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Love it or Hate it, The Slim Boy Physique Is Coming Back
Different body shapes have become more prevalent in recent years on runways, in advertising, and in the world of fashion. More plus-size models, including Precious Lee and Paloma Elsesser, are breaking through, even if more work is needed. More representation and inclusivity within the fashion industry have been made possible by brands and the general public accepting a more extensive range of body shapes. A body range that exceeds the slim boy physique.
But as the 90s and Y2K fashion has become more popular recently, there have also been changes in how people dress, and their bodies are shaped. Designers like Miu Miu emphasise the midriffs of their models by making their low-rise micro-miniskirts fashionable. This has also given the 90s supermodel body—which we had previously believed to be extinct—a chance to resurface. These trends usually filter down to high-street and fast fashion, encouraging people to strive for a flatter tummy.
Slim Boy Physique
Forecasts from the runways and celebrity influencers have revealed a rise in thin body types making a comeback. There are predictions that these will once more become desired. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have previously helped to glamorise the “slim-thick” body type.
Women are often coerced toward fitness regimens that will help them achieve this body type. Or even dramatic steps like surgery because they desire hourglass forms, huge butts, and breasts with smaller waists. Body-positive activists like Lizzo and Barbie Ferreira have been role models for others with similar body types in the fashion hemisphere.
An uproar erupted when Kim Kardashian recently appeared wearing an iconic Marilyn Monroe gown at the Met Gala. She admitted to losing weight to fit the dress. Her significantly altered appearance and reasoning behind the decision were criticised by many.
Over the years, this reinvented body type has gone by various titles, including ‘that girl’ lifestyle, succubus chic and heroin chic. All share one trait in common—thinness—and while they each have somewhat distinct themes, they are essentially the same. It is crucial to remember that body types are not trends and that excessive weight fluctuations might have dangerous consequences. Jameela Jamil has spoken out against this trend. She has described how it might legitimise diets and weight-loss gimmicks and encourage eating disorders.
The term “heroin chic” was also used to describe the risky 90s thinness fad, originating from substance addiction and abuse. Fashion photographers historically said they preferred to convey social realities to the glitzy fitness culture portrayed in fashion editorials during the 1980s and 1990s.
Body Inclusivity
But did thinness ever go away? No matter how much we work to promote inclusiveness, slimness will continue to exist. Positive changes have been made in terms of body image. This includes shifting terminology, eliminating fat shaming, and hiring more plus-size models and brand ambassadors. But is this enough, and do you think we should take further action? Companies’ usage of plus-size models is still perceived as a marketing gimmick to demonstrate the value of diversity and body positivity. Is employing these models tokenism, though?
Paloma Elsesser appeared in a photo shoot sporting the well-known Miu Miu micro miniskirt. However, Miu Miu does not offer clothing in Paloma’s size, so it was tailored to fit her for the photo shoot. The fact that Miu Miu implies that they are size inclusive despite not carrying plus-size clothing can be misleading. Similarly, plus-size lines are taken by labels like Madewell and Reformation. Still, they are only accepted in a few places, making it exceedingly difficult for their plus-size customer base.
It’s Not A Trend
Since women’s bodies are not a fashion trend, it’s vital to stop focusing on them. One body form usually enjoys popularity for a while before we move on to the next, and so on. I would prefer to see a wider variety of body types represented in the media. Not just a 70/30 preference for the thin body ideal.
As we gradually bring about change, it is up to brands to reflect this transformation in their clothing. Customers need to pay attention to and support these lines so brands can continue producing more. Even though experimenting with current trends might be enjoyable, doing so risks making society believe this specific body type is the most desirable. In fact, we should all be content with the bodies we are born with.
