BODY SHAMING OR PRACTICALITY?
As outrage grows over what many allege is fat-shaming, designers reassert they’re inclusive but have overheads
The world of fashion has grown more inclusive over the years, from fashion weeks with gender-neutral clothing to plus-size models on the runway. However, recently, a social media influencer, Dr Tanaya, who posts as Dr Cuterus, shared what she said was a body shaming encounter, while shopping for her bridal outfit at a Tarun Tahiliani store. And now, another bride, Mumbai-based lawyer Shaili Bhat, told a website: “The salesman told me I would have to pay more than the price tag because the lehengas would need more kalis...”
Designers insist they support body positivity. On Tanaya’s post, Tahiliani says, “Our campaigns and brides are of all shapes and sizes. The customer came into our store, was there for 10 minutes but didn’t try any garment.”
As for extra charges, most designers say they are essential to compensate artisans. “We have to nurture the karigars. If we add an extra kali, which usually costs from ₹25k to ₹50k, we ask for extra costs. It is not about one’s weight,” says designer Anju Modi.
Designer Rahul Mishra points out couture is exclusive. “If anyone reduces the kali, we reduce the price, but if anyone increases them we have to increase the price,” he reasons.
And support has poured in from netizens for both views. “As a plus-size bride I can relate. But I don’t agree that larger lehengas costing more is body-shaming,” wrote Sharanya Haridas, in response to Bhat’s experience. But, on the post by Dr Cuterus, blogger Ankita Chaturvedi wrote: “I used to experience this at shoots...I was a size 12. The stylist was able to source beautiful outfits + variety for size 4-6 bloggers but for me, they’d only have 1-2 options and...say ‘it’s because of your size...’.”
DESIGNERS SAY EXTRA COSTS ARE TO ENSURE ARTISANS ARE COMPENSATED FOR DOING EXTRA WORK ON AN OUTFIT