Mum’s the Word On Plus Size Models at Jean Paul Gaultier – Except From Gaultier

Here’s a thought. If everyone wants the sight of curvier women on runways, in fashion ads and scattered throughout the general media to become totally normal, why don’t we all stop talking about it?

This week, it was reported that Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2011 runway show invitations promised a collection that would “explore the contrast between XXS and XXL.” The Gossip Lead Singer Beth Ditto, who is a reported size 26, opened the show, which also included size 10 Crystal Renn, who has become a Gaultier favorite over the past few years. {Fashionista}

The Renn we have seen lately is as gorgeous as ever, but debatable in terms of actually being full figured outside of the fashion world. Let’s put that aside though, since models who are anything but size 0 are still a rarity on the runway.

Fashionista points out that few critics mentioned the inclusion of Renn and Ditto in the show. Crystal Renn walked Gaultier’s runway years ago when she was heavier, and the designer has had a diverse cast of models. Variety isn’t anything new for the designer, but we think Gaultier himself should have followed the critics’ example.

By announcing in advance of the show, on the invitation, that everything from XXS to XXL will be included – as if it were some sort of novelty or main feature of the event – Gaultier only furthers the idea that bigger women are more spectacle/trend du jour than a real part of fashion. Because if it were completely normal to see women in a range of sizes in any given runway show, no one would mention it anywhere at all.

Since size 0 models are the current norm, perhaps it’s a necessary ploy to inform plus sized shoppers that Gaultier offers designer fashion options beyond a size 10.

If the designer’s goal was to make a statement about the widespread use of size 0 models exclusively, he would have done better to just put a size 26 model and a size 10 model in his show and shut up about it.  We applaud the action, but if more designers let women in a wider range of sizes walk the runway without saying a word of it, it could be the true start of a new norm.