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| Interview with model Katie Green - (by Suzanne Fatta, Models of Diversity) |
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SF Hi Katie, thanks so much for doing this interview with us. For those who don't know your story, tell us about how you started the Say No to Size Zero campaign?
KG I was a normal girl living in a small village and working in a clothes shop until my whole world got turned upside down when I was plucked from obscurity to become the new face of major brand Wonderbra. This career move came with it's ups and downs, one of the worst experiences, being told I was 'too fat' to be a model! I am now a campaigner against Size Zero and have a successful modelling career working for many large brands.
SF Tell us about how you started the Say No to Size Zero campaign?
KG I feel really strongly about the size zero debate and feel that I have a duty to fight for the curvier woman, as I, myself, have first hand experience of how uncomfortable even healthy women and girls can be made to feel. I also think fashion designers and clothing brands target young impressionable teenage girls and make them feel uncomfortable about their weight - which can often lead to eating disorders. Because of this, I have started an online petition, to try and put a stop to size zero models and models with an unhealthy BMI modelling on the catwalk, in major advertising campaigns and in fashion in general. Once I have reached my petition target of 20,000 signatures, I will present this to the Prime Minister and Parliament with the help of MP Lembit Opik who is working with me on this, in the hope this change will be made. Our aim is to have a policy put in place ensuring all models are health checked before undertaking any modelling assignments with reputable and impressionable brands. My stance is that if I could save just one young woman from developing an eating disorder than I have succeeded. |
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SF Where is the Say No to Size Zero campaign now?
KG The campaign is going from strength to strength. We have nearly half of the signatures needed and I am not stopping until I reach my goal. Nearly every week I am either giving TV interviews, radio interviews or magazine interviews to promote the campaign, and I am collaborating with eating disorder charities such as BEAT for support. I'm overwhelmed with the amount of attention the campaign is getting - it's all I could wish for.
SF feedback have you gotten from the public about the campaign?
KG It's not only the media that are so interested in my campaign, but the general public too. From letters of support from anorexia sufferers, to women and girls thanking me in the street for being so inspirational...it really spurs me on to continue fighting for what I believe in. As part of my research I have had to study 'Pro-Anorexia' websites, and they are heartbreaking. The thing that upset me the most was the images of 'thinsperation' and young girls sharing tips on how to hide their skinny frames from their parents.
SF Did you get different responses from different generations, genders, races, etc?
KG I was pleased to discover that not only does my campaign focus on the pressure of weight within the fashion industry, but it has also brought light on other factors, like gender, race and age....which are also subjects that many fashion designers want to control. Whilst some people frown upon a size 14 girl gracing pages of Vogue, other people will frown upon an Asian model modelling lingerie... it's obscene! |
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SF What obstacles have you faced in the industry?
KG As I said, I have had first hand experience of these pressures. In 2008 I was introduced to Premier Model Management, via Wonderbra, who signed me there and then. But a week later I was having immense pressure put on me to lose 2 stone despite being a UK size 12 and 5ft 10in tall. I was given a strict gym regime and even banned from carbohydrates after 4pm! I left the meeting in tears and feeling like I was fat and ugly. I was so determined to 'make it' as a model though, that I started to lose the weight and in turn made myself quite ill, in fact, sticking to their orders, I lost 8 lbs in 7 days. I was a bundle of nerves though and realized that this was not worth sacrificing my health and my happiness for, and in the end I decided to quit modelling altogether.
But then I received a call from Ultimo - asking if she would like to sign as the new face of their D-G range. Michelle said, '...by signing Katie, it proves that models don't have to be a size zero to look fabulous or to have a successful modelling career.' Because of this call I decided to go back to modelling.
SF Are you still working as a glamour model? If not, have you tried a different kind of modelling?
KG I am actually more of a commercial model. I do very little glamour nowadays, apart from the Daily Star Page 3, but I am very proud of my curves and happy to show them off! I have worked for some amazing brands such as Sony, Chesca, La Senza and Special K... it's been a dream come true. |
SF You are now classed as a plus model, but do you really feel someone who'd 5'10" and a size 12 is really plus? I know Hughes has Mini Plus - what do you think of that category?
KG I think that the Mini Plus section of Hughes is spot on! We are still classed as 'plus size' within the modelling world, but just mini versions of it! The average size for a woman in the UK is a 16 - and we should be extremely proud of those gorgeous 'sex-symbol' Marilyn Monroe curves!
SF What do you think about the lack of models of colour, especially in glamour?
KG Unfortunately, it isn't rare to see the lack of models of colour within the glamour industry...and it's a shame what message this is sending out to aspiring models of colour. Companies are clever and usually use 1 model of colour to 200 white girls to cover any complaint arising.
SF Has anything changed in the industry, or in your career, since you started the campaign?
KG Nothing has changed directly from me, but I aim to make people more aware - and that is definitely happening. In terms of other changes, Mark Fast's use of plus sized models on the catwalk and John Lewis replacing size 8 mannequins to size 12's are all steps in the right direction. Madrid put a law in place and banned models with a BMI of below 18 from the catwalk in fashion week, and it was brilliant. I won't stop until I can enforce that here.
SF What do you think of the work Models of Diversity, All Walks Beyond the Catwalk and other such groups are doing? Anything we're missing? |
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KG Your aim of demanding that the fashion and marketing industries recognise the beauty in women of all races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities is inspirational. We are all fighting for the same cause - to change the face of fashion and modelling. Working together, I am positive we will succeed.
SF Anything else you'd like to add?
KG No, I think we are good! :o)
http://www.katiegreenofficial.com
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