lemonde.fr
Decline of Plus-Size Modeling in France
The rise of Ozempic and economic downturn have caused a significant decrease in plus-size models' work in France, with some, like Sané Lou, facing a tenfold reduction in income and career changes.
- How has this shift impacted the careers and lives of plus-size models?
- Many plus-size models, such as Sané Lou, have experienced a drastic decrease in income—as much as a tenfold reduction in five years. This has forced many into career changes, including further education and even leaving the country to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- What is the primary cause for the dramatic decrease in work for plus-size models in France?
- The resurgence of traditional thin beauty standards in the fashion industry, coupled with the economic downturn affecting the ready-to-wear and luxury sectors, has led to a significant reduction in demand for plus-size models. The increasing use of Ozempic and similar drugs, contributing to thinner body ideals, further exacerbates this trend.
- What are the long-term implications of this trend for inclusivity in the French fashion industry?
- The data shows a sharp decline in plus-size model representation in fashion week—from 2.8% in 2020 to 0.8% in 2025. This signifies a troubling setback for inclusivity, suggesting a potential return to less diverse representation and potentially impacting consumer perceptions of body image and acceptance.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the decline of plus-size models in the French fashion industry as a negative trend, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals like Sané Lou. The use of phrases such as "fragilise la place", "revenus liés au mannequinat divisé par dix", and "voyants de l'inclusivité sont au rouge" emphasizes the negative consequences of the shift away from body positivity. The inclusion of statistics on the decreasing percentage of plus-size models further reinforces this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language, such as "fragilise" (fragilizes) and "voyants au rouge" (indicators are in the red), which evokes negative emotions and shapes reader perception. The description of the situation as a "retour des normes de maigreur" (return to thinness standards) implies a judgment on the industry's shift. More neutral alternatives could include 'shift towards thinner models', 'decrease in plus-size model representation', or 'economic downturn in the plus-size modeling sector'.
Bias by Omission
While the article mentions economic factors and the impact of Ozempic, it could benefit from exploring other potential contributing factors to the decline in plus-size modeling. For instance, it could examine changes in consumer demand, marketing strategies, or the influence of social media trends. Additionally, perspectives from fashion designers, brands, or agencies beyond Plus might offer a more complete picture. The article's focus on the experience of plus-size models might overshadow a more nuanced understanding of the forces at play.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the inclusive period of 2019-2020 and the current situation, potentially overlooking the complexities and nuances of the fashion industry's evolution. It might be beneficial to explore the possibility that inclusivity was never fully embraced or that various factors beyond a simple 'return to thinness norms' caused the shift.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the experiences of women, which reflects the reality of the plus-size modeling industry, but this should be acknowledged explicitly. The analysis could explore if there are comparable issues facing plus-size male models, ensuring balanced representation within its specific focus on a gendered profession.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the decline in opportunities for plus-size models, demonstrating a setback for inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry. This directly impacts gender equality as it reinforces narrow beauty standards and limits economic opportunities for women.