• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade
      Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor? Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor?
      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

Nevenka Designer Rosemary Masic Says Plus-Size Clothing Endorses 'Unhealthy Living'

by Erin Donnelly (Subscribe to Erin Donnelly's posts)
Posted Mar 23rd 2010 at 9:01AM  
170 Comments
Share
nevenka runway model gray dress L'Oreal 2010 melbourne fashion festival

A model on the Nevenka runway during last week's 2010 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Photo: Stefan Gosatti, Getty Images

Baby got back? Not in the Outback, thankyouverymuch.

Australian designer Rosemary Masic of the Nevenka fashion label ruffled feathers after announcing that she would not offer her clothes in anything higher than an Australian size 14 (a U.S. 10) on the grounds that it would "endorse unhealthy living," reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

Also, if you could please not smoke/drink/eat Big Macs or run with scissors while wearing her clothes, that'd be great.

"We don't make anything larger than a size 14 as I don't want to endorse unhealthy living," the designer told the paper.

"I am very passionate about life and serious about health. It is the most important thing we have and we should respect and look after our bodies. Size 16 and size 18 is not a healthy size to be."

Sheesh -- judgmental much?

Unfortunately, the average Australian woman reportedly runs a size 14 to 16, with many of the country's fashion designers expanding their ranges (literally) in response, according to the paper.

As we previously reported, Australian department store Myer -- which stocks Nevenka -- has begun displaying curvier size 18 and size 20 mannequins, albeit only in the plus-size department.

And while it's no secret that full-fledged obesity is unhealthy, a few curves are hardly cause for alarm.

But since "Surgeon General" Masic brought it up, we're wondering if her health crusade extends to unnaturally skinny woman, as well. Or do anorexia and bulimia not count as unhealthy? It's so hard to keep track!

Judging by the stick-thin ladies modeling the fashion line on her Website, it looks like having thighs the size of toothpicks is the picture of perfect health.

Not surprisingly, Masic's comments have irked many in the health community.

"The majority of women when they put on weight put it on around the hips and thighs and that fat is not harmful," Professor Joseph Proietto of Melbourne University told the paper.

"So it is not true that overweight women are unhealthy, especially if they eat well and exercise. In fact, there is data to suggest that a fit, exercising, overweight person is actually better off than a non-fit, lean person."

"We live in a society that is obsessed with thinness," adds Julie Parker of The Butterfly Foundation, a support organization for those with body image issues. "And often people mistakenly believe that you must be thin to be healthy.

"There are many women who are above a size 14 who are very healthy and have good self-esteem and they have a right to look as fashionable and as beautiful as anyone else.

"If they can't find clothing that meets their needs it absolutely can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and their self-worth because it sends a message that 'you're not acceptable, you're not OK, you're not attractive enough to wear our clothes, and you need to change.' When in fact it's the designers and the industry that need to change."

So how about this, Masic? If you don't want to cater to curves, that's your business. Our business, in the meantime, is going to other, more realistic designers.

For more Down Under plus-size drama, check out "Australia's Next Top Model" judge Charlotte Dawson's controversial comments.

Read All Comments
Filed under: Fashion, News, Designers & Brands
Tags: australia, Australian Fashion, body image, butterfly foundation, Clothing Size, health, nevenka, Plus-Size, Plus-Size Fashion, rosemary masic, Womens Health
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • Isaac's Tips For Plus-Size Women Isaac's Tips For Plus-Size Women Play Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi is here to help, offering his best tips for plus-size women. Part of the series Mondays with Marlo on MarloThomas.com
  • The Best Style Options for Plus Size Women The Best Style Options for Plus Size Women Play Beauty and style expert, Lee Stevenson, is here to give us the dish on what Lane Bryant, Catherine's, and Fashion Bug have to offer to plus size women this winter.
  • How to Measure Your Clothing Size How to Measure Your Clothing Size Play In this video, owner and designer at Garnish Erica Lurie will show you how to measure your own clothing size.
  • Understanding Women's Clothing Sizes Understanding Women's Clothing Sizes Play In this video, owner and designer at Garnish Erica Lurie shares tips on women sizing.

READER COMMENTS

(170)Add A Comment

Patty Loughnane, 3-25-2010, 1:59PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Patty Loughnane

Large women are not necessarily FAT women, just because they have larger bones than the size 8 or 10. Until they changed the sizes some years ago, size 12 or 14 were considered "average", not fat. I've known some very attractive women who would never be considered too fat who could look very fashionable in larger sizes. If they dieted to an 8 or 10 size, they would look anorexic rather than thin, just as the models & tv/movie actresses do. No wonder the young girls of today starve themselves. Now, THAT's unhealthy!

