Even over at J.Crew's Facebook page (click here), several fans commented how "disturbed" they were by the model's "unhealthy weight". Well, the media is discussing the weight of J.Crew's model as well, in particular an article over at Salon (click here).
Also, "thanks!" to audball (in this post) who let us know that Jezebel (click here) has once again, done a phenomenal job of stating their humorous take on the latest catalog."Sickening" skinniness in J.Crew
By Tracy Clark-Flory
April 6, 2010
This morning, I was forwarded a link to images of the "extremely thin" lead model in J.Crew's new spring catalog. The original e-mail read: "She is so thin her arms are like twigs, her collarbones jut out and her face is gaunt and drawn." I clicked the link to the photos and -- huh. I saw a woman looking to be just your average, run-of-the-mill model. Was there a link mix-up, was I looking at the wrong photo?
Then the responses from the e-mail's other recipients began pouring in: "My girlfriend gets the J.Crew catalog, and we were gawking at the alien-like skinniness of that girl the other day. Her girlfriends at work were all talking about it too." Then another: "Ugh, one of these pictures is almost sickening. ... A thigh, about the size of my forearm." And another: "I have NO idea who, outside of petite Asian preadolescents, fits into their fucking clothes." They all echoed the shock and dismay of the original e-mail.
So, I took a more careful look at the photo: OK, yes, her arms are very thin, it does look like her head could topple off her brittle body at any moment and, by god, her calves are almost indistinguishable from her forearms. But her body didn't strike me as shocking or unusual -- not upon first glance and not even upon further inspection -- even though I logically know it to be so. The women in my real, everyday life do not look like that, and if one of them did, I would probably be sick with worry for her. However, the girl in the photo exists in an alternate universe where the usual rules do not apply. I was primed to see the image as a grotesque example of impossible beauty standards run amok, but all it elicited from me was a half-hearted shoulder shrug.
I wrote back to the group, "I am slightly disturbed by the fact that these images didn't even strike me as unusual, at all," and a friend quickly responded: "You and me both."
My thoughts on this... I think the model used is absolutely gorgeous. With that said, I do think she is a tiny bit on the too-thin side. (Especially after some of you pointed out how thin her legs appear in the JCA banner.)
I get J.Crew wants to compete with the high-end fashion retailers, but I don't know if this is the way to go. Instead, how about using both the (1) models featured a few years ago (they were also thin & beautiful, but maybe not quite this thin) and the (2) "real-life" women from the "Who's That Girl" catalog? Honestly, I hope to see more of both these groups.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the models used by J.Crew appear healthy/unhealthy? Do you think this conversation is much ado about nothing? What kind of model would you like to see J.Crew feature?
She's thin for a catalog model but not for runway work.
ReplyDeleteI'm more bothered by how wan and out-of-it she looks. Like she had the flu on the day of the shoot.
Maybe it was just an allergic reaction to all of the flowers
I agree with you, Alexis, I honestly didn't think twice about the images of this model when I first flipped through the catalog and web site.
ReplyDeleteUpon closer inspection, she probably is a wee too thin, but kind of the "norm" for high fashion models.
A model that I do think is terribly too thin and does not have any visible muscle tone is the gaunt brunette from Anthropologie. She is the gal wearing the Two-Wheeler dress and she really bothered me - at least the JC model (though still unrealistically representative of women) looks healthy.
Logically, J.Crew would need their models to be rail thin to look flattering upon the layers of clothes.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the model's thinness, but her wide-eyed, clueless, and stoned expression irks me. That's not a flattering portrayal of women's intelligence at all.
I agree with Pansy - her looks and poses bother me more than her gauntness (which is extreme). One of the things I have loved about past catalogs is that the women look healthy (though of course very thin), relatively happy, and confident. No so in this catalog. Someone mentioned Lauren Hutton yesterday. I would be soooo happy to see her back - absolutely gorgeous, thin, stylish (which gives credibility to J.Crew), etc. I think LE Canvas got all of JC's old models, some of them look familiar.
ReplyDeleteShe looks spaced out and that bothers me more than her thinness.
ReplyDeleteMany of J Crew's models have been this thin. I adore Vanessa, but for a while there, I thought she looked like skin and bones in both J Crew and Boden catalogs.
I get that we're all invested in this brand and want to see a wider representation of body shapes in models.
ReplyDeleteBut to say a model has an "unhealthy weight," to say, "Get her some chocolate!," or to point out that she's "painfully thin" is still buying into a culture of commenting on womens bodies that's unnecessary and disrespectful.
Imagine if they used a slightly larger model, and the comments were about her unhealthy weight, that she looked painfully fat, and someone get this girl on a diet? I think you can see my point.
