Coco Rocha is Fat?

Coco Rocha

The New York Times just ran an article titled "A Model's Prospects:  Slim and None."  The focus of this article was on both Coco Rocha and the modeling industry's obsession with thinness.  First off, I applaud Coco and the NYTimes for bringing up this problem, but I felt that the article was watered down.  The author, Guy Trebay, basically downplays Rocha's career alluding it to being equivalent to resume "paragraphs."  For one, she started her career in 2004 which puts her at a current and very successful 6 years.  Rocha is one of Vogue's darlings that they correctly predicted to be one of "The World's Next Top Models."  She's landed numerous exclusive covers, advertisements, and editorials and walked for some of the industry's top names (and quite a few as the opener).  Currently, Rocha is a correspondent for Modelina.com, dabbling with her own clothing line Rococo, as well as hosts Fashion Week TV.  Personally, I love her.  I think it's great that she isn't limiting herself to modeling.  We Zombies also like that she's Canadian and we enjoy her blog.

Plus Size Model

The modeling and fashion industry definitely has an unhealthy view of beauty.  The reality is that a model is valued as a clothes hanger.  Prospects of being a successful model are slim (no pun intended).  The main requirements of a model are height and thinness are simply an industry construct and not a true indicator of beauty.  On top of that, the modeling and fashion industry is notorious for being homogeneous in terms of racial diversity (save that for another post).  Consider even models in the 90s.  Traditionally, they were curvier and more busty.  Think Cindy Crawford.  But now mostly they're rail thin waifs with boyish physiques.

 Cindy Crawford

With the exception of a few "supermodels," a modeling career is short lived no matter how skinny and beautiful you stay.  Trends come and go and the models are part of that disposable phenomenon.  Unfortunately, many young girls and women may not realize all of this.  Heck, it's part of the so called allure, and minds fall prey to it.  Instead, I challenge people to look at women who have been positive influences in their own lives as indicators of beauty as well as everyday women in the street.

Below are some helpful and healthy links for self image.  Remember, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and most importantly from within.  Enjoy eating and be healthy.  The priority in exercise and eating is to be healthy, not to lose weight:
Dove Campaign for Real Beauty
Harvard's Healthy Eating Food Pyramid
Exercise Benefits

"Beauty and folly are old companions."
~Ben Franklin ~

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