Fashion

AND THIS IS way TOO SKINNY

Models and their measurements. It’s an endless discussion cycle. Usually when I’m questioned about models and their slim figures, I’ll say it’s a part of the job. Someone who runs marathons is usually slimmer than the average woman and the same goes for ballerinas. However, no one ever finds the need to mention them, but models? They’re always targeted.

Let me start off by saying that I do find slim beautiful and I’m not unnerved when a girl has a 89 centimeter waist size. Not everyone is born this way but then again, not everyone is a top model. We’re not all 1.78 meters long either. It’s not that we’re all supposed to look like models, but designers have a preference for slimmer girls because it’s a better display for their clothing. Slim figures won’t distract the clothing.

Since models are greatly admired and they’re role models for tons of girls (their Instagram accounts have hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of followers), I was thrilled to see that a curvier generation was emerging. Imaan Hammam, Gigi Hadid… Women with beautiful bodies, toned as hell, but close to the ideal image of a regular woman. The perfect bridge between runway and the streets if you ask me.

But then two days ago an image popped up on Marjan Jonkman’s Instagram account. Marjan is a success story. She was discovered on the streets by Paul Fisher for a show of his called ‘I Can Make You A Supermodel’ and she is currently marked fourth in the runway ranking. That means that from all of the models in the world, Marjan Jonkman only has three girls that have walked more shows that her. An incredible achievement that we, and most importantly she, should be very proud of.

But then I saw this photo. And I was shocked. This is too skinny. Her pants, most likely a size 34, are wide around her waist. Her breast have disappeared, her neckline and her eyes look hollow. The thing that might even frighten me the most is that Marjan seems to think this is a good photo, or else she wouldn’t post it on Instagram. So what worries me, is that girls that admire her (because that is definitely a status she has reached) are getting off on the wrong foot by such a photo.

So sweet, cool, Marjan. I know that this past month has been an insane one with 53 shows under your belt. How about you take some time off and hang out with the people you love, indulge in food and catch up on some sleep? And in a week or two upload a photo of yourself that looks a little healthier? I’m already looking forward to it.