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The recent photo shoot of Emily Ratajkowski has caused criticism from plus-size models and activists, who argue that it perpetuates unhealthy standards of body image.
The 32-year-old supermodel recently posted a series of photos from her shoot with M Le Monde magazine. In the fashion spread, captured by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, Ratajkowski modeled various outfits including denim jeans and breezy tops. But it was the second photo that stood out to her Instagram followers.
In the picture, Ratajkowski is pictured wearing oversized low-rise denim jeans that are twice her size. She flaunted her toned body as the baggy jeans pooled at her feet. With one arm, she lifted the waistband of the jeans while standing in one leg to emphasize the significant size difference.
The photoshoot, styled by Charlotte Collet and creatively directed by Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet-Napoleone, received immediate backlash upon being shared on Instagram by Ratajkowski. Many users in the comments section expressed criticism towards Ratajkowski and the team involved in the photoshoot, citing the image as “out of touch” and accusing it of promoting fatphobia.
Renowned models and supporters of body inclusivity, including Tess Holliday, Kelly Augustine, Stephanie Yeboah, Letticia Munniz, and Sarah Chiwaya, have criticized the photo for highlighting Ratajkowski’s slim figure while wearing a pair of pants that are typically meant for plus-size individuals.
Holliday left a comment under Ratajkowski’s post, expressing interest in the jeans shown in the second photo and requesting their return. They ended the comment with “Tysm,” indicating gratitude.
Chiwaya commented, “The second photo is extremely poor quality. In 2023, we’re still dealing with this? Oh dear.”
“What in the fatphobic hell is that second picture?” a third user commented, while someone else said: “That second pic is so out of touch and ignorant but the comments are chef’s kiss.”
Larger-sized models have been pushing for greater variety in sizes, both in retail and fashion shows. Nevertheless, high-end brands frequently refrain from producing plus-size clothing, citing cost as a barrier. “Designers only cater to plus sizes if it’s for a superficial photo opportunity featuring a thin person,” another individual remarked.
Numerous individuals were particularly taken aback by the controversial photo shoot, given that Ratajkowski has released a book of essays discussing feminist empowerment and the dehumanization of women’s bodies, titled My Body. “I’m not sure how you believe wearing oversized jeans meant for a larger person and emphasizing your small frame promotes a positive body image, as you advocate in your books and on social media,” commented an Instagram user.
After sharing photos from the weekend photoshoot, Ratajkowski has not responded to the criticism she received. Despite the controversial editorial, the model has previously expressed her disapproval of body-shaming. In her published collection of essays, Ratajkowski delves into issues of bodily control and exploitation within the modeling world. In an interview with The Independent in 2021, she stated, “Every woman, regardless of appearance or whether they have monetized their image, understands the experience of being objectified, rejected, and receiving attention solely based on their appearance.”
In 2019, Ratajkowski stood up for her friend who was being attacked by body-shaming bullies on Instagram. She had posted a photo of herself in a bikini to advertise her swimwear brand, Inamorata, but some people accused her of using the photo to make her body appear more attractive.
Ratajkowski replied by saying, “I admire my friend’s body and we both agree that she looks fantastic in this photo! I am proud that she is wearing my swimsuits. These critics are irrational. Just because one body type is commonly seen online does not mean it should be the only one considered ‘beautiful’.”
Although the body positivity movement has gained significant attention in the last decade, this year’s fashion industry seemed to lack diversity and representation of plus-size models. According to Vogue’s Business Size Inclusivity Report, a mere 0.6 percent of the looks featured in the autumn/winter 2023 fashion season were worn by plus-size individuals.
According to Future Market Insights, the plus-size clothing market is projected to reach $288 billion this year. However, despite this growth, advocates argue that they are unable to find sustainable and inclusive clothing options. In a 2019 interview with Elle UK, model Tess Holliday expressed her frustration with being limited to fast fashion and high street brands for major events. She stated that she wants the choice to wear high-end fashion of her choosing, but currently, the options are limited. Holliday believes that the plus-size fashion industry still has a long way to go.
The Independent has reached out to spokespeople for Ratajkowski and M Le Monde for their response.
Source: independent.co.uk
