What the hell happened to Karlie Kloss?!

'Scuse the rough choice of words.

But I was "introduced" to Karlie Kloss when she was 16 years old, was known for being a former ballerina and having a special walk. I thought she was cool, and loved seeing her climb higher and higher. I loved how healthy she looked, with those strong legs and childlike softness.

Then, something happened. I think Victoria's Secret happened, but then I'm biased. 

However, you can't tell me this (below) is normal and the Karlie Kloss we know and love. I can accept that she's 19 now and growing up, but growing up shouldn't be growing thin. The fashion world wants slim women, which she was. This is starting to border on unsightly and also, really really really bad in the context of so many women struggling with self-image.

You see, it's not just about one girl being too thin. It's about those big fat (sic!) letters practically saying "this is what you should look like, too." Look at her waist. Look at it! Look how her bones poke out and how her stomach is sunk way into her body. 

I thought a lot about whether to post these photos. First, they are nudity. And while I'm not offended by artistic nudity or fashion photography that includes nudity, I know some people are. Second, they are all over the internet anyway. But in the end, they make my point: what happened to Karlie?

Is it a coincidence that after becoming a VS model she started looking like this? 

When VS models started to appear more on high fashion runways (or the other way around?) people thought maybe the runways are accepting more curvaceous women. But actually, it's the VS models that are getting thinner. Which is terrible, because there are a whole lot more 13-year-olds that are crazy for VS than there are crazy for Givenchy, for instance. And the latter, if they are, they understand a bit more. 

To sum up, I think it's great that Karlie is so athletic. I think exercise is wonderful! But I also think women should be encouraged to be their "own size of healthy", rather than having these unrealistic standards shoved in their face. 

Photos by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia (a photographer and publication that I love with all my heart, just like I love Karlie Kloss).

Why I don't like Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

... because it's not fashion, though it may claim so.

Some 20-30 years ago, Victoria's Secret was mainly a mail-order lingerie brand that was famous for their catalogues, which were hunted by boys and young men. Which is normal, of course. Attractive women in lingerie were and will always be attractive.

But then, in 1995, they started a yearly event they decided to call Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Every year, this occurence rakes in huge audiences based on a simple concept: gorgeous women parading down a catwalk in a fairly ridiculous get-up often including glitter, wings and other imaginative props and creating, in recent years, an Internet craze.

"Angels" like Doutzen Kroes or Miranda Kerr bear no blame, of course. They're simply the objects of male and female adoration world-wide, and it's not them claiming that this is fashion we're talking about. They simply get paid millions of dollars for it, and to say that great underwear is the key to looking good (don't tell me you haven't noticed that in their interviews!).

For a second though, let's be real. Comparing just about any show from the upcoming fashion weeks from the four cities (New York, London, Milan, Paris you can't get here fast enough!), you might find no similarities. Victoria's Secret "Fashion" Show is a presentation of the idealized versions of their products, a vibrant, colorful spectacle, that creates the base on which the allure of this brand is built - they sell not only lingerie, but also lounge-wear, sleepwear, beauty products and regular clothing.

This show is where they partly sell their image - and force it upon the impressionable minds of teenagers and women alike. 

Did you know 19 out of 20 young women would change their bodies?

Do you think it might have something to do with the ideals set by "Angels", women who are paid millions to look the way they do and have the help of trainers, beauty treatments and other professionals?

P.S. I don't believe Victoria's Secret is singularly responsible for Body Image issues held by so many people. Nor do I hate the brand in itself. I also hope this post won't attract unfollowings.