The headline went like "Bebe Rexha Says Designers Won't Dress Her For Grammys 'Because I'm Too Big.'"Apparently, pop superstar and Grammy nominee, Bebe Rexha's, wish for a red carpet frock has been denied by multiple unnamed designers. I'd like to start by saying that I take many issues with this incident. As such, I'll try to keep the ranting in line with some practical standpoints.
Firstly, I think the most glaring problem should be addressed first: "too big." In an Instagram response to the incident, Rexha herself went on to explain that the designers were opposed to dressing her because of her size. She explains, over the course of the video, that she is a size 8. An 8! For the record, in 2018, the International of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education released a study that found the average size of an American woman sits between a size 16 and 18.
Rexha would fall around 8 sizes below average. While Rexha's numerical size and the size of the "average" woman isn't the focus here, it does point to a bigger problem with Rexha's rejection. The mystery designers behind the turmoil are completely out of touch with reality. Insisting on only dressing women who are at maximum a size 4 leaves a very small margin of the population. (While it's important to cater to the smaller-sized faction of women, it shouldn't be the limit). This concept of a size 8 being "too big" is antiquated and regressive.
Secondly, I'd like to point out the plurality of "designers." As it is, rejection from even one designer would've been too many. But multiple? Before reading the headline, I felt like the fashion industry had been making some noteworthy progress regarding body image, inclusivity, and representation. However, it seems as though there is much more work yet to be done. While I do think the "body positivity" movement has gained momentum, it clearly hasn't been pushed far enough nor reached enough people. If any woman is deemed "too big" to be associated with a brand, the industry has some major restructuring and rethinking to do.
Thirdly, the designers' denial of Rexha exposes the ugly truth about the value system society places on women's bodies. We've developed a deplorable hierarchy of idealized bodies down to flawed bodies. This divisive construct has pitted women against women and defined the value of women by their outward appearances. Instead of propagating unity between women, attitudes have shifted toward condemning each other for being "too skinny, too thick, too top-heavy, too bottom-heavy," and the list goes on. As women, we've been taught to measure ourselves against overarching societal values. In turn, it's become systematic to search for other's flaws in an effort to deflect feelings of dissatisfaction we have with ourselves. Despite the competitive nature of these values, every woman loses.
Rexha isn't the first woman in Hollywood to face rejection from designers, either. SNL's outrageously talented Leslie Jones faced a myriad of trouble trying to nail down a look for the red carpet premiere of "Ghostbusters." Like Rexha, Jones was discriminated against based on her size.
Like any unsettling situation, I always like to look for the silver lining. Although Jones was the victim of blatant size discrimination, "Project Runway" alum Christian Siriano emerged from the shadows to rectify the situation. With an open mind and open heart, Siriano swiftly dropped in to cater to Jones's request and attempt to repair some of the industry's tarnished image. As Siriano argued, even as a small label with resources not as readily available, dressing Jones was very manageable.
It's only been about 36 hours, and Rexha is finding herself in a similar position to Jones. A slew of designers has rushed to offer custom looks to her. So much so, it seems as though it may be a battle to see who will emerge as the lucky choice of Rexha's.
Although I find the gestures of Siriano and the other numerous designers endearing, it's important to note that these designers are not saviors. They've certainly got the right mindset and attitude, but neither Rexha nor Jones needs rescuing. Yes, it's good that these designers see value in Rexha and Jones regardless of shapes and inches, but that's how it should be. I do appreciate that these designers are allies to the body positivity movement, though. As designers, we must understand and accept the world that we design in and the women who exist to design for. It's abhorrent and foolish to think only a small, dwindling population of women deserves to be acknowledged and clothed.
Even though I never bother to watch awards shows, I live for the red carpet moments that occur beforehand. As the Grammys approach, I will be fully anticipating Rexha's final choice. I'll be excited to see who gets the privilege of dressing her, and obviously, what the design will look like. As a design major, dressing someone of Rexha's status would be an absolute dream come true.
While Rexha's predicament hasn't raised any new concerns stemming from the fashion industry, it certainly has shed a light on the continuation of its ugly history of exclusivity. As problematic as the action of the unannounced designers is, the sensibility and benevolence of the designers who've reached out to her instill hope. I hope that by publicly exposing this hurtful injustice, Rexha will be able to reclaim her Grammys experience with uninhibited confidence.
Disclaimer: I'd like to acknowledge that I've barely scratched the surface of the issues perpetuated by Rexha's experience, but there's always room to further the discussion.
