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I could sit here today and rant for the next 5 or 6 paragraphs about how our culture is sexualizing our kids way too young. About the damage we're doing to our children by letting our media run rampant all over their youth, but I'm sure you've heard it all before. I don’t really feel like getting up on that soapbox today anyway.
No, today I’m feeling scrappy. I’m feeling like a pretty damn good example of what a grown up looks like. I think over forty is the best I’ve felt about myself yet. I’m thinking I’m tired of being told I want to look like a 13 year old. I'm beginning to feel a little beat down myself, never mind the kids for a minute. I’m feeling like it’s time to pick a fight.
So to the fashion industry, I say this, what the hell is wrong with you?
For the record, I, nor any of my sisters over 40, identify with the Fanning sisters. There is no question they are cute, sweet, innocent, but representative of the women who actually buy your clothes? Please. They’re kids. They look out of place and awkward to us because we know things they don’t about being a woman. Things that will only come to them with maturity, experience, age and stretch marks. What is it exactly that I’m supposed to identify with them on? That I’m old enough to be their mother?
Then there’s the photo shoot French Vogue did with a 10-year old, under the guise of “art”. Apparently French Vogue is trying to make a statement on our obsession with youth in our culture. I guess French Vogue thinks we were all born yesterday, like their model, to not see through this very obvious play for attention. Tarting up a ten year old is the intelligent way to draw attention to our obsession with youth right? Sorry Vogue, but Abercrombie beat you to it. Why not do a photo spread with a 75 year old woman if you want to draw attention to our obsession with youth? Oh right, I know, because people wouldn’t be pissed off about that. There would be no controversy. Nope, you saw a line and hurdled over it and then used “art” as your shield. Not gonna lie to you Vogue. Felt a little gross after seeing that photo shoot.
These are obviously extreme examples, but they are representative of a industry that has clearly lost its way. I don't expect to see Cindy Crawford modelling Gymboree clothing, why are young girls barely through puberty modelling women's clothes? Can we get everybody to start acting their age?
So here’s a thought for the fashion industry. Find models that actually represent your market. I don’t know about you but most girls under 15 don’t have the budget for your overpriced duds anyway. Allowances generally aren’t that large.
Here are a few women you might want to consider for your next shoot:
Diane Keaton
Meryl Streep
Diane Lane
Susan Sarandon
Demi Moore (even though she has clearly signed a deal with the devil)
Judi Dench
Helen Mirren
Julianne Moore
Sela Ward
And I even offer up myself, because I'm giving like that. Look I even come with my own fashionable lap dog.
See, lots and lots of women past puberty available. So, I guess what I’m really trying to say to you fashion rulers, in the kindest way possible, is, please get your head out of your arse and start treating us with a little respect. OK? We are beautiful even *gasp* over 40.
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