There are ways to fight against unrealistic standards without dissing the model in question. When we criticize one woman's body, we give into the system that criticizes us all. Criticize the system instead. Criticize the brand that uses models who represent such a narrow standard of beauty that almost no one fits into it. But don't criticize the girl.
I think Pansy's absolutely right - this girl was wearing two skirts, a button-down and a cardigan and STILL looked rail-thin!
ReplyDeleteI miss the models of seasons past (oh, here we go - another JCA whining about how JC used to be!) and looking back, they had quite an influence on what I purchased. The happy and healthier looking Emanuela and Edda had me recreating looks from the catalog much more than the blank stares of Mona and whatsthisgirlsname. I think that most of the models now (online and catalog) are just plain ugly, and the loads of raw edges and messy hair aren't helping.
Perhaps its that the models from past seasons are now "too old" for JC's ideal demographic. Renata went to Ann Taylor and Anouk went to Talbots, and IMO they still look gorgeous (and make me want their outfits!). On the other hand, I don't think I can relate to the ragamuffin look that JC is currently peddling. /end $0.02
jcrew sometimes uses more normal/healthy looking models in their swim shoots. They really should use this model and this model more often. They don't look sickly and cracked out like the blond model in the current catalog.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the Salon author that this is not the worst example of model toothpickyness and that overly thin models is, a much wider and more 'atmospheric' problem in fashion.
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, I think most of these size -4 models in reality would be sized out of a lot of JCs clothes. They must be wearing pinned-like-hell size 0s!!
Also agree with those who have pointed out these wacked out editorial facial expressions - objectionable and just plain silly. Boooo.
She looks extremely thin, and she is not the prettiest model in JCrew catalogs, she looks too pale, like if she were sick.
ReplyDeleteYellow Lux: You made some great points. Excellent read. With that said, playing a bit of devil's advocate... aren't professional models judged by their appearance (including weight)? Even the author of the article said that models are in "an alternate world", where standards are a bit different.
ReplyDeleteYellow Lux, I second everything you said. I realize that some people really are that thin in real life and it's not about asking them to eat more. It's the same song, different verse. If J.Crew (and other brands) would just show a range of people rather than one type I'd be a lot happier. I'm wishing for across the board, size 0 to 24. Then I'll be impressed.
ReplyDeleteIf I have any questions about a model, such as "is she too thin?" or "is this a secretly Old Lady outfit being modeled by a young woman to fool me into buying it?" I run the image through a simple test. I cover up the face with my fingers and just look at the body and the clothes.
ReplyDeleteAnd in this case, yes, she's too thin.
The messy hair, colorless face, and vacant stare don't help. She looks like a vampire jonesing for a quart of O-positive.
I agree that this particular model's poses are what bother me more than the thinness. The open mouth, vacant staring, and odd limb placements are just weird. That is why I love Boden's catalogs so much...the models are out and about doing "normal" things, with "normal," everyday poses and SMILES. I wish J.Crew would bring back smiling. It's nice, you know.
ReplyDeleteHer legs do look exceptionally thin, but could that be retouching? My biggest gripe is her look - I just want to put my hand under her chin and close her mouth! :) What's up with the vacant facial expressions?
ReplyDeleteShe looks sick, plain and simple. Her face has a vacant look that you might get after 4 days of being stranded in a desert or a week in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to buy clothes modeled by more curvy models so I can get a better idea of what they will look like on me. I can't buy straight from the catalog when looking at models like this, the styles just won't look the same on me.
I do think the girl looks frighteningly thin. In the banner photo, her legs like they're only two-dimensional!
ReplyDeleteI agree with most everyone that her expression bothers me, too (actually, the expressions of all the models in the current campaign) - I'm so tired of that mouth-hanging-open, deer-in-the-headlights look. They all look like they're on drugs.
She does look thin, but I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.... It was just one or two issues of the catalog ago that they used 'real life' models, and one of them was pregnant!
ReplyDeleteThat said, I grew up in the 80's, and cannot quite wrap my head around leggings again, anyway, no matter how darling J Crew styles them. Next they will try to get me into stirrup pants!
I don't think she's too thin at all for her profession. So many folk have commented on her pallor, well without make up I too am that colour, that's just her phenotype and I don't think she ought to be criticised for that, it really shouldn't correlate with looking ill.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people don't think twice about the size of the models we see because its normalized.
ReplyDeleteBut that being said, J.Crew really seems to have a double standard on the kind of male and female models it features. The men are still exude a quiet confidence, hard bodies and a matter of fact mastery of everything from scholarship to fly fishing.
