Model Lara Stone Thinks She’s Fat; Shock and Awe Ensues

By Kendra Gilbert on September 24th, 2009

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Model-of-the-moment Lara Stone has her fans in a huff. Apparently, she thinks she’s fat. And she’s tired of it. So, she’s on a mission to slim down and fit in with her bony counterparts in the modeling industry. But, why? Why, Lara? Why?

I, along with the Internet masses (check out the comments), am totally disappointed to learn of Lara’s negative body image and her vocal unhappiness with her weight. After all, she’s a size 4 and on top of the modeling world, with designers singing her praises and clamoring for her to appear in their shows and campaigns. It is her fuller frame (and I use the term fuller only in relation to Lara’s waif model counterparts) that sets her apart and made her a star.

But, all the media coverage is also probably the reason she’s so self-conscious. Everywhere you look, she’s being characterized as the “curvy” model. What standard does that set? A size 4 is most definitely not curvy. Not by a long shot. Imagine if you were constantly singled out as being the big girl in the room? Even if you’re being spotlighted for a good reason, it’s going to make you a little self-conscious. She’s just a girl, so it must be hard to be constantly reminded that she’s not as skinny as the other models.

I think this is more a reflection on the fashion industry (once again) than it is on Lara. The industry wants so desperately to prove that it promotes a healthy body image that they will pin that label on the first model who doesn’t fit the normal “type,” even if she’s really no healthier or bigger than the other girls.

I do hope Lara decides to love her body just the way it is. That would be the best example she could set for girls and women everywhere. And stop calling herself fat! Maybe that would lead to a true change in the industry.

(Photo Via Allure)