So one of my besties is getting married next summer and she is going to India to buy all her wedding clothes because it's cheaper. And as her wedding planner/maid-of-honour/MC she's going to bring me back a sari. Now I can tell her what I want! #willsindiafashionweek
I went to the wedding of an Indian friend this summer and I was so, so jealous of the bright red and gold, sparkly, gorgeous sari she wore. And the sweet henna tattoos all over her hands. And the gold headdress. Ok fine, I was jealous of everything. #willsindiafashionweek
I really wish there was some kind of Indian heritage festival anywhere near me, because I would KILL for a chance to purchase a sari even if I only got to wear it in my house. #willsindiafashionweek
@Zombie Ms. Skittles: Does your city have an Indian section? There's a great area on Devon Avenue in Chicago that's filled with saris, Indian jewelry, and some of the best food in town. Oh, and pashminas, though no word if they are nautically-themed. #willsindiafashionweek
@Pandorasvoicebox: I live near Houston. I know we don't have one in my town and I don't actually ever know what's going on in the city, but you're right that there probably is one in Houston. #willsindiafashionweek
@Zombie Ms. Skittles: There is probably an "Indian heritage festival" in Houston, but regardless, the Indian community in Houston is huge so even if there isn't one central "festival" there is definitely shit going on continuously. Hit up the Indian grocery stores (there's probably at least a dozen since Houston's a big city) because they usually post advertisements for various Indian events going on locally (movies, concerts, services, sales, etc.) Sari shops are another good choice, so ask around to find one, or shamelessly ask one of your Indian friends to bring you back a good sari from India if they visit. And if you want a two-in-one cultural experience, check out a temple or a Hindu mission center. I know there are some in Houston. #willsindiafashionweek
I'm not really buying that Vogue doesn't know exactly what they'll be getting when a model shows up for a shoot. Agents keep pretty close tabs on their girls, and if Vogue was so alarmed by a girl who walked in the door significantly thinner than the girl they booked, don't they have some backup measures? This shoulder-shrugging, hands-off, "well, it's not really our fault; these little girls are so headstrong!" excuses aren't sitting well with me. #gracecoddington
Why does the fashion industry always engage in a game of hot potato with this issue? Every damn quote about this topic always covers the same things: yeah, the models are too thin and many of them having eating disorders; you need to understand that the fashion industry is about illusion and aspiration, not a reflection as life as we live it; I try to do my part, but you need to understand, the designers/editors/agents/hairstylists/photographers/dog walkers/ janitors prefer to work with thinner girls....and so on.
Jesus, for once could they just admit that they all consiously play a role in this game? I like Grace and I appreciate her touching upon the role age plays in this game, but give me a break. #gracecoddington
@Tchotchke: I tend to agree. I keep reading all these pieces about people in the fashion world who agree (Karl "No one wants to look at fat people" Lagerfield, notwithstanding) that these models are too thin, that there is a problem, etc. etc. but no one, even these very influential people, are offering no solutions and silly platitudes, suggesting that they probably don't see it as a problem at all. I agree, Coddington does make a bit more sense than most, but I still don't get much of substance out of this. #gracecoddington
@Trulymadlyme: I found it odd as well. However, when you think about the environment (far away from parents, friends, weird hours, etc.) it could factor in to one's mental state. Not sure if that's where she was going, though. #gracecoddington
@Penny: I dunno. It almost felt like the way people talk about substance abuse. Like the school of thought that addiction doesn't exist, there's just a need to moderate usage in a mature manner. Some about that comment just felt off. #gracecoddington
@Trulymadlyme: I totally agree regarding avoiding an eating disorder, but I was thinking she was referring to the age issue in the way of influence. As a recovered anorexic, I know the disease is not as easy as someone telling you to be thinner and you spiraling downward. However, I think when you are quite young, and maybe not as grown into or sure of yourself as you eventually would be, you may be more susceptible to taking someone's words or opinion much more seriously. Especially in a situation where you are trying to "make it," as a 15 year old, I think I would have been much more unsure of telling someone off than I would be at 22.
I hope that makes sense, it's been a rough day. #gracecoddington
@Trulymadlyme: Well, maturity is one thing. But physical metabolism and age differences in metabolism is another.