The women, not so much. They pose them to be seen and not spoken to, unlike the men. You don't necessarily be the same sense of intelligence, just Oh What A Pretty Girl in a Pretty Dress. I still like jcrew, but the current direction towards higher end seems over styled and extremely tangential to the former functionality of the pierce. Fundamentally, I buy jcrew because the stuff is damn near indestructible and incredibly versatile.
And I agree with Yellow Lux that we shouldn't be problematical this particular model's body, suggesting SHE change HER behavior to assuage our own anxiety. This is a structural problem and should be addressed structurally.
I've designed clothing and have worked in retail for many years. My opinion: If you have to use someone this thin to wear your clothes, no one will look good in the clothes. Period.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying use 200 lb models but..we all know, a housedress looks good on an 80 pound girl.
I've already emailed J Crew about their cuts. I told them, not everyone is a model and that I think the book and clothes reflect everything and anything about Jenna Lyons.
I think we have to keep in mind this is probably a 15 or 16 year old girl who is struggling to make it in the modeling industry, she may even be one of those who is just very, very thin and cannot gain weight. She is a person too, I think we have to remember that before we write something that can come off nasty about her, when we mean to direct it at J.Crew. After all, in regards to facial expressions,models are briefed by the company what kind of face to make- I am sure it is something like surprised or aloof. Fault on J.Crew, not the model.
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice the thinness of the model; because other JCAs have mentioned it, I noticed the vapid open-mouthed expression, which is starting to annoy me since it seems to be on just about every page.
ReplyDeleteI am in my late 30s and I have always been thin. I also have basically no boobs, in part due to nursing my kids (so the no boobs comment in the post hit a sensitive chord with me. Yes, I could probably wear crewcuts too. Instead, I wear a nicely padded bra).
My beef with JCrew? I now fit in the absolute smallest size they make for women (available in a limited selection of items), whereas I used to be three sizes bigger without any change in my actual body size. This said, I know that there are women out there who are smaller than me who have been sized out of JCrew.
So hear hear for accepting women as they are without criticizing them or commenting on their bodies. I hope JCrew expands their size range on both ends of the spectrum.
I'm glad you brought this up. I think that this model would not be at all out of place in Vogue . . . Of course one of the reasons I dropped my subscription to Vogue was its images of skeletal, vacant-looking women. I didn't enjoy reading it (if "reading" is the right word for perusing Vogue). I don't expect models to look like "real" women, especially when modeling couture.
ReplyDeleteBut I am dismayed when a mass-market mall brand I have loved for many years gets bigger than its skinny cargo britches by trying to go fashion-y and up-market, and demonstrates this by putting its clothes on empty-faced lollipop-heads rather than attractive, vital women.
J.Crew is a mass-market brand. I continue to love it for those ways in which it still fits my needs (fewer and fewer, alas) But let's fact it, J.Crew is not couture. I don't want to see it worn by the type of model that couturiers deem necessary to represent their product. I want to see it worn by someone lively and interesting like Vanessa, Anouk, or Lauren--a model who,you know, makes me want to *buy* the stuff.
Yes, the model is way, way too thin. A grown woman this thin is a bit grotesque.
ReplyDeleteI'd like J. Crew to use a variety of different body types, even some heavy set ones, since its customers have all different shapes. Clothes simply fit differently on the stick thin models with no boobs than they do on the average woman. When I look at a catalog, I need to get an idea how the clothes would look on me (average weight - with boobs!)
Not only are the models getting thinner, but many more styles are only going up to size 10 or 12. They have added size 00 but barely make anything in size 16 anymore except for the bridesmaid dresses and basic khakis and suiting. It's fine to add size 00 for the very slim women, but don't take away the other end of the range. And, regardless of some of the oversized knits, the pencil skirts, sheath dresses, etc are NOT vanity sized, at least on the upper end of the size range. I'm beginning to feel like JC doesn't want my money anymore. Do they only want to dress 6' ft tall pre-pubescent teens?
ReplyDeleteI would love for the modeling industry to accept women of all sizes.
ReplyDeleteUntil my early 30's, I was rail thin. Then, my body completely went curvy. So, I completely have sympathy for those of who are/were small and those who are more curvy.
I was thinking about model looks when looking through the Land's End catalog. I love how the models look like adult women. They even use older women too.
I think J Crew does cater to a slighter, straighter body and I think their choice of models reflects that. Even their real life models a couple of catalogs ago were more slender than the real life models I have seen from companies such as Talbots and are more slender than 90% of the adult women I see IRL.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see true size 4 to 6 models used in their catalog, consistently instead of the size 00and 0 choices they are currently using.
However, I would be disappointed if J Crew changed the cut of their clothing too much. I am very smallboned and delicately built on top and J Crew is the only major retailer that makes shirts, jackets and coats that fit me through the shoulders and around the bust. Ann Taylor and Banana Republic seem to be made to fit a much curvier build on top. I love their clothing too, but a lot of my tops have to get altered from other stores.
