Phreshly Squeezed

Before I was gung-ho on the idea of working in fashion public relations, I wanted to be a counselor specializing in eating disorders for adolescents. So, I would like to take the time this week to talk about eating disorders and body image problems given that it is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Many state that the ideal female body is regarded as having large breasts, a small waist, broad hips, long legs, toned muscles, and light skin. From collected studies, many can find the media’s influence on our younger generation. In Sarah Grogan’s Body Image, it is noted that girls, as young as the age of five, demonstrate a preference for thinner figures, as well as calorie restriction as a means of weight loss. With characteristics such as these, it is no wonder that approximately ten million women each year (diagnosed, mind you) suffer from an eating disorder.

The biggest problem with body image is the failure to recognize the opposite sex’s ideal and realize who they are trying to appease. What I mean by this is that when given a figural rating scale (pictured above), men would often select a fuller figure than fellow women would pick. Therefore, one can conclude that women are not realizing that they are in fact trying to seek the approval of one another more so than they are with men. In which case, the comparisons are more strenuous given that they blanket their comparisons to one another with herself to his ideals.

What is also cause for alarm is that young women are able to justify to themselves that they do not have an eating disorder because their condition does not match the textbook description of anorexia or bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. In which case, many fall under the little known category EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) where not all symptoms are matched but behaviors are enough to classify a person as having a problem warranting attention.

Often, there is an underlying issue to an eating disorder; many do not have control over their actual lives and resort to food as a means of exerting control in a way that they are sure to “win.” Such is often why we see eating disorders paired with other issues, such as depression or a troubled home life.

And although many say that the fashion industry is to blame, there have been improvements made and hopes to gain more traction in the movement towards a healthier body image. A week prior to New York Fashion Week, the CFDA held a panel discussion entitled “The Beauty of Health: Resizing the Sample Size,” in which it was agreed upon there is a need for change; however, it must be a collective effort by the whole industry and just not by a select few. And from when the Brazilian girl had collapsed and died several years ago, we also have to note how the attitude toward thinness has vastly changed. Where many had before perceived the average American size of fourteen to be negative, many are beginning to embrace it, especially with the launch of several plus-size lines (including the premiere of Project Runway Canada Jessica Biffi’s plus-sized collection) and voice their opinions (such as with the heavily digitally edited Ralph Lauren advertisements).

The key here is to provide support. If you believe someone you know has an eating disorder, do not be afraid to contact a medical personnel or someone that can give you access to such resources.

Ralph Lauren flubs again with model Valentina Zelyaeva

For more information, check out the National Eating Disorders Awareness website

Logo courtesy of NEDA, figural rating scale courtesy of Nature.com, another Ralph Lauren flub by news.com.au

While most of my friends are probably having a turkey feast of some sort, I decided to get ahead on the shopping frenzy. Checking out my Twitter feeds, I noticed that there was a sale not to be missed that was going on. Over at Chasse Gardée, Project Runway Canada Evan Biddell held a sale (dubbed “End of the Decade”) featuring a collection comprised of his favorite fabrics over the last ten years.

I didn’t have the intention of being early, but it turned out that I walk a lot faster than I thought. The pieces were well made and were fantastic designs (including some of this past season’s pieces in case you were dying to get them but didn’t have a chance), and both Daniella and Evan were great. Turns out that Evan remembers my eagerness of meeting him way back in June when he was having brunch at School Bakery, which is always cute of someone.

My steal for the day? I managed up a one-sleeved hooded dress made from bamboo for only $80 (I know many of you are gawking at me and telling me that I’m crazy to think that’s a steal), but the workmanship is superb. The neckline and detailing works well so that I don’t have to be wearing jewelry to make up for the empty chest area. And it’s made out of bamboo – wicks and insulates well, lightweight, and sits great on the body.

Great job on the sale today guys!

Image courtesy of Evan Biddell

Jessica Biffi with her fabulous models and designs

If anybody asked which two designers had the most contrasting runway music, I would without a doubt tell you that it was between the two Project Runway Canada alumni Brandon Dwyer and Jessica Biffi. While Dwyer’s lulled me to take a nap, Biffi’s soundtrack instilled energy and alertness. With an unlit runway, a model steps out and poses for the audience. In spite of the darkness, there is an allure to the whole atmosphere with the crazy digital short, loud techno music, and of course, the glow-in-the-dark dress.

Models strut down the runway in many interesting pieces: jumpsuits, unitards, dresses with shingled layers in crazy colors, such as hot pink, flourescent green, and bright orange. I have to admit that some of the wardrobe displayed wouldn’t be fit for everyday wear, but it sets the tone of fun and edgy clothing quite well. Plus, anyone that can pull off showing a hot pink leopard-printed jumpsuit definitely commends my respect (considering that I’m not even a big animal print fan).

The definite pieces that should be seen on the streets this season from Biffi’s collection are her jackets and more casual wear. The shingle element returns in a hot pink skirt, which when paired with a plain tank top exudes class and style. Also to note, Biffi’s jackets have a hint of a Mackage style but with an added level of boldness.

Biffi on Fashion Television; see the beautiful Design + Conquer accessories?

Although it was hard to see from where I was sitting at the time, upon closer look when Biffi did her interview with Fashion Television, you could see some gorgeous accessories. Keeping up with the Canadian spirit, the accessories are by Vancouver native (and now Calgary resident) Morgan Mallett of Design + Conquer.

Check out the runway video here too:

Runway images courtesy of blogTO