When you are younger you can definitely abuse your bodies in different ways and not feel the repercussions ever if at all. It's only when you get past 25—when your metabolism shifts—that you simply can't eat/drink/do things the same without it truly affecting your life and health. #gracecoddington
@skatez: It makes a lot of sense. When you're so young, trying to break into this impossibly cliquish business, and unsure of yourself, people will take advantage of your tenuous foothold.
That's how it is in any career. Any request for basic needs is met with:
"You knew what you were getting into with this industry. You know how the economy is these days! Aren't you a team player? Do you want this job or not?!" #gracecoddington
@Trulymadlyme: I read it as she meant that they don't know enough to do things like avoid triggers...? Not snort cocaine because you don't fully understand the risks...? #gracecoddington
@Trulymadlyme: I think there's truth to this. The complete loss of control that must accompany being a brand new, young model and having everyone else choose everything for you, schedule everything, and the only thing you're in charge of is losing another inch or 2 off your thighs. #gracecoddington
@mb: Yes, and I read it as a veiled reference to these young girls taking drugs to stay thin -- which is probably not something she can say outright. #gracecoddington
It's true that it must be taken into account that people who work in fashion will have a different outlook. I did research in college specifically around the fashion industry/media and the development of EDs, and while it's certainly an issue, it's not one of the more potent factors. I dislike the straight arrow that is drawn from one to the other.
I am glad she's brought up just how YOUNG the girls are these days. Christ. When I first saw Karlie Kloss, I thought she was 12. She's totally grown on me, and I really like her, but...so young! #gracecoddington
On the other hand, there've been a number of surveys in the last few years suggesting that men, on average, prefer women who are several sizes larger than the fashion industry standard, and than what women consider to be the ideal size.
Not that women should be deciding what they want to look like based on male preferences or national averages or whatever, but it does seem to be generally true that the "super-skinny" ideal is not really an ideal established and propagated by men who are sexually attracted to women.
As to what this has to do with gay men, I don't know, except that I'm assuming gay men may have slightly different standards as to what constitutes "attractive" than straight men do.
I know that I have different standards for male attractiveness than my gay friends, so--whether statistically supported or not--it seems that the conclusion isn't completely outlandish. #fashion
I think Dr. Irene Rubaum-Keller has hit the nail right on the head. As a gay man, nothing screams "sexy" to me louder than a girl with a pair of tits like a dish of fried eggs. And remember--it's not as if fashion has ever, ever, ever changed or as if larger, more full-figured women weren't considered sexy and glamorous in recent times or as if women have any say at all, at all, at all, at all in how they perceive themselves or the ideals they want to attain. "Ana-friendly" sites? Gay men's wank stations, every one of them (Corbin Fisher? Who he?)! Beth Ditto? No gay following whatsoever! Drag queens? Rail-thin lovelies, the lot of them! Dr. Irene Rubaum-Keller full of fucking shit? Absolutely nuh-uh! #fashion
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Including Urmila. #willsindiafashionweek
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Jesus, for once could they just admit that they all consiously play a role in this game? I like Grace and I appreciate her touching upon the role age plays in this game, but give me a break. #gracecoddington
10/21/09
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I found this comment to be odd. Because avoiding an eating disorder isn't as simple as maturity and regulating yourself. Very odd. #gracecoddington
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I hope that makes sense, it's been a rough day. #gracecoddington
10/21/09
When you are younger you can definitely abuse your bodies in different ways and not feel the repercussions ever if at all. It's only when you get past 25—when your metabolism shifts—that you simply can't eat/drink/do things the same without it truly affecting your life and health. #gracecoddington
10/21/09
That's how it is in any career. Any request for basic needs is met with:
"You knew what you were getting into with this industry. You know how the economy is these days! Aren't you a team player? Do you want this job or not?!" #gracecoddington
10/21/09
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I am glad she's brought up just how YOUNG the girls are these days. Christ. When I first saw Karlie Kloss, I thought she was 12. She's totally grown on me, and I really like her, but...so young! #gracecoddington
10/18/09
Not that women should be deciding what they want to look like based on male preferences or national averages or whatever, but it does seem to be generally true that the "super-skinny" ideal is not really an ideal established and propagated by men who are sexually attracted to women.
As to what this has to do with gay men, I don't know, except that I'm assuming gay men may have slightly different standards as to what constitutes "attractive" than straight men do.
I know that I have different standards for male attractiveness than my gay friends, so--whether statistically supported or not--it seems that the conclusion isn't completely outlandish. #fashion
10/18/09
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