Let's Talk Fashion

As I'm flipping through this month's Vogue with the gorgeous Carey Mulligan on the cover dressed to the nines in 20s couture, I stumbled upon an article on Casey Legler, an artist and ex-Olympic swimmer, who became the first woman to become a Ford Model in the men's division. If you also did a double take and had to re-read that, you're in good company. Yes, it is pretty groundbreaking that a woman could become a mens model, but in terms of being open-minded, this social statement is only open minded in a narrow definition of what is considered beautiful and fashionable. This might be a harsh comparison, but it's like they're Stockholm Syndroming us. They're giving us small emotional concessions, but but we're still locked up in the same old place. If you take away her shiny headline, she still has very classic model features--the 6'2" stature, those cheekbones, and, not to pull the race card, but she's white.

The article goes on to say that "fashion is now holding up its mirror to an obvious social reality: what you 'should' look like now means only what suits you best." Really? Not according to what you, Vogue, show your readers every month. The pages are filled with tall, thin, white women. Sprinkle in a couple of women of color here and there (wouldn't want to be too matchy-matchy) with the same rail thin figures, and you've got yourself a high-fashion magazine.

I really do think it's great that a strong, athletic, artistic woman can carve her own niche in the fashion world, but don't pat yourself on the back too much, fashion industry. There are modeling scouts in Sweden recruiting outside of anorexia clinics. One step forward, 18754435 steps back. But for now, we'll call this one a coup. Hats off, Casey Legler.