THE AGE OF BEAUTY IS NOW
August 4th 2023 Written by Jessica Eagles
Edited by Charlie Killen
I don’t know if you guys have noticed but when you watch a fashion show, an ad campaign or even adverts on TV do you ever wonder how old these models actually are. Whilst watching New York fashion week I never thought about this until I saw noticeably older people walking the runway. We obviously have our og models like Naiomie Campbell and Kate Moss but they literally haven’t aged a day. I mean honestly go look at their shoots and shows and compare them to now... Sure they are more mature but don’t show an ounce of any fine lines or a hint of crowfeet
So why haven’t we really seen any age diversity on our runways? Simple... The models are meant to express ideal womanhood. High fashion brands clothes are created by the elite for the elite and for them to keep going they need to make their models look as unattainable as possible. This doesn’t just mean age it means body type, skin colour, facial structure. These models express the ideal woman and anything less makes the brand look cheap. There has been debate about why this is still happening, designers blame agencies and scouts for supplying such small models however the agency says the designers have the capacity to provide bigger clothing that can fit someone older than a young teenager. Another reason they choose girls who are younger is also another simple one. The girls are easier to control, they ask for less and do as they are told. In most cases a lot of the girls you see on runways are new models as designers are constantly looking for fresh new faces. This not only puts the girl’s employment in a vulnerable position but it is literally creating this toxic idea that women are disposable.
So, what can we do to change this and what can the designer improve this. First off advocate for more diversity and push for what you believe in. Your own voice may seem small but when everyone is screaming the same thing someone is garneted to listen. Secondly call out brands, designers and shows that only show one type age, body and race. They have been getting away with it too long. From the designers, push for the inclusion of older women and not girls who have barley gone through puberty. Adapt to change, realise the power you hold. The designs may be only for the best of the best but the image you create trickles down into our everyday lives. Everyone wants to see themselves represented. BE THE ONE TO REPRESENT THEM!!!!
