Well, shame on me. After jumping on the bandwagon and criticizing Ariana Grande’s “thinness,” I had to check myself. Seeing an eye-opening interview where she shared the relentless pressures she’s faced since her teens hit hard. Respect is non-negotiable.
As a mother to a stunning 15-year-old daughter (and yes, she is stunning in my proudly biased eyes), I realized how insidious these societal pressures are. My daughter, armed with a sharp, informed head on her shoulders, scrolls through endless “skinny” trends on social media. She loves a good “snatched” fit but knows the bullshit behind these expectations, what society defines as beauty is not what defines her.
This isn’t just another rant from a GenX mom raising a GenZ daughter. This is a warning: marketers, tread lightly. You’re playing with fire, and it’s burning women alive.
Ozempic, anyone? Watching this year’s Golden Globes, I found myself on the edge of madness. Every commercial break shoved another weight-loss drug or product down our throats. What the hell, Hollywood? Yes, we see you—sized down, toned up, flaunting your manufactured perfection, but at what cost? And advertisers, what is this garbage? The sheer irresponsibility of glamorizing weight-loss drugs during one of the year’s most-watched events was infuriating, especially as I sat with my teen daughter, who doesn’t miss a beat. It’s embarrassing. Do better.
This isn’t just about one awards show. It’s part of a larger, haunting paradox. Shadows of the past creep back into the spotlight as some brands resurrect ultra-thin ideals, dragging the "heroin chic" aesthetic of the 1990s out of its grave. Meanwhile, others stand firm, celebrating the beauty of every shape, size, and story. It feels like a horror movie, where the stakes aren’t just high, they’re life-threatening. Is body inclusivity a genuine evolution or just another fleeting trend?
Trailblazers like Fenty Beauty have proven that embracing diversity isn’t just ethical, it’s wildly profitable. These brands have earned loyalty by authentically celebrating all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Yet some fashion brands are regressing, slashing size ranges to cut costs and glorifying “heroin chic” thinness.
According to Vogue Business, the recent fashion scene, led by runway models and influencers, shows dishearteningly minimal progress toward size inclusivity. Add the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and the dramatic downsizing of celebrities, and this regression feels dangerously tangible.
Why the backslide? Nostalgia for thin ideals, cost-cutting, perceived consumer desire for “aspirational thinness,” and, dare I say, misogyny in leadership are all guilty parties.
The food industry offers a refreshing counterpoint. Brands like Halo Top, Special K, KIND Snacks, Oatly, and Chobani have shown what true inclusivity looks like over the years, and have held steady.
These brands go beyond surface-level diversity, addressing deeper needs like dietary restrictions. Gluten-free, allergen-free, and plant-based options aren’t just product innovations—they’re commitments to making everyone feel valued.
True inclusivity means more than representation of shapes and sizes. It encompasses race, ethnicity, dietary needs, accessibility, and more. Brands that go beyond token gestures and truly address these needs build stronger connections and unlock new markets.
This divide mirrors today’s polarized election climate. Competing visions for the future, progress vs. regression, are at play in both arenas. Just as voters shape the political landscape, consumers shape industries with their wallets.
Brands, like candidates, must choose: lead with inclusivity or be left behind, clinging to outdated ideals.
Inclusivity isn’t optional. It’s a moral and business imperative. Brands that champion diversity authentically build loyalty, trust, and long-term success.
The message to all brands is clear: stop with the token gestures. Embed inclusivity into everything—product design, messaging, operations. Address your audience’s diverse needs, and you’ll create not just better products, but lasting connections.
The future of inclusivity depends on what we do now. As creators, marketers, and leaders, we have an opportunity—and an obligation—to lead by example. Challenge outdated norms. Celebrate diversity. Create spaces where everyone belongs.
If you’re not mad yet, you should be. Women’s lives are literally depending on it. Let’s keep this vital conversation alive.