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The most recent photo shoot of Emily Ratajkowski has received criticism from plus-size models and activists for perpetuating harmful messages about body image.
The 32-year-old supermodel recently posted multiple photos from her photo session with M Le Monde magazine. In the fashion spread captured by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, Ratajkowski showcased different outfits that included denim jeans and loose tops. However, it was the second photo that stood out to her Instagram fans.
In the image, Ratajkowski can be seen donning a pair of loose-fitting, wide-leg jeans that are significantly larger than her. Her fit physique was on display as the oversized jeans pooled at her feet. With one arm holding up the waistband, Ratajkowski stood in one leg of the jeans to emphasize the stark size difference.
The photo session, designed by Charlotte Collet and creatively directed by Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet-Napoleone, received immediate backlash when Ratajkowski posted the pictures on Instagram. In the comments, numerous users criticized both Ratajkowski and the group responsible for the shoot, calling the image “out of touch” and accusing it of promoting fat-shaming.
Renowned plus-size models and champions of inclusivity – like 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 worn by someone who is plus-size.
Holliday mentioned in a comment on Ratajkowski’s post that she has been searching for the jeans shown in the second photo and requested for them to be returned. She also expressed her appreciation with “tysm”.
Chiwaya commented, “The second photo is terrible beyond belief. In the year 2023, this is still happening? That’s concerning.”
“What is that second picture supposed to represent?” a third individual inquired, as another person stated: “The second photo is extremely insensitive and ignorant, but the comments are spot on.”
Models who are considered plus-size have been pushing for more sizes to be included in clothing options, both in retail stores and during fashion shows. Despite this, high-end brands and designers tend to shy away from making plus-size clothing, citing the high cost of production. It has been noted that these designers only create plus-size clothing for the purpose of a photoshoot where a thin person can add an unconventional touch.
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 am unsure of how you believe that wearing oversized jeans, meant for someone significantly larger, and emphasizing your own smallness, aligns with the promotion of a healthy body image, as you advocate for in your books and on social media,” stated one user on Instagram.
After posting photos from the weekend’s photo shoot, Ratajkowski has not responded to the criticism. Despite the controversial editorial, the model has previously expressed her disapproval of body-shaming. In her collection of essays, Ratajkowski delves into the concept of bodily ownership and exploitation in the modeling world. In a 2021 interview with The Independent, she stated, “Every woman, regardless of their appearance or involvement in image commodification, understands the feeling of being objectified, rejected, and receiving attention solely based on their physical appearance.”
In 2019, Ratajkowski stood up for her friend when they were attacked by body-shaming internet bullies for being compared on Instagram. Ratajkowski posted a photo in a bikini to promote her swimwear brand, Inamorata, but some people accused her of using the photo to make her body appear more attractive.
Ratajkowski replied, “I admire my friend’s physique and we both agree she looks fantastic here! I’m proud to see her wearing my swimsuits. These haters are irrational. Just because you’re accustomed to seeing one body type online doesn’t mean it’s the only one that should be deemed ‘beautiful’.”
Although the body positivity movement has gained traction in the last decade, this year’s fashion industry has notably lacked inclusivity and representation of plus-size models. Vogue’s Business Size Inclusivity Report revealed that a mere 0.6% of looks featured in the autumn/winter 2023 fashion season were showcased by plus-size individuals.
Despite the fact that the plus-size clothing market is expected to reach $288bn this year, according to Future Market Insights, advocates have maintained that they’re unable to purchase clothing that’s both sustainable and inclusive. “I have to wear fast fashion and high street to major red carpet moments, and that’s great, but I want the option to wear high end items of my choosing and it’s not available,” Holliday told Elle UK in 2019. “But it’s either that or I run around naked. Plus-size fashion is not there yet.”
The Independent has reached out to spokespersons for Ratajkowski and M Le Monde for their statements.
Source: independent.co.uk
