I find it very interesting that CQ and many others in the fashion world hold Beth Ditto up as a positive fashion influence, while reviling the size 0.
Beth is no more healthy or a good role model than the stick thin size 0 model. How about a fashion icon who is a healthy weight- say a size 12 or 14 who is active and eats well?

Posted by: Louise | June 18, 2009 10:05 AM

Louise, that's a great point but I think it's baby steps for the fashion industry, where the 'size 0' mentality is so ingrained into their fabric that perhaps the complete opposite needs to be recognised and celebrated before finding the happy medium. As great as it would be to skip straight to this step, it'll take time.

Another issue I always have is with the lack of petite sizes. It's great that lots of high street stores have started petite ranges, but there's still not nearly enough choice!

Posted by: P | June 18, 2009 12:01 PM

Well put, P I do think the emergence of online fashion sites has increased the amount of discussion about size and fashion.

I disagree that at CQ we're holding up Beth Ditto as a healthy role model Louise. She's just cool because she has her own style and doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks regardless of her size, which in our books is pretty healthy!

Posted by: Isabelle | June 18, 2009 5:08 PM

I was gutted as I have just slimmed down from 16 to 14 and thought I couldn't get any of this range as I love Beth Ditto. I think that Evans needs an image change and this is a great step for them - I will definately shop this range whereas previously i would not step over the threshold! beth Ditto is also a role model as she is a fab singer and performer and leader of the band and holds her own in a male dominated profession - not just because of her size. I saw her live talking to Yoko Ono and wearing jeans and a jumper and she actually isn't that big at all

Posted by: Deb | June 18, 2009 6:51 PM