Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Fashion.
A Concerning Shift: Skinny Models Back in Vogue
The editorial director of British Vogue, Chioma Nnadi, has expressed deep concerns about a troubling resurgence in the fashion industry: the return of ultra-thin models. After years of notable progress in body diversity, this shift risks undermining inclusive representation on runways and magazine covers.
Speaking on the subject, Nnadi noted the recent trend as a significant step backward for fashion, saying, “The pendulum is swinging back to skinny being 'in,' often treated like a trend, when it shouldn’t be.”
Ozempic’s Role in the Changing Body Aesthetic
Nnadi highlighted the growing cultural conversation around the weight-loss drug Ozempic as a potential driver of the shift. This medication, originally developed to treat diabetes, has gained traction among celebrities for its off-label use in weight management.
“We're seeing a lot of public figures using Ozempic,” Nnadi said, pointing to the broader societal impact of these highly visible figures. “There’s a shift in how we think about and address our bodies.”
This normalization of rapid weight loss and extreme thinness risks creating unrealistic and unhealthy standards for beauty once again.
Challenges to Achieving True Body Diversity
Despite efforts to promote inclusivity, Nnadi acknowledged significant challenges in achieving true body representation within fashion. She emphasized that Vogue has made strides to feature non-sample-sized models in its photo shoots, but these efforts face systemic obstacles, such as the persistent production of sample-size clothing by designers.
“At the recent fashion weeks, representation in terms of body diversity was lacking,” she observed. “In some shows, models appeared especially thin, which sends a troubling message.”
Industry-Wide Responsibility for Inclusive Representation
Nnadi stressed that the responsibility for fostering body diversity in fashion extends beyond individual publications. While magazines like Vogue can curate diverse images, the broader industry including designers and casting directors must also embrace inclusivity in their work.
“We can't change this alone,” Nnadi stated, calling for a united effort across all sectors of fashion to push against this regressive trend.
Hope for Progress Amid a Setback
While the return to ultra-thin models is concerning, Nnadi expressed hope that this season would serve as a wake up call. "Hopefully, this negative trend will prompt renewed commitment to diversity and representation," she said.
As the head of British Vogue since October, Nnadi is keenly focused on leveraging her influence to challenge outdated beauty standards. Through her leadership, she aims to remind the industry of the importance of inclusive storytelling, ensuring that fashion continues to celebrate all body types.
This renewed dialogue about representation underscores the urgency of sustaining inclusivity in fashion turning back the clock is simply not an option for a truly progressive industry.
