Fashion is changing. While some are trying hard to resist transformation, others are embracing a new norm with open arms. And maybe it’s about time we all did.
It’s been revealed that Vogue’s November issue will feature real women in place of models on its pages for the first time in history. While actress Emily Blunt adorns its cover, other high-flying businesswomen and academics will feature in spreads throughout its pages. These include tetraplegic Times Magazine columnist Melanie Reid, Unruly Media founder Sarah Wood, architectural historian Shumi Boe and entrepreneur Kitty Travers.
Though Kate Moss takes up as much ad space today as she ever did, that space is now shared with a new type of model. Fashion has been moving towards portraying attainable and down-to- earth women for years now, though it’s been a gradual transition. Look to the catwalk this season and you’ll undoubtedly see the toned, tanned physique of Instagram gal Gigi Hadid. Look to Sports Illustrated and you will see the men’s mag’s first ever plus-size cover star, Ashley Graham.
While certain Vogue editors may be feeling bitter about the rise of this new generation – a generation that shares their lives openly on social media, wears their flaws for the world to see, and gives followers insight into a life that, while still largely unattainable for most, is no longer shrouded in exclusivity and secrecy – many accuse them of hypocrisy and detachment from modern society.
Just last week US Vogue editors launched a scathing attack on fashion bloggers at Milan fashion week, calling them “pathetic” and “desperate”, amongst other things. But social media was quick to fight back, with many pointing out that Vogue has featured these very bloggers online and within their pages.
Kate Moss has risen to a level that most models could only dream of. But she’s also been a largely private person from the get-go. The Instagram generation is rapidly on their way to reaching similar heights in their careers, but now we can all watch their climb to the top, and even publicly support them. And girls now have new, healthier figures to idolise – excuse the pun. While the untouchable lifestyles of Kate and Naomi are still desirable, the far-more achievable lives of Instagram models, businesswomen and female entrepreneurs have given girls attainable goals to work towards.
While we used to venerate supermodels for their waif-like physiques and their ability to demand $10k just to get out of bed, we now applaud real woman, with real talents and real lives that we can relate to. It doesn’t devalue the fashion world, or the oh-so-fabulous supermodel, but it certainly increases accessibility. And if that means women are supporting each other more, should anyone really be complaining?
Written by Thea Carley
