models-related stories
Best Breakfast, Signs You Exercise Too Much and More: Twitter Finds
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Designer Says Nobody Wants to See Real Women Model
Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
Photo: Francois Guillot, AFP/Getty Images
Not everyone is ready to accept curves as fashionable, though. German designer Karl Lagerfeld has spoken out about this, telling news magazine Focus, "No one wants to see curvy women. You've got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly."
This was in response to a decision made by Brigitte, a top German magazine -- they announced they'd no longer use unrealistically-skinny models in their pages, and instead, would hire "real women."
Lagerfeld says that fashion is all about "dreams and illusion," so using regular women instead of professional models is "absurd." But Brigitte's readers don't think so -- the magazine's decision was made at the behest of their devoted, fashion-forward following.
Brigitte isn't the only mag to feature the full-figured -- Glamour did it not long ago, with seriously-successful results! But clearly not everyone is on board. London's recent Fashion Week was rife with ultra-thin models, and criticism that the shows promote anorexia.
So Lagerfeld is not the first person in fashion to defend the shape of his models, but he is also no stranger to controversial comments. Just check out what he said about Heidi Klum and Seal!
At That's Fit, we applaud images of healthy women in all contexts, including on the catwalk. Check out the gallery below to see some of our favorite healthy (and sexy!) stars.
Curvy Female Celebs
When this hot Latina singer burst onto the music scene in the 1990s, tongues wagged at the sight of her now-famous derriere, but J. Lo has always been comfortable in her curves. She makes workouts a regular part of her routine, and even finished a triathlon in 2008, but she'll never apologize for loving food.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
This Welsh actress' weight has edged up and down throughout her career, but she's always leaned toward the voluptuous side of the scale. Zeta-Jones claims to hate Hollywood's weight obsession as much as she detests dieting, but she's managed to stay in shape through two pregnancies thanks to regular trips to the gym, and golf outings with hubby Michael Douglas.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Hollywood triple threat, actress/producer/director Salma Hayek wears her hourglass figure with pride. Size 0 is definitely not for her. Diet and exercise put her in a bad mood, and she claims, "I'd rather be a little heavier but nice." A lot of fans don't seem to mind, including pop star Prince, who wrote a song urging Hayek's daughter Valentina to "tell your mama she should give me a call."
Robert Benson, Getty Images
Can you say, Bootylicious? When she coined the term, Beyoncé was likely checking out her own voluptuous shape in the mirror. The pop diva says she stays fit by running and doing regular gym workouts, but she admits to indulging in the occasional French fries and Krispy Kreme donuts.
Christopher Polk, Getty Images
Kate Winslet has long revolted against the movie industry's skinny mold, vowing never to become a "stick insect" like some of her co-stars. She's so proud of her curves that in 2007 she launched -- and won -- a lawsuit against a magazine that dared to claim she was -- (gasp!) on a diet.
Jason Merritt, Getty Images
In 2002, America Ferrera proved that "Real Women Have Curves" in her breakout movie role. Far sexier in real life than her geeky character on "Ugly Betty," Ferrera wears her size 10-12 jeans with pride.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
Reality TV staple Kim Kardashian has gotten a lot of flak for having a little cellulite, but she says she's proud of her body. Recently, Kardashian has vowed to eat healthier and tone up, but she wouldn't change a thing about her curvy physique.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Scarlett Johansson admits a love for Snickers bars, and once joked that her idea of aerobics was "going out for a slice." Though she says she'll never be stick-thin, why should she care, when Esquire magazine voted her "The Sexiest Woman Alive?"
AFP, Getty Images
When Kelly Clarkson captured the first American Idol title and launched one of the biggest careers in pop music, her weight was big news to everyone -- except her. Clarkson says she eats what she wants, works out regularly and is just fine with her shape.
Jemal Countess, Getty Images
Tyra Banks has put on a few pounds since she graced the cover of that famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue back in 1997. But when the tabloids ran an unflattering photo of her in a bathing suit with the tagline, "Americas Next Top Waddle," Banks fought back, saying she'd rather be a good role model for girls than an emaciated supermodel.
John Shearer, Getty Images
Jenna Vaught, Victoria's Secret, and Thanksgiving - Week in Review November 17-23
If you missed our daily postings this past week, we invite you to take some time to catch up on our prior week's news and gear up for a new week of healthy living information and inspiration.Looking for inspiration? Meet Jenna Vaught, Miss America Plus Elite 2007. Maggie recently interviewed her and Jenna shared her story with us.
Victoria's Secret models are known for their perfect bodies. But they don't sacrifice good nutrition to get them.
Thanksgiving is just a few short days away. Jacki tells us how to avoid that post-dinner food coma.
Speaking of Thanksgiving food comas, Bev dares you to lighten up by replacing one of your Thanksgiving Day casseroles with something healthier. She double dog dares you. Will you do it?
