The average American woman is 5-foot, 4-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds, but the average model is 5-foot, 11-inches and weighs just 117. With this in mind, the Elizabethtown College “Love Your Body Fashion Show” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in the College’s KAV, celebrates the average woman and man, showing that they don’t have to look like stereotypical models to love their bodies.
Due to the success of last year’s show, Student Wellness, sponsor of the event, continues the tradition and, once again, creates a place for students to celebrate their unique bodies. This year’s show includes seven categories including professional, red carpet, heritage, vintage and active wear. Career Services also will be present to teach students the proper outfits to wear in the workplace or to an interview.
The Fashion Show aims to challenge media, noted Amanda Cheetham, health educator at Elizabethtown College. “Our society teaches us, at a young age, that there is always something about ourselves that needs to be changed to look like a model,” she said. “Nowadays it’s hard for girls to find one thing they like about themselves, and this needs to change.” Student Wellness will play Dove commercials during the show to demonstrate to students the editing process that makes models so unrealistic.
The show not only features students modeling clothing, but also presents facts about eating disorders and body image. These statistics will be read throughout the night to bring awareness to these sorts of issues. “We have all heard about anorexia and bulimia, but there are many more issues people don’t know about,” said Cheetham. “I think these problems occur more than you think at E-town and it’s important to acknowledge them.”
This event is open to students and faculty and staff. Students who attend the event will be entered in a raffle to win an iPad. If students feel as though they or one of their friends is struggling with body image, counseling services are available, and all you need to do is call and set up an appointment at 717-361-1405.