Now J Crew's bottoms are another issue as I have curvy thighs and a bum that are not proportionate to the rest of my body. Their pants and skirts can be challenging. But I know that and when something doesn't work, I don't stress and move on to somewhere that caters better to those curves.
After reading some of the posts that were made while I composed mine, in the spirit of sisterhood I'd like to clarify my remarks. The model's face and figure are what they are, and she may (or may not) be naturally thin. It's not about her personally.
ReplyDeleteMy concerns are indeed focused on J.Crew, which selected a model with this particular look to represent their brand, and then presumably directed particular poses, expressions, and "looks" over the course of the shoot. A model is a blank slate to some extent,and JC very deliberately chose to portray her and their brand in this particular fashion.
Hexicon,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Well said!
I miss seeing model Angela Highsmith in J Crew. She is so pretty and thin but doesn't look like she will blow over if there is a small breeze.
ReplyDeleteOkay... So I changed the photo on the post because I certainly *never* intended it to be cruel (which is how some of you have taken it). For that I sincerely apologize. Incidentally, I too have a small chest (which I have mentioned before) and can fit into some crewcuts items. (I own a crewcuts dress that I wear as a top.)
ReplyDeleteI also removed the poll which was model-specific. I think the point some of you made about not making the conversation too-specific about the model is a good one.
There is a good conversation going on here. And I respect the varying views represented here. :)
Lastly, I want to add that I do think we are all entitled to our opinion. It's always interesting to read (on this and other blogs) comments claiming some people are being judgmental followed by their own judgmental comment. (I too am guilty of this, but I point it out nonetheless.) :)
Count me in on most all of these opinions. I am:
ReplyDelete-conditioned to seeing really thin models and don't think anything of it (grew up reading Vogue, Cosmo, etc.),
-only bothered by the stupid poses and facial expressions. Can't say the models really impact whether or not I make a purchase anyway. The regular JC models are everywhere else and I'm not buying the clothes they're selling. Love the comment about putting a thumb over the models to evaluate the clothes!
-thinking they've been targeting a younger demographic, esp. since they're integrating Madewell into JC, and Madewell doesn't seem to have taken off (at least I don't think it has since the website hasn't gotten off the ground yet).
I wrote to J.Crew late last month about how I felt that the cover model Magdalena Frackowiak did not represent the healthy, vibrant woman I usually associate with J.Crew. Here is what I received as a response:
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to reach out with your concerns.
We apologize if you have been offended. We do not intentionally try to portray or encourage unrealistic body images in our catalog. The issue you raise is very important and your concerns and comments along with a copy of your email will be shared with the appropriate team.
Thank you again for contacting us with your concerns. We appreciate the time taken to notify us of this important matter.
Best,
Shan
1-800-591-3802 ext. 52028
Go to the source if you have a problem!
Did anyone see the March Talbots catalog (with the peony cover)? That is the kind of catalog I like to peruse. A different vibe than the old JC catalogs, but more similar to them than the recent stuff. I had been hearing some good things about Talbots here on JCA, but hadn't actually gotten to the point of ordering anything until someone lent me the catalog. The lovely shots, colors, and mix of models and "real" women completely drew me in.
ReplyDeleteOn a related but OT note: does anyone have any FS or % off codes for Talbots? The usual online sources didn't have anything.
Alexis, I'm so glad you took the issue to the horse's mouth, so to speak. I was struck by the different tenor of the catalog from the cover model. This is not meant to be an attack on the girl in any way but the cover was definitely a change in direction from the typical JC covers, which is why I think people have reacted so strongly against it. I love fashion and I get that models are very thin and I'm not one of those people who say those thin models need to eat a hamburger, etc. I think models need to be a certain height/weight for a reason. I know that I'll never be 5'11' and 110 pounds so I don't strive towards that goal. It's just not realistic.
ReplyDeleteI do think she's a lot thinner than some of their previous models but it was really her weird vacant expression that was irksome to me. It just seemed odd. and because her face is very unique, it stood out a lot and instead of focusing on the clothes, I felt uncomfortable looking at her images. Just my two cents!
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for putting a name to a face! She is/was my favorite jcrew model.
I miss the smiles on the models...when they actually looked happy to be wearing the clothes.
ReplyDeleteJ Crew is not high-fashion, it's not couture, but obviously it's trying to be. The models for Ann Taylor and Talbots are much more beautiful and realistic, still very thin, but not scary thin.
ReplyDeleteI got the same response to my comment to Jcrew as Alexis:
ReplyDelete> ------------------------
> First of all, Feed your model (s) (in the latest email ad there is a
> serious case of lollipop head goin on there)
> Also, the styling was so ridiculous I thought the ad was for 'crewcuts'!
