Much as people complain that they believe this debate has gone of for too long I am delighted to hear that at last a British designer is making positive moves towards a healthier body image on the catwalk, as opposed to simply making vaugue promises not to use "unhealthy models".

I myself am a small size 8/10 and am more than happy to accept that there are size 8 and even 6 girls out there who genuinely look after their bodies and are naturally thin. I certainly don't think that requiring models to be a size 10 is going too far at all, after all this debate isn't about implying that all size 8/6 models have eating disorders but simply about promoting a healthy image and beautiful role models for young girls. With catwalk models being naturally taller than average, size 10 seems the perfect compromise between the requirement for models to make the clothes look fabulous without promoting the twisted idea that being able to see individual ribs sticking out is sexually appealing! I applaud stella for taking such a huge step.

Posted by: Sarah | February 28, 2007 12:14 PM

I think the biggest gripe I have with designers preferring very thin models because clothes look better on them is that it's just plain lazy. Of course it's more difficult to design clothing that will look good on curves! But are they not paid enough to take on that challenge? Of course there are healthy sizes 6 and 8, but there are also healthy sizes 12 and 14.

I think designing for a size 10 is a compromise, and a good one and that, and Stella should be applauded.

Posted by: Vanda | February 28, 2007 1:21 PM

Wait, *I'm* a UK size 8. That's...that's just...oh my god, I'm on the other side of the fence now. This feels so weird.

As much as I love Stella McCartney, I can't help but feel that this will only widen the gap between the super-skinny and the not-so-skinny. One side has just been given more reason to hate the other.

Posted by: Adalmin | February 28, 2007 3:12 PM

Great move! At least we'll get to see what the clothes will actually look like on ourselves!

Posted by: Henriette | February 28, 2007 4:01 PM

I think this is fantastic news :) Well done stella! I think a size 10 for a taller woman is perfectly slim enough, I'm only 5'2 and a size 8 to 10. I'm certainly slim enough at my height so size 10 on a taller girl is more than slender enough.

I only hope more designers follow her example

Posted by: Dee | February 28, 2007 6:18 PM

I say well done to her! I normally would've said that was quite cruel as size 8 is still healthy, but when it's relevant to catwalk models who are almost always above 5'8, a size 8 would probably be a lot thinner than me at that height.

Posted by: Frapp | February 28, 2007 6:35 PM

I think size 10 is a perfect balance between skinny and normal. Great move!

Posted by: apple | February 28, 2007 7:29 PM

Fantastic. I would like to reaffirm the point made that, as catwalk models are generaly exceptionally tall, it is important that a sense of proportion is maintained.
I agree that there are probably some naturally very slim tall women who are below a size 10 and I wouldn't suggest for one moment that they should be discriminated against. However, as the industry is all about flaunting 'perfection' it is imperative that the right messages are projected. This is a great first step and perhaps we can eventually move toward admiring HEALTHY bodies regardless of the number on the label inside their clothes.

Posted by: Rose | June 12, 2007 10:09 PM

I think stella is right in doing that. maybie she shud of kept it at 8 the lowest but, size 10 looks the best, boys like it the best. oviously.
and girls like to eat chockolate everyone wins. !

Posted by: Hollie | January 16, 2008 4:49 PM