A heated debate has erupted in Australia over the inclusion of both straight and plus-size models in a Sports Illustrated fashion show, which featured both skinny and plus-size models modelling swimwear.
An article appeared in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph criticising the appearance of plus-size models on the catwalk, calling the decision to invite them irresponsible. A medical expert interviewed by the journalist said that such models promote a lifestyle that is dangerous to health.
Other experts who spoke for the article believe that girls of any body type can participate in fashion shows.
The controversy began when columnist Soraya Fuda wrote: “If the fashion industry decides to stop using models who have starved themselves to the point of being skin and bones, it should not choose unhealthy body types of other types either.”
Sports Illustrated editor MJ Day responded that “beauty doesn’t mean everyone has to be one size.”
Doctors have also entered the fray. Brad Frankam, president of the Australian Medical Association of New South Wales, compared obesity to smoking: “If a model walked down the catwalk smoking a cigarette, that would be a very unhealthy sign. And in the same way, if very fat or obese models model clothes, that means we welcome obesity. That’s very dangerous.”
Frankham believes that some of the models in the Sports Illustrated show were obese.
Professor John Dixon, head of the Obesity Research Centre, in turn, believes that models should represent society, which means they can be of any size.
“28 per cent of Australians are overweight. It’s a deeply offensive statement that fat people don’t belong on the catwalk,” he said.
