Feb 26 2009

Fashion Show for All Body Types

I just read this great article in the Seattle Times about University of Washington students. They have organized a fashion show called, Fashion Show for All Body Types. The show, set for Thursday (today), is timed to coincide with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

“It celebrates everyone being comfortable in their own skin,” said James Fung, a student designer majoring in architecture.

The models in the show are far from twiggy. Female models range from size 0 to 26, and from 4-feet-10-inches to 6-feet tall. And male models range from size 30 to 44 and from 5-feet-6-inches to 6-feet-3-inches.

“I would never make it as a model,” said freshman Tunny Vann, pointing out his 5-foot-8-inch height. “But this show is about loving yourself.”

Sophomore Natalie Santos said she faces the same situation.

“I told people I was in a fashion show, and they said, ‘Wha?’ ” said Santos, who wears size 18 to 20. “Not everybody is that itty bitty. I grew up in a family where big was normal. Big was what’s what. Now I go to school and everyone is like, ‘You’re overweight.’ “

Besides that last sad quote from Santos saying that she grew up thinking she was normal and then going away to college and having everyone tell her that she’s fat, the article is wonderful. This is the second year that the UW fashion students have organized this event. The fashion show is happening today.

NOW HERE IS WHERE I AM GOING TO ASK FOR AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION. The trolls own the comments. Please! Let’s fill the comments section of that article with positive vibes. I would also give unasked advice (my speciality!) that you avoid getting into any fights with trolls — you know how that goes.

These students will be reading this article online. These kids will be reading these comments and I really want there to be more positive ones than negative ones. I’m gonna go post my positive comment now. Will you join me?