“Force Ripe” Is 10 Too Young For High Fashion?

Today I want to talk about the sexualisation of children in the fashion industry? 10 year old model Thylane Blondeau is in Vogue Paris this month. After looking at the edition I find myself asking why Vogue Paris thought these images were acceptable for publication, and wondering how young is too young for high fashion?

Thylane is the daughter of french soccer player Patrick Blondeau and reporter, turned fashion designer Véronika Loubry. She has been modelling for a number of years. In the past I have seen images of her that have raised questions but none compare to how she is captured in the latest edition of Vogue Paris.

For me it is not about the haute couture, lipstick, jewels and high heels. We all like to play dress up as children. Its about the provocative poses and the suggestive stare, which I consider to be totally inappropriate for a child. And yes, call me old school as I still believe your a child at age 10.

Being involved in the fashion industry for so many years I know how what we do to sell products can affect young girls… through their sexualisation, physical appearance, eating disorders, self esteem etc… etc.. etc…

Thylane is not the first child to cause such debate but she is one of the youngest. In 2007, a 13-year-old Dakota Fanning posed in a controversial campaign for Marc Jacobs and now her sister at the age of 13, Elle Fanning is the face of Jacobs’ Fall 2011 campaign. But this fascination with preteen models when stylised in a very adult manner in my opinion is not going to help our young girls transition easily into confident, balanced and well rounded individuals. And I have to wonder about who actually enjoys looking at these images?

Right now on some of the social media streams we have teens saying how they are jealous of a 10 year old. Can we afford to ignore this response?

So you tell me. Is 10 too young for sexually provactive high fashion pictures or is it just a reflection of the society we live in today? Love to hear your thoughts

Shaz