Want to feel like a kid again? Try Punk Rope. It'll make you feel like you never left the playground.
Do you have a sugar habit? Find out what happened when I tried to nip mine in the bud.
Kids love sour candy, but sour candy doesn't love their teeth. Find out why.
Think you don't have time to work out? If the Obamas can make time, so can you.
It'll give you six-pack abs, but your neighbors might stare ... behold, the Rowbike.
Victoria's Secret Angels Actually Eat!
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
The Victoria's Secret Angels took to the runway again last weekend, and, as always, the models looked completely perfect. The things that were supposed to be firm were firm, and the areas that needed to be full were full. So how do they get that way (other than fabulous genes)? E! was backstage to steal the Angels' secrets.
For one thing, they eat. However, as you no doubt guessed, they're pretty careful about what they munch on. Model Miranda Kerr munched on mixed greens and scrambled eggs backstage before the show, while Alessandria Ambrosia, who just gave birth two months ago, dished on how she got her body back post-baby. "I was doing 45 minutes of cardio everyday and working out with a trainer. I couldn't have the crazy diets ... because I was breastfeeding."
Adriana Lima also followed a strict training schedule for the month leading up to the runway show, working out two hours a day and cutting out carbs and sugar while loading up on protein. She was looking forward to the show being over, though, saying she would indulge in dessert right away. "... [F]orget about champagne. The first thing I will have is chocolate cake!"
Size zero - is it doomed?
Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation
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"Good Lord," I said to my friend as we perused racks of clothing in the mall. "This wouldn't fit my right thigh, let alone my hips. Who is buying these? Thirteen-year-old boys?" That small exchange sums up my feelings towards size zero and its frightening successor, size 00 or double zero. Unless you're less than five feet tall and genetically petite, is it ever healthy to be a size zero? If not, then why are the people who model clothing that slim? Isn't that sending exactly the wrong message to the masses?That's why I was intrigued by this article titles The Death of Size Zero from the Times UK.
It's a start: Fewer too-thin models at New York Fashion week this year
Over the past few years, the fashion industry has received a fair amount of criticism for using too many skeleton-thin models. And it seems they're paying attention and trying to 'beef-up' -- well, if the recent New York Fashion week is any indication anyway. Nian Fish, the chair of fashion designers health initiative is insisting that all models used in the various shows were size 2 or 4 -- not 0 or 00, as was the previous standard. "I think there's progress," says Fish, "The girls are still slim. We didn't want them not to be slim. We wanted a projection of health"
Still, the fashion industry is a long way from embracing curves. "Thin is going to be the ruling look -- until someone says, 'I want voluptuous,'" said Fish. "I don't know if that ever is going to come back." And in London, plans to make models pass a health examination were dropped because of not enough international support.
Your thoughts?
The pressure to be sexy
Reviews & Products, Motivation
I read a news story the other day that bothered me. A Texas teenager had a custom "dress" made for prom (I use quotes because I'm not sure it had enough fabric to qualify as a dress). When she arrived at her prom, she was denied entrance because her dress was deemed inappropriate. An argument ensued, and the young girl ended up being escorted out of her prom -- in handcuffs -- by police. Whether you agree with the school or with the young girl, I think the issue at the root of this is that many young girls feel a pressure to be sexy. From rail-thin models to red carpet actresses wearing super-sexy gowns, young girls are bombarded with unrealistic images. If you've shopped for young girls' clothing lately, you've probably noticed how it's difficult to find cute, but appropriate, clothing. A good friend of mine has a 10-year-old daughter, and finding clothes that her daughter doesn't deem "nerdy" and yet still cover everything that should be covered is more difficult than you might think.
From a young age, girls need to be reminded that beauty isn't just what's on the surface. Kindness, intelligence, empathy, a sense of humor ... these are all traits that contribute to real beauty. And, while it's important to stay fit and take good care of yourself, there's no need to wear jeans that ride halfway down your hips with the strings of a thong hanging out. Girls can be beautiful without inappropriately exposing themselves. Girl Power is a great site with self-esteem advice for young girls.
French fashion says super-skinny models are out
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements
Last Wednesday, French fashion houses, advertising firms, and media houses banded together to declare super-skinny models out of style. With the support of the Minister of Health, they signed an agreement to stop using models whose appearance could contribute to an unhealthy body image for girls. The agreement doesn't exactly restrict the use of too-thin models, but it's a show of good faith. France's National Assembly is also reviewing a project that could make the promotion of unhealthy body images punishable by law.
Young girls in particular are susceptible to low self-esteem and a flawed body image. The number of pro-anorexia web sites on the Internet is proof that body image is an ever increasing concern. It's high time we all learn to love ourselves a little more -- bumps and flaws included. Fitness and nutrition is for health and wellness -- super-skinny may look good in pair of size 0 jeans but it's far from healthy.