> Come on, real women shop at J Crew!
>
> Hello,
>
> We apologize if you have been offended. We do not intentionally try to
> portray or encourage unrealistic body images in our catalog. The issue
> you raise is very important and your concerns and comments along with a
> copy of your email will be given to our catalog group.
>
> I will also pass your comments about the styles along to our design
> team. Thank you again for contacting us with your concerns. We
> appreciate the time taken to notify us of this important matter.
>
> If I can assist you further, please let me know. I have provided my
> contact information below for your convenience.
>
> Best,
> Cynthia
> 1-800-591-3802 ext. 53269
Like I've said before this model is my least favorite from all the models from JC catalog.
ReplyDeleteI guess the vacant stare, open mouth and rather sickly looking poses are not totally hers to blame but the photo shoot director who wanted her to pose that way and the people who selected these shots for the catalog.
I love the models from LE Canvas and Boden with their lively smiles. I also enjoyed JC's "real women" shots.
What struck me is that the model looks like she's twelve years old. Combine that with the infantalizing romper and I really get the creeps!
ReplyDeleteI'm very grateful for the IRL bloggers for modeling the clothes and giving me a better idea of how they look on someone who's short, or has a b-or-larger cup size, etc.
I loved the "real women" issue and wish they'd bring the concept back.
Also, thanks to audball for the heads up on Jezebel's review. That was great. Spot on.
Alexis: Absolutely, models are judged by their appearances. Which is why, if we feel this model is "too thin," it's a bit of a double edged sword. The modeling industry often requires models to be at once extremely thin AND healthy looking - a reality that is uncommon for many grown women, forcing modeling agencies to go to ever younger models for the aesthetic we're after. But using unkind language to describe the model's figure doesn't accomplish anything. This model is a woman who is probably pressured to maintain a certain weight, and to not deviate from a pre-determined set of measurements. The problem is not the model, who would be throwing away her career if she gained ten pounds. The problem is the industry that demands the model.
ReplyDeleteAs I said before, criticize the industry. To criticize the model for her appearance is no better than the system that demands she be so thin in the first place. If we want healthy, diverse models that represent a wider range of ages, races, and figures, we should demand those things, rather than insult the opposite traits.
Anouk was always my favorite and I loved Vanessa. I think the things about the old look was the models looked happy and like they were having a great time. I used to try and copy the flushed checks and lightly stained lips. This gal looks out of it. Sure she's really thin but it's more like she has no idea what's gong on. That's what bothers me.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I don't care for this model. She looks alien-like to me, and now that I'm reading your article, I'm realizing maybe it is because she's too thin.
ReplyDeleteUsually, I think J. Crew is packed with stunning peeps. But, yeah not a fan of this one.
I agree with many model comments. IMO, the biggest thing to note is that it's becoming more and more apparent J Crew WANTS to appear to be high-end fashion. Apparent with their choice of model representation, the styles they have been trying to execute (note that I said, "trying" as many do NOT work) and the crazy styling we've been seeing (I think this Fall fashion shows proves this even more than the past Spring show.)
ReplyDeleteSorry to sound like I am picking on the model but again, J Crew chose her BECAUSE she looks strange. Her wide-set eyes that give her a clueless/drug-induced look, extremely pale skin (death-like pallor or again drugs?), her extremely skinny body of which most of us do expect to see in a model BUT just not representing J Crew. It reminds of the Kate Moss, waif period. The drug-induced, ill-looking, skinny, skinny yet shock-inducing and therefore, memorable models.
I presume that deep-down, Jenna wishes she were designing for a high-end house but because this is where life landed her, she will just try to do it here. It's something I both love and hate. Some of what comes out of it is what gives me some super-unique items but can be a little confusing. I ultimately have no choice but to take what I like (which is still A LOT!) and leave the rest. With that comes the choice to rake through some of the crazy to find the love. And IMO, there is still a lot to love:)
Hmm. I also didn't think twice when I flipping through the catalog pages. She's not my favorite model that J.Crew has used, but I don't find her much "skinnier" than others I've seen before.
ReplyDeleteI noticed her extreme thinness only in certain poses, and it did bother me. It bothered me even more than usual because I had just read an article in I think it was March Vogue about a model's struggle with anorexia and how after gaining a small amount of weight (enough so that she could have her period normally(!)) she was not able to book the jobs she had previously because she couldn't fit into the clothes and she knew certain stylists liked extremely thin girls. Sad! Don't be one of those places J.Crew!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with Mireille's comments on J Crew portraying men-as-strong-and-successful vs. women-as-thin-and-pretty. I wrote to the company about my concerns with their apparent double standard and received the same boilerplate response as other JCAs.
