Mackenzie Fehr and Hayley Lagler are happy to discuss positivity around body inclusivity on Oct.8. Photo by Keira Astalos.
From runways to pageants, models have taken a dramatic shift in appearance for what used to be an industry standard. Accepting diverse body sizes has been the new norm for the fashion industry. Although inclusivity has been something that has been fought and worked hard for, there have been questions about whether this is something that belongs in every fashion show.
Victoria Secret is one of the biggest modeling agencies in the world who has brought back their infamous fashion show after a three year hiatus. With the show making a return, Victoria Secret fans speculated they were going to see the typical models they have every year. The tall, skinny picture-perfect angel. This angel was considered the beauty standard for years, but this year we have seen a dramatic shift. When they released the 2023 runway selection, we saw Victoria Secret models of all different shapes and sizes. Analyn Thomson, one of the organizers for Southern Alberta Fashion Week, shares how she feels about the inclusivity in the fashion world.
“People like inclusivity, people like all gender and all ethnicities. But when you showcase something online with people that are tall, skinny and blonde and have all those qualities, you get more likes and views people look for that and you cannot get rid of that stigma. We need to evolve from that.”
Analyn Thomson says the impact the fashion world has on all women is insurmountable, this industry can determine and shape the minds of what many people feel is an acceptable body type. Julia Alexander Former Miss Taber Pageant Queen shares how important body Inclusivity really is.
“When I met with a modeling agency I came in for a meeting and they measured everything on my body to the point of measuring to see how close or far my eyes were apart.”
Victoria Secret is embracing the change and stepping forward with promoting a new realistic norm when it comes to things like beauty and body type. Every type of body has a place in this world and it is important to promote that says Thomson. She wants to show that in their Southern Alberta Fashion shows.
“For Southern Alberta fashion week, we do have a different vision when it comes to fashion. Its very inclusive with size, age and ethnicity. Everyone can be fashionable with whatever clothes they prefer to use.”
Julia Alexander says society is ready to see a change in fashion standards. It is time to show the world the true beauty of every woman and every body type.
