Fashion range OneStopPlus showed the first ever plus size show at New York Fashion Week. Plus size super model Crystal Renn walked in several shows including Zac Posen. And around the globe there was much celebration for the shift in attitudes toward 'curvy' women.
But is it a shift in attitude or a financial imperative?
Since last week I have had several media outlets contacting me for comment on this issue — all with a bent toward the 'isn't this a good thing'. And of course it is. Anything that broadens the social acceptance of what is attractive, and provides strong, beautiful role models for the young is an excellent thing in my book. But in our excitement, have we really got the whole attitude shift right or are we setting ourselves up for disppointment?
I think that the fashion industry is in financial trouble. They need to stay in business and so need to look at broadening their market. Where can they find a large untapped market with plenty of money? Oh, well obviously the vast majority of people — more than half of which do not currently fit into their sizes. And there you have it. Financial imperative trumps attitude shift any day.
The good thing is, however, that knock on effect can RESULT in a change in attitude. And that would be a very good thing indeed.