ReplyDeleteWe can (and should) write as many letters as possible, but I don't think there will be a shift in retailers' attitudes until it affects their bottom line. And if LE Canvas and LLB Signature are any indication, companies are actively seeking newer, younger, leaner customers.
I think the model is very pretty. Yes, she's thin, but no more so than other models. Plus, of course, we have no idea whether her slender legs are real or photoshopped, as virtually all print photos are altered before publication. I'm rather horrified that people would feel free to call this girl grotesque, frightening, clueless and not pretty.
ReplyDeleteI definitely noticed that this model was painfully thin. Her face looks all drawn. I like when J.Crew uses thin, but healthy looking models, and when they use "real" people I think that's great too!
ReplyDeleteOT, About the Jcrew Jenna Lyons spotted in lucky magazine post by Alexis on JCA, where she says 'My style is little tomboy,disheveled ,and granny ' ....Ok I read this article on the web about Alexa Chung where she is asked about her style, as a matter of fact , she also says ' My style is a little schoolgirl-meets older brother-meets grandma '....LOL :) Just for laughs.
ReplyDeleteI think JCrew is using Magdalena Frackowiak because they want to be seen as more high-fashion than they used to be. Yes, she's thin but she's also one of the top high-fashion print models in the world right now. If I want to see "real" looking women, I'll go to the LLBean catalog.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure if I wanted to chime in at first, but here it goes. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of disheartening that one would assume that super-skinny equals unhealthy, or even grotesque. All of our bodies are unique, whether that means skinny, average, or on the large side. Just because someone is average size doesn't mean they are healthy looking and vice versa.
Maybe my 5'9"-and-40-lbs-under-my-ideal-body-weight-self, just slightly got her feelings hurt with the reality check that maybe when she turns heads out in public, that people think she is unhealthy, and grotesque, rather than a cute girl. :(
I think the J Crew models are on the thin side. I am disappointed that they don't have a full range of body types modeling their clothes. A smart, confident woman knows how to dress for her body type, so showing certain items on fuller figures would be smart on J Crew's part.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find strange is that the J.Crew models get skinnier and skinnier but the clothes get larger and larger. I am WAY bigger than the models they use but almost completely sized out of J.Crew. In other brands I am a 0 and very often a 2, plus I'm curvy. So the JC sizing boggles my mind. Combine this with the fact that they are cutting out the larger sizes and it seems you have to be Jenna's exact size and shape to wear JC anymore. It's one thing to design in your own style, it's another to be so narcissistic that you can't offer anything else.
ReplyDeleteThe cover model didn't stand out to me as any skinnier than a normal fashion model. (Obviously this is very relative and has nothing to do with the average woman!) Like most, I was annoyed by the look on her face though. Makes me think she has terrible allergies and they gave her a hand full of benadryl to cope with those flowers. I've probably had that dazed and confused look after too much antihistamines but it's not a look I aspire to lol.
A few thoughts:
ReplyDeleteI've remarked numerous times how I *loathe* the vapid expressions j.crew's models have sported of late - just take a glance at some of the pics from the Paris catalogue (it's the one I know the best) and see a smiling Vanessa, contrast with vapid current model, and see which outfit is more appealing.
I think it is a very valid topic of discussion because it's been a significant focus in the fashion industry of late, with notable examples of the tragedy of young models dying of malnourishment.
Lastly, J.crew's hypocrisy galls me - they feature real-life men with interesting back stories who look vibrant - but we get stick figures who are portrayed as pallid (she may look healthier in real life, but the fact is, j.crew shot her to resemble someone recovering from influenza) and vapid (weren't we all taught early on to not let our mouth hang open or we'd catch flies?).
I, too, really liked Talbots March catalogue - real-life women wearing Talbots clothes they felt good in. I bought that tweed sheath because of Kelly Corrigan rocked it.
Great topic, Alexis.
ITA, Shannon - I usually wear XS/0, and at least half of J Crew's things don't fit me anymore - they're way too huge. I'm not sure how the models wear any of their items. I see them in the catalog/online wearing things I've tried in the smallest size knowing the models would be swimming in them. They must be pinned to death.
ReplyDeleteShannon, ITA with your comment about Jenna being narcissistic in her work. It's a designer/stylist's job to focus on her customer's needs, not her own, and she should be able to work with a wide variety of sizes and figure types.
ReplyDeleteSo many great points here! Like all American consumers, I'm used to being bombarded by images of models who are extremely thin by average standards, but I definitely did a double-take when I saw the new catalog. I'm concerned for the fact that this particular model appears to have no cheek flesh to smile with, and that her gauntness is clearly framed as a covetable facet of JC style (at a time when they're clearly pulling back larger sizes in many styles).
