The Curve model has attacked a major Australian fashion event for the “deliberate” lack of size diversity on the runways.
Allegations that the Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF) chose not to showcase a sufficient number of plus-size models Occurs from both on the runway and off the runway.
The MFF board has “really made a very clear decision. not to cast models over 12-14,” according to the chief executive of modeling agency Bella Management and diversity activist Chelsea Bonner.
“There are no excuses this year. It was a deliberate casting direction.
“They featured many times all of our models under 22 and my director in Melbourne asked why they weren’t casting models over 14 and the emails were, was ignored.”
Jess Seeto, one of the two plus-size models who walked the MFF finale, said the experience made her feel “rejected”.
“It just didn’t feel right that there were only two plus-size models and two disabled models there,” says Seeto.
“It really sucks. And it made me feel like a fat racial symbol out there. And I just went there to check the box. which doesn’t feel right.”
According to Ms Seeto, out of the group of about 30 models who walked in the final show, only 5 were. “Models of Diversity” includes models with curves and models with disabilities.
In response to a question from NCA NewsWire, the MFF said “models and spokespersons were engaged from diverse backgrounds” and that 10 premium runways had a knack for cornering.
“Festivals focus on accessibility, diversity and inclusion. and will continue to place great emphasis on this as part of our programming and selection in future events,” the spokesperson said.
The festival also features the Fabulous And Trendy (F.A.T.) Plus-Size Runway, a runway dedicated to models size 16-24 and the plus-size market.
Ms Seeto said she was in tears after she put on the dress for the final performance. She commented on how the clothes fit her. Even if a size 16 model is forced to try on size 12 clothes
“I cried after fitting. Because I’m really hard And a lot of obese people struggle with the feeling that their clothes don’t fit their clothes when the clothes are supposed to fit,” she says.
“In that moment I felt I shouldn’t have been there.”
Ms Bonner confirmed that some girls from her agency had left their MFF dresses in tears over the comments, however she said she did not believe they were a personal attack. But it is a general opinion that damages people with a large body.
“(Fatphobia) corrupts the minds of everyone involved. not just a model it makes a stylist casting director Magazines for advertisers are corrupt,” she said.
The spokesperson said the MFF was not aware of any of the models who were undressed and felt uncomfortable. And will be implemented if this festival is notified.
The lack of representation throughout the festival led one model to take a stand, with Maia O’Connor wearing a shirt that read “WHERE THE FAT B*TCHES AT? Size 10 doesn’t count! Do better!” adorns the back.
Ms O’Connor sat through several shows at the MFF this year and was shocked at the lack of diversity. After a positive body movement propelled curvy models to the forefront of the fashion industry.
“What are we going to work for? What if we could only go to one festival and all the hard work was put off? A group of people can sit together around a table and decide they really don’t care,” she said.
She said she saw participants reading her shirts, however, most of them had “turned their backs” to the message.
“It was like there was a big elephant in the room. and i just pointed it out And everyone was trying to close their eyes,” she said.
Ms Bonner called on the MFF to change its direction in casting in the coming years.
“I just hope they think deeply about their direction next year. Because it was an insult to everyone this year,” she said.