Sample Sized?

The comparison between a model sized women and a average sized women...scary.

What size do we consider "Sample size"? While watching fashion weeks over the last month, I can help but think how wonderful it would be to see more NORMALALITY in the shows. What is the deal? While I want to see average women, I do understand it is because these clothes are often made off the mannequin sample size? The clothes that make it to stores and into retail are mass-produced at many sizes... Often times, runway clothes are "sample- sized." In order to change this, we must change the size we consider "Sample". 

I was looking at various runway shows from the fall collections, and began to read through some of the comments. I was surprised to see how many people have a problem with the size of the models walking the runways of the shows; asking “why are models so skinny?” or “It looked nice, but I am not 6feet talI, how am I going to wear those clothes?”

Now, I am familiar with the sample size, and understand that the designers mass produce clothing based on what the buyers like and want to purchase. Because of this, only one or two samples are made of each piece in most cases unless the piece is a signature of the collection. I too would like to see how clothing hangs and wears on people of a normal size and stature. Although, this may not be the most visually stunning way to present clothing, it would be the most practical especially for the buyers eye.

I challenge designers to make a few normally-sized pieces per runway, (atleast for the ready-to-wear collections). This would allow the population to appreciate the clothing more, because we could visualize someone like us wearing whatever it is. Sometimes, when we watch these shows, all we think is, that won’t look good on me because I have _____ (filling the blank with whatever beautiful curve or feature you may possess that runway models do not).

I began to dig and do some research on this subject matter, as I find it extremely interesting.

I want to know why runways are not filled with people of normal size regulations? I also want to understand the details behind the clothing samples, because I feel the sample size is the basis for the model size. Let's explore...

A “sample” size is the size the original garment is made into for a designer’s new collection. Prior to mass production (which depends on buyer need and consumer want) these sample sizes are all the designer has of their collection. But why can’t we change the size that we see has “sample”?

For more visit me at:  finditfashion.com, @J_Cultura or jculturafashion.blogspot.com

In an effort to change, “‪Vogue editors recently signed a letter in support of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s initiative to promote a healthier body image for women in the fashion industry.”-- Stylaphile Magazine.

The problem with the long-standing depictions of skinny, rail-thin models on the runway is that young women are so influenced by what they see. After seeing women in media and on runways, it is hard to look past comparisons between ourselves, and what we see. Women cannot help but want to be something they are not (taller, thinner, prettier…etc.), a body dimorphic that we have been guilty of falling into. Our society is full of people who long to be someone else, or something better. Not that the models in shows and sample sizes are going to change the world, but changing the mindset of the average consumer, would make an impact.

The argument being made by editors and fashion savvy women everywhere, is that the sample size be changed form a 2 to something that is more average for the typical women. A size 4 or 6 may do the trick! By doing this, clothes will not only seem more wearable, but also it would slowly begin to change the women psyci. Long lasting wins for the designer with increased sample sizes could lead to higher sales. The designer begins to make clothes that flatter a different body type, a healthier more realistic body type then more realistic people will be likely to purchase an expensive piece. If the world of fashion would change their outlook on what real women are, the only people that would suffer are the 6ft rail thin models, roughly 3% of the female population… I’ll take the odds (I am sure they will be alright in the working world.)

http://stylaphilemag.com/2012/06/13/change-the-sample-size-change-the-world/

ttp://www.fashionindie.com/british-vogue-editor-claims-sample-sizes-are-too-small-for-established-star-models/

For more visit me at finditfashion.com, @J_Cultura or jculturafashion.blogspot.com