Lagerfeld made some very controversial comments in reaction to top German women’s magazine Brigitte’s decision to use ordinary, realistic women in its shoots, rather than ultra-skinny professional models.
Known for his work with Chanel, collaboration with H&M, signature black and white outfits, dark sunglasses and general uber-cool demeanour, Lagerfeld’s comments will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to campaigners that for years have worked hard to change the damaging influence of the fashion industry on models’ weight.
Lagerfeld believes that the magazine’s decision was ‘absurd’ as it was driven by pressure from overweight women that don’t like to be reminded of their weight issues. In an interview with Focus magazine, he said:
"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly.”
Lagerfeld has long been known for his preference of super-skinny models and in the past has made several other comments on the issue, defending the fashion industry against claims it encourages anorexia. He believes size zero is a cliché and that anorexia is caused by family trauma rather than wanting to be a model or conforming to the images we see in the media.
Whilst Lagerfeld is clearly a talented designer, such outspokenness on such a serious issue is a dangerous move. Just three years ago model Ana Carolina Reston died from complications arising from anorexia, after being told at her first fashion shoot she was too fat – she was 8st at 5”6. Ana was the second model to die from anorexia in 2006.
It is clear the fashion industry as a whole clearly prefers skinnier models and has done for years, but to prevent similar tragedies to that of Ana’s there needs to be support for models suffering from anorexia, not denial and further pressure from the industry they work in.
But, whilst voicing his opinion quite clearly, Lagerfeld goes further to slam people that aren’t size zero. This is not helpful and promotes unhealthy, damaging diets and reinforces the ‘dictatorship of beauty’ that causes so many people to develop a negative self image. It also show’s he clearly has no care or concern for the health and wellbeing of the people he works with which is very sad to see.
Many of us I’m sure are not huge fans of the anorexic figure, it’s not attractive to see every bone in the body through pale sallow skin, is it? I know for one it makes me cringe. And I’ve got news for you Karl; I’m a healthy size ten with a normal BMI and no children. Shocking.
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