpChange campaign to encourage greater diversity in size among young
creators.
It also collaborated last year with Universal Standard, a brand that offers
to exchange a piece of clothing in the year following its purchase if the
customer’s size changes.
“In the past year, we put more focus on size inclusivity,” through the
Dia&Co and Universal Standard tie-ups, “and it continues to be a focus going
forward,” Karimzadeh told AFP.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1004 hrs