Reply »

Sabriya, 3-23-2010, 10:01AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Sabriya

this is a load of crap, no it does not endorse unhealthy living, this is just an excuse for not wanting to sound biased for not wanting to make larger sizes. Just admit it or not mention it at all.

Reply »

LIGHTNINBUG10, 3-23-2010, 3:40PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
LIGHTNINBUG10

Absolutely, Sabriya! I'm a larger woman who eats fairly healthy but works in a sedentary job. I try walking when the weather is warm enough and not raining. This is purely an AH designer whose clothes I probably wouldn't buy anyway. What a loser.

»

Holly, 3-23-2010, 7:59PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Holly

If this stupid designer really wants to promote healthy living, she should also stop making clothes in sizes 0-5 as clothes in these sizes encourage unhealthy living, also. Sizes this small promote anorexic behavior which unlike packing on a few more pounds than the ideal can lead to death.

»

Tiffany, 3-23-2010, 2:11PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Tiffany

Im an American size 12. I eat healthier and exercise more than a lot of skinny people I know. I dare someone come to me and say that I live unhealthy because I am a size 12. I will gladly show them the amount of muscle and beatiful curves I have. I am a woman, not a boy, therefore I refuse to get rid of my hips and chest because some fashion desginer is disillusioned about the real world. Good luck with limiting the size of your clothing. You obviously lack real talent to be a good designer and will lose lots of money.

Reply »

Merle Wurth, 3-23-2010, 3:59PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Merle Wurth

Right on. I am 70 and in excellent health, flexible, eat right, and excercise. I do not look my age mostly because I have a good figure. I weight 140 and am curby still and not fat at all.

»

auntie3621, 3-23-2010, 4:41PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
auntie3621

Thank You Tiffany I couldn't agree with you more. Maybe men will wise up to the fact of not looking the other way when they see a real woman with hips and real breasts not air bags.

»

Caduceus, 3-24-2010, 6:28PM

Half a star vote downvote upReport
Caduceus

The biggest joke going is how these "big" women or plus size girls think they are doing the right thing when it comes to health. Write down everything that you put through the portal under your nose and you'll discover what 95% of you size 12 and above have...HAND TO MOUTH DISEASE!!! Stop the caloric intake and get off you butt and life will be good!!

»

JK, 3-24-2010, 12:44AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
JK

You are absolutely correct; this designer is clearly disillusioned about the real world! Approximately 1/3 of our society in the U.S. is obese! To produce clothing in anything below a size 14 is outrageous! How can she expect to turn a profit? Perhaps she needs to return business school...or perhaps a great deal of the individuals commenting on this article need to do their research on the direct link between waist size and cardiovascular disease! The lifestyle habits and acceptance of overweight and obese bodies we are passing onto our children is criminal and disgusting.

»

lissa, 3-23-2010, 2:14PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
lissa

I suppose it is the designer's prerogative to design for people size 1o and under. However, basing her decision on health is ridiculous. Some of the unhealthiest people I know are young women who don't eat, throw up, smoke, and take coke or meth to be skinny. I wonder if this designer will make sizes that are large enough to promote healthy eating habits instead of anorexia and bulimia and drug addiction. Furthermore, if the model in the picture is wearing one of this designer's designs, I would happily not purchase her clothes as the dress in he picture looks like a gray burlap sack. Curvy girls, take your best revenge on this unelightened, stupid, designer and take your business and your money to a designer who appreciates you.

Reply »

patty, 3-23-2010, 3:32PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
patty

amen,,, you couldn't have hit the nail on the head any better than that.......

»

Wanda, 3-23-2010, 6:28PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Wanda

My sentiments exactly! I am a beautiful, curvy (not obese) woman and I wouldn't wear this garbage if they were giving it away free on every corner in America!

»

bttbmomma, 3-23-2010, 2:15PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
bttbmomma

Boycott!! Boycott!! Stay in Austrailia.....don't come to America!

Reply »

Skinny Minnie, 3-23-2010, 6:01PM

Half a star vote downvote upReport
Skinny Minnie

I'm glad that they come in my size!! I guess if you boycot this line is simply because you can't find YOUR size!!

»

jade, 3-23-2010, 7:57PM

1 star vote downvote upReport
jade

amen

»

LadyWiccan, 3-23-2010, 2:24PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
LadyWiccan

when my husband and I were married I weighed 103 pounds and could wear most anything, as I grew older and I developed health problems I started to put on the extra pounds, ninety percent of my medication's side effect is wieght gain couple with a bad back I now wear plus sized clothing and no my bad back is not a result of the weight gain, it's from caring for my 500 pound brother, No one knows more about the shame of being over weight more than an obese person so instead of sneers and snide comments, how about a little understanding

Reply »

Wmill3, 3-23-2010, 2:27PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Wmill3

It's permissible to advocate anorexic teenage models, but not normal healthy women.
Let her keep her crappy, overpriced clothes in Aus...

