Issue date: 3/9/07 Section: News

Ivan Flores - THE BATTALION

Most women in the United States are a lot curvier than the women seen in fashion magazines. However, many are beginning to notice the trend, curvy is a good thing.

Curvy figures have taken the fashion industry by storm. In fashion magazines, red carpet events and runway shows, being full-figured is now welcomed.

Sociology professor William McIntosh said curves being a trend could be attributed to the criticism of models and eating disorders.

"Since most women cannot get a whole lot thinner, most people are opting for curves instead," McIntosh said.

Two weeks ago, the Milan fashion week for fall 2007 featured the Elena Miro line for full-figured women.

"We are the only label for larger women to take part in large European fashion shows," said Mauro Davico, a spokeswoman for the Italian design house. Miro makes clothes for women who are a size 12 or larger.

Several other designers were also seen turning down models that they considered to be too thin. In Spain, the Spanish Association of Fashion Designers has required that their models have a body mass index of at least 18. The World Health Organization considers a BMI of 18.5 to be the standard of a minimum healthy height to weight ratio. The Council of Fashion Designers of America decided not to have such regulations for models, but instead has provided a number of tips that would benefit the models and prevent them from developing an eating disorder.

Because cosmetic lines and fashion magazines often set the standard of beauty, their popularity curves are quickly setting a standard.

For example, Queen Latifah, prominently known for her rap and acting career, is the spokeswoman for Cover Girl cosmetics. Many of the company's previous spokeswomen have been ultra thin models or actresses.

Some commercial fashion retailers, such as Lane Bryant, have marketed to curvy women since they opened.

"Lane Bryant has been committed for over 100 years to serving a population of women that has largely been ignored by mainstream fashion retailers," said Brooke Perry, spokeswoman for Lane Bryant. "As such, Lane Bryant is the leader in the plus-size industry bringing the same fashion trends to size 16 women that are always available to their size 6 friends."

A number of actresses are also embracing the growing trend.

At this year's Academy Awards, Jennifer Hudson won best supporting actress for her role as Effie, a full-figured singer, in the movie "Dreamgirls." She had previously said in an interview that she "wasn't fat, but thick" and was proud of her body. InStyle magazine described Hudson's curves as "flattering" when remarking on her recent Old Hollywood fashion choices.

Ileana Gutierrez, a junior nutritional sciences major, said it's great that curves are coming into style.

"This would, I believe, mean that most designers will start making clothing suited better for a girl with curves than previous years where thin was in," Gutierrez said.

The National Eating Disorders Association advises all those with an eating disorder to look at the body in a healthy manner, no matter what size or shape they are. The Association's website advises: "Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it."

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