Fashion Industry's Dark Side: A Model's Bold Stand for Diversity
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Chapter 1: Arrival in the Fashion Capital
It was my inaugural visit to New York City, and I anticipated some level of eccentricity, given the city's reputation. What I didn’t realize was that I had arrived during Fashion Week, staying in a hotel filled with leading designers. A particularly memorable moment occurred when I stepped into the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, they reopened, revealing two men—one sporting heart-shaped sunglasses and the other with aqua hair, both clad in neon colors and wearing expressions as blank as stone.
This encounter epitomized the caricature of fashion designers. They stood next to me, staring straight ahead, and simply said, "Eight please." I complied without hesitation.
For those behind the camera, standing out in the fashion world is challenging, but for models, it can be slightly easier to break the mold due to the often-homogeneous standards prevalent in the industry. Gucci managed to break through this sameness, shining a light on a troubling aspect of fashion while drawing significant attention.
Section 1.1: Redefining Beauty Standards
Armine Harutyunyan is not your typical model. With a striking jawline, pronounced nose, and deep-set eyes, she possesses features that diverge from conventional beauty ideals, particularly due to her large, protruding ears.
During Milan Fashion Week, she graced the runway, embodying a theme centered around mental illness, exemplified by the quasi-straightjacket she wore. Ironically, the very theme meant to address mental health would soon highlight the industry's problematic nature.
Following her appearance, she was thrust into the spotlight, even being named among the Top 100 Most Beautiful Models by various magazines, a move that ironically sparked a new wave of vitriol. Social media platforms, including Gucci's, were inundated with hateful comments, many comparing her to various animals. It was absurd to witness such outrage over her appearance.
Section 1.2: The Misunderstanding of Standards
The backlash stemmed from a misunderstanding of the evolving standards within the fashion industry. In decades past, models were often selected based on utility and erotic appeal; they needed to fit the clothes and represent the designer's vision. While it remains true that models are typically slender, the criteria have shifted. Today, storytelling and broader messages take precedence over mere aesthetics.
Despite the negative reactions, Harutyunyan’s presence was a resounding success, significantly enhancing Gucci's visibility. She remained resilient against the harassment, which she noted was not new to her, having faced similar challenges in her youth. Her bold representation of strong ethnic features has inspired body positivity among women in regions where societal pressure often compels them to undergo cosmetic alterations.
Chapter 2: Challenging Societal Norms
The first video, "Models Tell All: Exploitation And Abuse In The Fashion Industry," delves into the harsh realities faced by models, shedding light on systemic issues within fashion.
The second video, "Former models expose the ugly truth of the beauty industry | 60 Minutes Australia," features firsthand accounts from former models, revealing the darker aspects of the beauty industry.
In my humble opinion, the critics who labeled Harutyunyan as unattractive are often individuals of little merit themselves. As a long-time blogger, I’ve noticed that comments disparaging my partner's looks frequently come from those who are far from noteworthy. Given the chance, I believe many of these critics would be enamored with her unique features rather than disparaging them.
While the fashion industry continues to grapple with superficiality and narcissism, beauty standards are ever-evolving. In the real world, preferences for diverse body types and appearances persist. If we all fit into the same mold, it would create a bland existence reminiscent of "Children of the Corn."
The overarching message is to feel empowered to challenge and disregard outdated norms.