REGINA – Saskatchewan Fashion Week had over 200 models apply to hit the catwalk this year, more than ever before.
The applicants were very diverse, with the youngest being just 14 years old and the oldest was 45.
Traditionally, high-fashion models have tiny waistlines, but that’s not the case at the auditions. The aspiring models represent a wide-cross section of sizes, from 0 to 14.
Instead of size dictating whether a model is selected to hit the catwalk, Saskatchewan Fashion Week’s co-founder said confidence is the key.
France recently banned models that are too skinny (below a healthy body mass index), in an attempt to combat anorexia.
Local designer Dean Renwick supports the move: “The industry is definitely changing and I think it’s for the better. Women have completely lost the reality of what sizes they are because of the industry itself.”
He designs clothing in size eight or ten for fashion shows, preferring to highlight a woman’s curves.
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“The women in Saskatchewan actually have a little more meat on their bones. They actually have some shape. They’re not 14-year-old stick figure bodies,” he said.
It’s not just designers noticing the changes, the models are too. “Rather than just one set body figure they’re starting to involve a lot more different body figures to showcase how much better they can put their clothing to use,” said Kyle Schachtel.
The professional model from Raymore, Saskatchewan likes the diversity he’s seeing, even if it means more competition.
“It’s a good opportunity for designers to have their pick of different people showcasing themselves.”
Size isn’t the only thing changing.
Joy Jaja, an international student from Nigeria, auditioned to be part of the show.
“I’ve noticed they bring more different people. It’s not just for white people, there’s black people, right? There’s different races. I think that’s cool.”
Her friend Favour Amadi is hoping to use her background to her advantage in the selection process.
“What I’m trying to portray in the show today is diversity. I’m just a new face in the fashion industry,” she said. “There should be a way for everyone to be confident in themselves.”
Half of the applicants, around 100 models, will be selected to walk in Saskatchewan Fashion Week, which takes place May 7-9th.
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