Anna Wintour wants models to beef up

Posted Dec 14th 2006 at 12:39PM by Anne Metz (Subscribe to Anne Metz's posts)

Filed under: CELEBRITY STYLE, Fashion, Celebrity, Runway Report

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour isn't exactly known for her empathetic spirit. She is, nonetheless, doing her part to seem like a responsible force in the fashion world by hosting a symposium to discuss the options for tackling the problem of underweight models.

Wintour, who has voiced her opposition to government regulation of the industry, seems keen on working toward a self-regulating set of standards for normalizing the modeling world.

I have to be honest though, the "symposium" smacks of an insincere public relations stunt. If you look at the models this old hag has chosen for Vogue's editorial spreads, you can tell that she is just as committed to the rapidly diminishing waistline as she is to fawning over Proenza Schouler's spring collection.

Call me a cynic, but I seriously doubt that Anna Wintour has had anything resembling a change of heart. (Does she even have a heart?) My guess is that all of this is out of simple self-preservation, not a genuine concern for public health.

Source

Tags: Anna Wintour, AnnaWintour, BMI, media, skinny models, SkinnyModels, Vogue

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)

Moi 12-14-2006 @ 4:39PM

I agree!

Dyanna 12-23-2006 @ 3:16PM

Can we all please face the fact that models won't be changing their appearance anytime in the next century? Magazines won't change their goals, views, morals, or "hearts" in favor of setting examples for our youth either. Skinny has been the style for decades, and no speech or outcry or protest is going to change that. All we can do is teach eachother to love ourselves, and actually MEAN it. Don't come down hard on this woman... she's doing her job. As sad as it is, please don't lose sleep over it. When she dies, 4 million women will be lined up to take her place in this wonderful world of "fashion" as we know it.

Lauren 12-20-2006 @ 8:49PM

Truthfully, Anna's intentions do not matter to me in the least. Any step is a good step if it is in the direction of having models that look healthier walk down the runway ... even if it IS for her to gain popularity and a slightly better reputation (though I'm quite sure she'll have to do much more than this to do that). This "Thin Is In" trend has gone on for far too long!

Guy 12-20-2006 @ 8:22PM

Who the hell wants to see FAT women modeling clothes - NOT ME!! I mean I don't want to see anorexic women either (even more disgusting) but I certainly do not want to see a 200 pound of either sex modeling anything (far more disgusting)! Just show me models of either gender that are in good physical condition with flat tummys and that is good. You want to buy blimps - see GoodYear, you want tents - see Omar BUT if you want ME to buy YOUR clothes for MY Wife - show me a fit trim model and not some fatso or pleasantly plump bimbo. My wife is thin and trim and physically in fantastic condition so that is how I want to see clothes for her to wear! Oh and by the way get rid of the fake boobs would be more important or even overly endowed women. Small ones are much more acceptable!! My opinion only matters to me but my dollars can matter to you!

Jennifer Allen 12-20-2006 @ 9:33PM

Whether comcerned for presenting a healthy image or not, if that's the end benefit, what does it matter what prompts the move toward using heavier models?

anorexic model 12-20-2006 @ 8:28PM

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

danielle 12-21-2006 @ 1:24PM

I agree with the comment above. I dont want to see overly sized women on the magazines or runways. But i do think that women should have a nice shape and be fit not sickly looking that's nasty.

Bevely 12-20-2006 @ 8:40PM

It all depends what type of model the industry is looking for, each model has a different side of style, too be very thin is unappealing as well as being over weight, but too have a side from slender to medium is all in what is appealing to the industry. I have semi ties in the fashion industry, it all depends on what is in, I have been told I did not have the look that they were looking for, I am tall very attractive, it depends on the Industry and what sells. We all have comments on what is in and whats not.

chelsea 12-20-2006 @ 8:35PM

PLEEAASE! "Fatter" models? Why does everything have to be about extremes? We should be promoting HEALTH... not bones, not obesity. Or by "fatter" do they mean not 20 pounds underweight, only 10 pounds underweight! Using the word "fatter" still sends the message that being anorexic is acceptable, even encouraged. I think models should have to take a BMI test and only those within the healthy weight range should be able to get work. Promote a balanced diet, not diet pills...promote moderate exercise, promote balance!!

... 12-20-2006 @ 8:35PM

Guy, when your opinion has any validity then you can talk. And your dollar means nothing to me.

Nadia F 12-20-2006 @ 8:39PM

I am 5'6" and about 135 everybody says Im too fat to model. I think people like me should get an oppurtunity.

Corrie 12-20-2006 @ 8:40PM

I would like to see women of all sizes modeling clothes. The world is full of every shape and size and every one of them has dollars to spend. You don't want to see something, you don't watch it. Simple as that. And as for your wife, Guy, I feel bad for her cause you're an a***hole. I think it's worth getting fat if it'll make you go away.

Lonnie Wells 12-20-2006 @ 8:40PM

I understand your concerns regarding you and the clothes you buy your wife, but even if she is fit and trim, she can't represent all women. whether you want to admit it or not everyone are not her size. I think it's a great idea Anna Wintour that she's considering the rest of the world.It's not like there won't be anything sold to fit her.I'm sure that's never been a problem anyway. Thanks Anna ,keep up the good work.

Kiki-Bug 1-04-2007 @ 6:16AM

I think the fashion industry needs to become accountable and self-regulate.
What started out as perhaps a PR stunt, may turn actually help the industry.
Time will tell.

Melissa 12-20-2006 @ 8:41PM

I don think by 'fatter' they mean 200 lbs. I think they are referring to the average weight and size for these models...maybe a little less.

Melissa 12-21-2006 @ 3:35PM

I dont think by 'fatter' they mean 200 lbs. They are most likely referring to the average weight and size of women.

Cheryl Rundle 12-21-2006 @ 5:26PM

People (men and women) are consumers. Our fashion money is tied to what looks good and feels comfortable on us. We are generally not shaped like models. We are shorter and probably have curves. I want to see people who look "normal" and are healthy. I want to convey to teenage girls, especially, that their self-esteem and health is extremely important. If you want my money-----look like me.

Jeanine 12-20-2006 @ 8:50PM

I'd have to say....... I think there should be heavy models as well as thin. There are body types of all sizes and shapes. If you see a fashion on a thin body, and expect it to look the same on a full figured person, it isn't going to look the same as well if it was modeled on a thin person. Face it everyone, there are many full figuered ...MEN & WOMEN everywhere. I do believe there is nothing wrong with "LARGER MODELS"

SuzyQ. 12-20-2006 @ 9:07PM

IT'S ABOUT TIME. I'M THE MOTHER OF A DAUGHTER AND GRANDDAUGHTER AND I WOULD NEVER WANT THEM TO BE EMACIATED. THE CURRENT AND PAST MODELS WERE ALMOST SKELETAL. VERY SAD.

Ashley 12-20-2006 @ 8:49PM

models of all sizes would be perfect. Not just big models but also smaller ones. It will show women of all diferent body shapes how they would look in the clothes that designers have to offer. I am so glad you posted this article