The Social Stigma of Size Zero

For a while now, size zero has been under the spotlight in the media and recently, negativity has surrounded models of a slighter weight.

Size zero (UK size 4) was often paraded down catwalks and runways in notorious Fashion Capitals. To begin with skinny was what everyone wanted to be; the skinnier the better, in some peoples' eyes. However, views have now changed, which has resulted in disagreement with, and to some extent, disgust at, the use of size zero models within the industry. There has been something of an uproar at the promotion of such a small size which has been criticised for causing many larger girls, in particular teenagers, to follow drastic diets which have sometimes lead to bulimia or anorexia.

Tiny Charlotte Carter on the catwalk

In 2007, model Charlotte Carter was banned from the London Fashion Week catwalk after being branded ‘too thin’. She was told by her agency that she had an unhealthy appearance. At a height of 5 foot and 10 inches, Charlotte should have been weighing around ten and a half stone, which is the ideal weight for a female of this height. She was thought to have weighed somewhere in the region of 7 stone to maintain her size zero figure. She admitted to having suffered from an eating disorder since being a teenager.

Body Mass Index Chart

But should this mean she is banned from the catwalk? And who decides what is ‘too thin’ or ‘too fat’ for the fashion industry? Initially it is agencies who decide which models are chosen to display clothes on a catwalk. However, it’s really the media who makes judgement on what sizes and figures are appropriate for the public eye. If newspapers or television give a bad representation of larger women, young girls will feel it necessary to diet so that they do not look this way. However, if the media then decide to show smaller built people in a negative light, girls will feel the need to gain weight so that their appearance mirrors that of what is popular at the current time.

Recently, pressure has been mounting to enforce a total size zero ban. A few weeks ago, Madrid made sure that all ‘unhealthy looking’ mannequins were barred from its annual fashion week, with London being strongly urged to follow suit. Anyone found to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 18 or below would not be allowed to take part in any runway shows. It is alleged that two of Mark Fast’s design team quit after he challenged the size zero obsession, choosing instead to parade his knitwear on size 12 and 14 models at the London Fashion Week.

Size 12 modelling Mark Fast's 'bodycon' dress

So, everyone has their own opinion on what looks good: large or small, slight or curvy. However, this opinion will always be influenced by the media, whether we are aware of it or not. The issue of size zero will cause controversy for many years to come, but people are who they are.