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice this model as thinner than past J.Crew models but I always assume every photo has been retouched so pay little attention to the clothes hanger and focus on the clothes. I look everything up online from every angle before purchasing and those models are typically more realistic but not always.
ReplyDeleteHaving modeled in high school I know that you have to have a certain look depending on the client and that includes body and face. Sometimes it is the look of the moment and other times, more classic looks. J.Crew is just going for their current concept and with them it always changes so I disagree that they are delusional and thinking they are high-end. They are also likely riding on the tail end of the super thin emo-ish trend. There were comments about the male models being pretty darn thin a few months ago too.
There is definitely more demand for thinner models because the clothes hang better - you can pin them wherever you want and make them look just so. Not as easy to do on an average-sized woman. Using non-models is great but is also time consuming and expensive since it would take considerably longer to complete the shoot to satisfaction. Modeling is work and experienced professionals make a HUGE difference in the process and finished product.
Also, there are plenty of women suffering from eating disorders, it is not limited to, or because of the modeling industry IMO. The industry probably doesn't help but they didn't invent it. Same could be said, and is, of Hollywood.
I just take it for what it is, a catalog with people modeling clothes, some very nice clothes at that. And nice work, if you can get it.
I'm mostly bothered that J. Crew's recent catalogs are filled with handsome, successful real men with fascinating professions. And I recall only one recent catalog where real women were also used. Even then they were used sparingly. This model is very thin, and like many others have said, she probably needs to be that thin to pull off all those layers. Girl is wearing two skirts at once in one picture!
ReplyDeleteI agree with most that I have come to assume the models will be unreasonably thin, and that what struck me most about the catalog were the unusually blank expressions the models wore (along with the hideous orange lipstick). Were they drugged at the photo shoot?
ReplyDeleteWhen I first stumbled upon J Crew 8 years or so ago, I was inspired and excited by the classic, preppy outfits that graced the pages. Lately I don't even care to flip through the catalog anymore because I know I won't find anything particularly flattering or affordable for real women.
hear hear xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am by no means skinny but models are young and thin for a reason.I like what they are doing as they are attracting many new shoppers which will keep them in business hopefully for years to come. I don't work in an office so skip the work wear. I don't wear mini skirts so I sigh and remember when I was young and could. I don't expect them to relate totally to me--they would be bankrupt if they appealed to such a small segment in today's market.
wow, you guys noticed this too. That was the first thing I noticed when I started perusing this catalog. There is thin and then there is concentration camp thin. I think they recruited the later for this last campaign. I was so caught up with the look of the model, I didn't even see the clothes, let alone picturing myself in the clothes someone half dead was wearing. Kudos JC.
ReplyDeleteI did notice that this model looked thin and I looked "twice" because I think she has a rather broad face which accentuates the overall thinness. I am used to seeing thin models, and sometimes when catalogs use "real" sized people, I know that I think "wow, 'real-sized' looks fat!" What I started to think after seeing this catalog was "they do not want my money" anymore because most of their merchandise violates my office dress code: denim, distressed stuff, skirts that are too short, shorts, gladiator sandals, swim, leggings, ankle socks in day-glo colors, tissue tees, tees with obvious drawings, sequins, rompers, harem pants, dress up clothes for parties....all things for teens or women who either do not work or work in a non-tradtional setting. So I asked myself, are they getting too tangential to my needs?
ReplyDeleteI'm posting this without reading all the comments so apologies if I echo what someone has already said. I've always looked about as thin as this model. There really are skinny, narrow-shouldered, very flat-chested women in this world, and we need clothes, too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, models like this DO bother me, and I think it's because they are so freaking young. She's either 15 or she looks 15. Either way, that is NOT how I want to look. I am an adult woman and I'd like clothes that make me look like a grown up. So how about some models over the age of 30? Why are male models gorgeous and mature, and female models are little children?
Because I am so scrawny, it bothers me all the more to see my body with a 12-year-old face. Some grown-up, non-vapid women who naturally have this body type shown wearing non-ridiculous clothes would be a great thing for me to see, and a great way to sell clothes to me. Not sure if I've seen a woman like that since Audrey Hepburn.
Magdalena Frackowiak
ReplyDeleteI googled her and she can look healthy and beautiful.
She can actually close her mouth and look focused.
She was born on 1984 so she's old enough, but JC just styled her that way. In the photos she was styled appropriate, she is really unique and beautiful.
Her upper body is thin, but her thighs have enough fat to meet (I've seen stick thin thighs that don't touch). So I thought she wasn't that skinny.
My husband commented on her facial expression after he saw the catalog. He couldn't see anything else but her stoned stare. I think that's where all the negative feelings began. I couldn't look at the catalog. I wish JC asked her to close her mouth in some photos.
