With plus-size models Ashley Graham, Barbie Ferreira and Zack Miko becoming prominent names in the fashion industry over the past few months, as well as the release of a ‘curvy’ Barbie, we must ask – is the size zero period finally over?
For decades, aspiring models had to fit restrictive criteria: they had to be taller than 5 ft 7 and weigh between 6.5 and 8.5 stone, according to models.com. Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Twiggy were the original supermodels, and everyone had to follow in their footsteps.
Until now, that is.
American model Ashley Graham has been making headlines over the past few months, becoming the first plus size model on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue this February. Graham was also the first plus size model to appear on the cover of Maxim.
Earlier this year, UK size 16 model Barbie Ferreira went viral online with her #aerieREAL campaign for American Eagle Outfitters. Nineteen year old Barbie was the star of the brand’s swimwear campaign, which promises not to airbrush models featured in its swimwear collection. The hashtag currently has just under 30,000 posts on Instagram.
Zach Miko is one of the first plus size male models making a name for himself in the modeling world. Miko is 6 ft 6 and 19.6 stone, which is remarkably higher than the average 6 foot and 12.5 stone that agencies typically look for.
The 26 year old is signed to IMG as part of their new ‘brawn’ division and has modelled for US superstore Target.
Bringing the plus size movement to the toy industry, this January Mattel released a ‘curvy’ Barbie. The best-selling doll has been slammed for years as setting unrealistic standards for young women, and the brand decided it was time to evolve. There’s a very noticeable difference in 2016 Barbie’s appearance to that of 55 years ago, and it has had an overall positive reaction worldwide.
With changes in the fashion world, modeling industry, toy industry and media alike, it seems that the size 0 period is well and truly over.
Amy Mulvaney
Amy is a final year journalism student at DCU. She blogs at What She Does Now, which has been shortlisted for both the Blog Awards Ireland 2015 and the Irish Beauty Blog Awards 2015. You can also check her out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.