German's most popular women's magazine, Brigitte, has declared it will no longer use professional models. Instead Brigitte will feature a mix of prominent women and readers from ages 25-45. Just the age range alone is revolutionary!! The magazine has called upon its readers to model and to give feedback about who they would like to see in future issues.
This is huge! This is political. I applaud the publishers of Brigitte and the women of Germany for embracing such a progressive concept!
I am sure the fashion world is gasping in horror at such a decision, but women everywhere should be cheering! I am.
There is no disputing the fact that the media and advertising need to improve the images that are being sent out to young women (and everyone really). There is no denying that young women are more f-ed up about their bodies than ever, and that eating disorders are literally a house hold problem.
There is no disputing the fact that the media and advertising need to improve the images that are being sent out to young women (and everyone really). There is no denying that young women are more f-ed up about their bodies than ever, and that eating disorders are literally a house hold problem.
Young women of today are consumed and using their vital energy to change themselves physically and conform to beauty ideals that are unrealistic and so difficult to achieve. This is inextricably linked to the cycle of patriarchy. How can a woman have any real power if her life is devoted to chasing the beauty myth?
Holding on to our current demented ideals of female beauty is not doing the world any good. I don't understand why the fashion industry is so dead set on maintaining this standard, other than it is established and generates an awful lot of money. I, for one, am really tired of being told how to be cool, how to look, what to like and what to buy.
Of course, someone always has to be a critic. Brigitte is already getting flack for not doing enough to change the beauty standard and fight against anorexia. They are still featuring actors and other conventionally beautiful women. In my opinion, change takes time and you can't undo hundreds of years of beauty brainwashing overnight. Lets just hope that Brigitte magazine can be brave enough to continue to buck the system and influence others to follow suit.
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