Standards Or Toxicity: Should We Change the Standards for Models?

Let’s talk about modeling.

No—not just the runway walks, designer labels, or glossy covers. Let’s talk about the standards tied to it. The ones that aren't written anywhere, but present everywhere.

Ask someone what it takes to be a model, and the answers come flying: "tall, thin, fair-skinned, clear skin, sharp jawline, and a perfect smile.”

And that’s the problem. These aren’t standards. These are toxins dressed as expectations, silently telling us who’s allowed to be called as beautiful—and who’s not. We call this the “inclusive generation!”

Really?

Then, Why do we still label someone as “plus-size” like it’s something unusual? I have never heard of a label called "minus-size." Why do deeper skin tones remain underrepresented?Why do most campaigns still feature only one version of beauty, again and again? Are they not part of this so called progressive generation?

We’ve mistaken beauty norms for professional standards, and that confusion has become the core of the problem.

Let's Get Real

Just few days back, I watched a ramp walk show where Janhvi Kapoor made her international runway debut in the event.This not only amplified the show's visibility but it also sparked widespread discussions online,with videos and images of Janhvi's walk going viral thereby increasing engagement and reach.this crossover created a buzz and increased the show's reach into mainstream Indian media and audience not typically into international fashion weeks, which isn't as usual for the Paris Haute Couture Week. But do you think it was right? The models walking behind her were the actual models—girls who had been going through rigorous training and preparing for months, who have to qualify for these elite runways with there perfected walk, presence, and ability to embody any designer's vision without overshadowing the clothes. They walked too, but most eyes didn’t see them.

Image Credit: Jennifer Burke from Unsplash

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What Was All This For? Glamour and TRP?

But doesn’t it feel wrong that the models who carried the show were placed in the background? Wouldn't it have made more sense for them to lead with their work, and Janhvi to shine separately?

The industry isn’t just promoting fashion—it’s prioritizing fame and certain faces over skill.

Now these Standards have started to Hurt-

This pressure isn’t just for professionals anymore. It’s trickling down.

School and college fests are choosing faces that match typical stereotypes. Even auditions and private events lean towards “model-like” girls—often meaning slim, fair, and polished.

The result? Teens and young adults now spend hours trying to meet a beauty standard that shouldn’t exist in the first place. We’re not chasing confidence anymore—we’re chasing conformity.

And the most ironic part is: Society keeps saying “be yourself,” but still rewards those who fit the mold.

It’s like giving everyone a crown, but only letting one type of head wear it.

Image Credit: Courtney Cook from Unsplash

It's High Time We Talk About It and Break the Mold

You know HOW?

We need to stop calling it “plus-size modeling.” It’s just modeling. We need to stop saying “real beauty” and actually start showing it. We need to stop hiding behind “progressive words” and start making progressive changes.

Because if we’re still labeling bodies, editing faces, and chasing filters—we’re not redefining beauty, we’re recycling it.

As per a report of 2022 Fashion Spot study, only 21% of models in global campaigns were above a US size 4.Yet, the average woman is a size 12–14.That’s not under representation—it’s erasure.

Model and activist Paloma Elsesser said it best: “I didn’t see myself in the media, and that absence made me feel like I wasn’t supposed to be seen.”

And that’s exactly what happens when standards become cages.

Image Credit: Thought Catalog by Unsplash

So What Can We Actually Do?

1. Change casting criteria: Choose models for presence, not perfection.

2. Normalize diversity: Let different body types, skin tones, and features coexist in campaigns—not as a one-off.

3. Stop glamorizing labels: Words like “plus-size,” “dark beauty,” or “curvy queen” sound empowering, but still separate people from the standard.

4. Talk more, judge less: Let conversations about real beauty happen everywhere—from fashion panels to classrooms.

We should know that,o nly changing how we think isn’t enough. If we don’t challenge the system that pushes one kind of beauty, we’re just using filters on a broken mirror.

So next time you admire a model, ask yourself: Are you admiring them for who they are—or for how well they fit someone else’s mold?

Let’s stop trying to fit the model. Let’s break it—and finally, become one.