The attitude of Maltese models towards size zero

Abstract

This study aims to delve into the attitudes and perception that Maltese models hold towards size zero in the fashion industry. A qualitative approach has been adopted since it allowed the research to get a better understanding of the personal viewpoints held by fashion models. Two focus groups were conducted with Maltese models, one with females and the other with males. Data obtained was analyzed using thematic analysis that generated seven main themes. These are: - ‘Conflicting perceptions towards size zero, Difference between female and male models, The fashion industry, The Local context, Role models and the cultural shift, The extremes models go to achieve the fashion approved size, and The social aspect of modeling. This analysis showed that the fashion industry is essentially producing an extremely body-conscious community, defined by an idealization of thinness that is inherently the fashion designers’ sense of responsibility. As demonstrated by the participants, fashion designers tend to believe that their clothes look more appealing on skinny models. On the other hand, male models find themselves doing strenuous exercises in order to attain standard measurements required for fashion shows. Throughout the focus groups both male and female models shared the same line of thought that although the fashion industry and media depict size zero as the norm, in reality it does not define ‘beauty’.