I love the comments pointing out the contrast between the 'capable' looking men and the beautiful 'vapid' women. Such a great observation. And so, so disheartening. ):
ReplyDeleteI googled her yesterday. She is beautiful and actually looks healthy and vivacious in many of the photos I looked at.
ReplyDeleteBut this is skinny:
http://www.style.com/peopleparties/modelsearch/person3904
Let's try that link again...
ReplyDeleteMagdalena Frackowiak
I also ran across this yesterday:
ReplyDeleteVanessa Lorenzo
For any of you who like Vanessa, there are some great shots of her from past J Crew catalogs.
Yellow Lux said:
ReplyDelete"I get that we're all invested in this brand and want to see a wider representation of body shapes in models.
But to say a model has an "unhealthy weight," to say, "Get her some chocolate!," or to point out that she's "painfully thin" is still buying into a culture of commenting on womens bodies that's unnecessary and disrespectful.
Imagine if they used a slightly larger model, and the comments were about her unhealthy weight, that she looked painfully fat, and someone get this girl on a diet? I think you can see my point.
There are ways to fight against unrealistic standards without dissing the model in question. When we criticize one woman's body, we give into the system that criticizes us all. Criticize the system instead. Criticize the brand that uses models who represent such a narrow standard of beauty that almost no one fits into it. But don't criticize the girl."
THIS. Thank you, I couldn't have said it better myself...and I was about to try =).
All models are skinny, who cares. I only focused on the beautiful makeup in the April catalog. Love all of the lip colors!
ReplyDeletePLEASE TELL US WHAT MAKEUP WAS USED!!!
I like the new J.Crew models. The ARE runway and vogue editorial models, or even Vogue cover models. I think it really suits J.Crew's new look and higher fashion appeal.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I'm wondering is why the clothes don't fall off the models. I'm a size 0 or even 00 at J.Crew, but more like a 2 or 4 in real life. They must pin a lot of the clothes for the shoots.
Oh, one other thing--- the magazine uses runway models, whereas the online shop uses more commercial models. Yeah...
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who buys the clothes because they fit well both my figure and lifestyle and not because of the models that wear them in the catalog? WHO CARES!
ReplyDeleteI think people who writing this kind of nasty stuff about the models are insecure about themselves because I cant see any other reasons to criticize others for their weight... whatever that weight migth be. Thats all.
I thought I'd offer my take, since I'm only 19 and I think most other people who have commented are older than me.
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective, I have loved J. Crew's last year-and-a-half of look books, and this is no exception. While the model's expression does look a little lifeless, I think she is beautiful, sweet, and probably her bodyweight is totally natural for her. I'm 5'4" and I naturally weigh 98 pounds, though ironically this means that I have to tailor a lot of the things I buy from J. Crew because even their 00 is too big (and despite my size, I do have a very feminine figure. Can't imagine if I was flat). I really prefer the freshness and grace of the florals here to many other too-slinky looks, though, especially for young women like myself. And personally, I love that she has pale skin and naturally textured hair, because when I wake up late for class in the morning, this look is so much easier and so much more naturally ME than spending hours straightening my hair and caking my translucent skin in bronzer.
That being said, the men and the women in this catalogue really don't go together very well, because as a girl I would never be attracted to most of the men because they are way to old for me! I think they should either feature some older (than me, I mean) women or just go all-out for my younger demographic and use younger men. But not Zac Efron young; that's too much. I think they could blend their demographic fairly well. At 19, I find J. Crew a nice mix of style that makes me look sophisticated and adult but not dowdy and aged. This lookbook and model are as fresh and classic as usual.
To anyone who thinks the models aren't getting way too freakishly skinny:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/swim/solids/PRDOVR~38864/38864.jsp
and
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/swim/italianjerseysolids/PRDOVR~34265/34265.jsp
just had to throw these in there....
I didn't think they were necessarily too thin, but I thought they looked like they had never exercised or walked a day in their life. There is no muscle tone at all. Do they not even go for a walk or do anything. Looks like they awoke from a coma where they just laid there for 5 years or so.
ReplyDeleteI immediately noticed the emaciated model on the j crew website. I got off the site immediately and chose not to order. I don't want to support this.
ReplyDelete8 years later and this conversation is still ongoing. The J Crew models just look pale and sick and have dirty flat hair. Death warmed over. Not appealing. I don't like the clothes anymore either.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, excessive thinness, as well as excess weight, speaks of health problems or constant stress. Embrace the power of natural remedies and try delicious CBD Stress Gummies. Don't worry, these cbd gummies are free of sugar, animal fats and gluten. Therefore, such cbd gummies carry only health benefits.
ReplyDelete