Fitness Role Models: Do they help or hinder?
Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
Diet Blog recently looked into the idea of idolizing fitness models. Truth is, looking up to someone who looks that good can be both extremely motivating ... and quite depressing when it starts to seem unachievable.
But we have a realize a few things. First, fitness models get paid to look good. It's their job. You'd look good too if you spent your working hours at the gym. Secondly, fitness photos are professionally done -- meaning they have perfect make-up, perfect hair, perfect lighting, perfect tans and .... perfect air-brushing.
So what do you think? Is idolizing fitness models helpful or hurtful?
Obesity may be in the genes
Perixosome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg) is its name and suppressing it may be the game. Researchers say by suppressing the protein they can potentially prevent the generation of adipocytes -- the precursors to fat cells. There's a problem with this, though. Turning off the protein would decrease it's beneficial properties. Plan B is to identify the gene targets of PPARg and to open up new targets for drug development against a number of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
It's all very technical, this DNA stuff. Simply put, the researchers' next step will be to apply their data to mouse models in order to compare what happens in high-fat and normal conditions. Then one day, maybe it will all somehow apply to us humans. Only time will tell.
Prada breaks free of the skinny model mold
Yay for Prada! In the world of freakishly-thin models (heck, there's even a Halloween costume for it!) Prada, one of the biggest and most influential fashion houses in the world, has made a bold move: Miuccia Prada chose a curvier mannequin to showcase a new sweater on the runway in Milan and a curvier model to actually walk the runway during a recent show. It's pretty sad when one mannequin and one model are such a big deal, but although it may be small it's a definite step in the right direction.
UK models must prove they're healthy
London Fashion Week may prove quite a disaster this year unless event planners comply with new regulations requiring models to produce health certificates proving they don't have eating disorders and ensuring girls aged 16 to 18 are chaperoned. If these provisions are not made, financial backers may pull their funding.
London's fashion industry was put under fire recently by Beat, the UK's leading eating disorders association. Many say it's important to keep the pressure on the industry -- for the models whose health depends on it and for consumers who need to know the fashion industry is not exploiting anyone as they market products.
What do you say? A step in the right direction? Or a catwalk catastrophe in the making?
Who's to blame for underweight girls? Dame Helen Mirren weighs in
Respected actress and former model Dame Helen Mirren has let her feelings be known on the issue to too-skinny girls in the fashion industry. Who's to blame? Women. Fueled by the fact that her slender niece was told she would have to lose weight if she expected to be taken on by a modelling agency, she says:
"It is women who run the magazines and women who editorialise and women who make the decisions. I think it is completely iniquitous to have incredibly skinny girls on the runway. A lot of the girls are horrifically thin and of course they have a problem. Mostly the fashion industry chooses to turn a blind eye ... The whole thing is based on fantasy. The catwalk clothes may look fabulous on the thin girl but they look ridiculous on a normal slim girl."
What do you think? Are men completely blameless when it comes to the size of women in the spotlight today? Are we women our own worst enemies?To find out more about what The Queen star has to say about the fashion industry, plastic surgery and more, click here.
5 resolutions round-up: Eyelash transplants and making the hubby happy with a tummy tuck
Celebrities and Entertainment, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation
I'm a fan of the 5 Resolutions blog, started by model and bulimia awareness spokesperson Magali Amadei and writer and eating disorder expert Claire Mysko. They feature a nice round-up of the summer's plastic surgery news, including the rise of the $6,000 eyelash transplant and a study showing that British women are more likely to get plastic surgery to make their partners happy than American women. But my favorite 'ugh" story? Let's look at the ease with which you can get your lines Botoxed versus your wait for a skin cancer screening. "A typical wait for a Botox treatment is just eight days. But if you need a doc to examine a mole, you'll have to wait 26." Nice. Magali and Claire are waging a campaign to change the fashion and beauty industries, and I'm way on board that train. Here's some more on their 5 point plan. Read and get all inspired to do the good work.
Apple's controversial iMac advertising: Did they cross the line?
Until recently, Apple computers had a new campaign for their iMac that said "You can't be too thin, or too powerful." but it caused so much controversy they ended up changing it. The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness called on Apple to rethink the message they were sending, stating "What kind of message is Apple sending our youth with an ad campaign of this nature?"What do you think, was Apple's slogan in bad taste? I hate the stigma of today's media pressuring young people to be ultra-thin as much as the next person, but electronics are another story. Can't we separate the two?
I can see the point of how a message like that could easily be misconstrued, but if the modeling and fashion industries were promoting healthy images this wouldn't even be an issue -- the slogan would be about computers and that's it. Seems like people are getting all bent out of shape over side issues instead of the real problem.