Reply »

Michele Struck, 3-23-2010, 2:32PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Michele Struck

This designer is an idiot and one I personally will never ever purchase or wear! I would rather be a size 16 then a boy looking 0, but im sure she would be tickled pink to be worn by some mindless anorexic. And no its not sour grapes, Im a size 8 and wouldn't wear this woman's clothing even if they were free! She should learn to keep her ignorance to herself!

Reply »

carla52817, 3-23-2010, 2:30PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
carla52817

The woman has other issues besides body size of other people. Has she ever heard of healthy BMIs? There is a 35 pound range in BMIs. Taller people need the higher end. I'm 5'10" for me to go to my low end makes me look anorexic while at my high end I'm a US size14.

Reply »

bonan, 3-23-2010, 2:31PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
bonan

All my life I''ve had trouble finding clothes that fit because I'm close to 6 ft tall and proprotioned to match. I have a great body. I am big and beautifult, not big and fat. Let the b---- design for whomever whe wants to. I'll find someone else, or as I've done many times in the past fet a great dressmaker to do her one better.

Reply »

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments
 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

Most Popular

 
 
When Jenny Was Still From The Block
Like

9

'American Idol' Changes Record Contract Policy: Runner-Up No Longer Guaranteed Major Bucks
Like

128

Your Grandma Could Rock A Bikini
Like

6

America's 10 Highest-Paid CEOs of 2011 (and How They Earned It)
Like

897

The Richest Woman in the World: How Gina Rinehart Earns her Billions
Like

1K

C.Z. Guest's Unusual White Accessory
Like

13

What Happened When Alex Kenjeev Paid His Student Loan in Cash
Like

2K

Carrie Underwood's Grunge Rock Past: 'I Was All About Pearl Jam'
Like

178

Carrie Fisher's All Tied Up
Like

0

First Woman To Command A Warship In Royal Navy History
Like

343

Samsung Galaxy S III review
Like

2K

Mary J. Blige, Charity Lawsuit: Singer's Foundation Sued for Failing to Repay $250K Loan
Like

72

Hawkeye and the Blue Ear Help a Mother and Her Hearing Impaired Son
Like

2K

What's a Realistic Retirement Age?
Like

37

Hot on Facebook

 
 
Your Grandma Could Rock A Bikini
8 Foods That Can Be Used As Beauty Products
PHOTOS: 27 Swimsuit Style Icons From The '40s To Today
PHOTOS: Kate Moss, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow And More Stars In Alexander McQueen
PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
When Jenny Was Still From The Block

MORE ON Stylelist

Outdoor Decor
Inspiration Create A Getaway Feel For Your Backyard, Patio Or Balcony
City Gardening
Gardening and Landscapes Tips For Growing A Garden In A City
Room Makeover
Know-How 3 Life-Changing Room Makeovers
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Ray And The Ro Ksubi
Stylelist Network Ksubi 'Bad Sports' Lookbook: From The Stylelist Network
Memorial Day Sales
Projects Memorial Day Sales 2012: Home Decor And Outdoor Furniture Sales At Macy's, Sears, Home Depot And More (PHOTOS)

SITES WE LOVE

Meet Fashion's Coolest Moonlighters — & See How They Make It Work

Headphone Stalking! 9 Rad 'Phones From The NY Streets

5 Outfits To Try This Week: Sneakers, Overalls, & More

Jeanine Celeste Pang: Reinventing Happily Ever After

Get Jordin's Lacy Look For Less

Mary Kincaid: Weekly Roundup of eBay Vintage Home Finds (PHOTOS)

Carine Roitfeld, Janet Jackson, Karl Lagerfeld, and More at Last Night’s amfAR Gala in Cannes

Natalia Vodianova Was Royal in Blue

Cathy Horyn Deems Mickey Drexler’s Life ‘Not the Stuff of Novels’

Scrub Down: Hadali Detoxifying Body Scrub

Dressed In White: Sophie Theallet Sea Island White Cotton Gown

Patriotic Purse: Edie Parker Red, White and Blue Jean Clutch

Heat It Up: 5 Cool Outfits Inspired by Our Favorite Summer Movies

One Awesome Thing: A Swimsuit to Make You Feel Like a Bond Girl

Look of the Day: Leopard Meets Brights

Kim Kardashian a Kopy Kat?

Priscilla Chan’s Wedding Secret

Mozart Meets the Future

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Design
Clean Home
Beauty
Home Design
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved