There has been a lot of progress in the fashion world recently for accepting a real womans body and we couldn’t be happier. Magazines like Glamour and Marie Claire have spotlighted plus size models for editorial features and designers like Mark Fast have been using plus size models in runway shows.

Unfortunately, for every two steps forward there tends to be one step back, and this latest step back is delivered by Karl Lagerfeld with his most recent quote:

“Fat mummies sit there in front of the television with their chip packets and say skinny models are ugly.” He continued with  …the world of fashion is about “dreams and illusions,” and that “no one wants to see curvy women,” in that world.”

This leaves me very conflicted, as I adore Mr. Lagerfeld and his impact in the fashion world, not only with Chanel, Fendi, and Lagerfeld but also with his photography. He is a visionary and a rare talent. However, this quote upsets me most because Mr. Lagerfeld, who has struggled with his own weight, refuses to see the big picture of what he can do for fashion.  

The desire for real-sized women to see themselves reflected in fashion magazines and see themselves wearing Chanel or Fendi is overwhelming. Just ask Glamours’ editor-in-chief Cynthia Leive, or the designer Mark Fast, who both have learned first hand from the outpouring of support that woman of all shapes are out there and more than ready to wear trendy clothes that fit.

When Mr. Lagerfeld is ready for his change of heart, I will be the first to shop.

What you do think of Karl’s statement? Do you agree?