"Blame it on the Fashion Industry", is the perfect term for this unfortunate expiration of this young French Model/Actress Isabelle Caro. Reports states that Isabelle passed in November of 2010, however this story is just now receiving international attention. Sources say that young Isabelle has had a continual battle with anorexia since the tender age of 11 years old, however her fight against anorexia was focused on the battle of weight awareness in the Fashion Industry. After reading numerous reports I must say, I was disturbed by that fact that this fight was AGAINST the Fashion Industry, but not her issues as an individual. I don't deny that in some parts of the Fashion Industry, body image plays a vital role for models and actresses, however I do not agree with her focusing anorexia just toward the fashion industry. I am no doctor, nor am I a therapist, but in my opinion anorexia starts from insecurities, and body dysmorphia which most likely stems from experience in a person's adolescence, or minor years (which makes since as she discovered her anorexia at age 11). If the foundation of one's upbringing is unstable, then stepping into the fashion industry as a model would be detrimental to ones already weak state of mind. Being a model, is being a mannequin. Your told how to look, walk, stand, and pose. Every designer or agent's opinions may differ on what's an appropriate body image, so models must have a strong identity before stepping into a world that defines you by how you look. Isabelle Caro had way more issue than just being thin for the Fashion Industry, it went way beyond her surface. Instead of taking pictures of this model and plastering her on a billboard for the world to see, maybe a follow up to that should have been extensive counseling and a nutritionist. More than ever, designers are welcoming full figured models, and "real women" into the industry. The fashion industry is very aware of who the buyers/ clients are and what they want to see on the runway. So to say that Isabelle's anorexia was caused by the Fashion Industry is just an excuse or another reason to avoid the real issues, which was most likely her own insecurities. This is a very sad story, and I'm hoping that young ladies around the world can learn from her disorder and tragic death, but I also hope that people can understand that at the end of the day you make your own choices and decisions.
"I'm just sayin, and I'm out!!!"
-Ryan B. Anthony
I agree! I used to be a petite model when I was younger (much younger!), and at that time the push for very ultra thin models was just starting to REALLY get going. But my agency had plus sized models, short models (like me--and I was around size 3 and still did Bikini work), hand models, etc. A few of us, though, did bring some serious baggage to the situation. I myself got involved because I was trying to escape something and thought it was a way out. I suspect that played some role in Isabelle's motivation for modeling. Nicely done--appreciate your words here.
ReplyDeleteJust happened upon this when looking up info. on cause of her death. Cool blog.