Ralph Lauren model Filippa Hamilton (120 pounds) gets fired for being too fat. Is Ralph blind?
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Some of you may have heard about the Ralph Lauren model, Filippa Hamilton, whose body was so Photoshopped in a recent ad that she looked like a funhouse mirror. Lauren later apologized for the "distorted image."
Now come reports that the 23-year-old French model in that ad was fired from her RL contract.
At 23, 5 feet, 10 inches and 120 pounds -- a size 4 -- Hamilton has been doing Ralph Lauren print ads since 2002. But the company claims she's now too fat to fit into their sample clothes. Ralph Lauren admits that Hamilton was fired, explaining the termination came "as a result of her inability to meet the obligations under her contract with us."
Which is a polite way of saying, "This girl is a porker."
Hamilton didn't mince words either about getting fired for her weight.
Hamilton's response: "I think they owe American women an apology, a big apology; I'm very proud of what I look like, and I think a role model should look healthy."
What do you think? Is she fat? Is Ralph Lauren crazy or blind or both?
More fat Dish:
Was Paulina Porizkova too fat for "America's Next Top Model?"
Photo credit: Ralph Lauren
I just calculated Philippa's BMI from the data given. It's 17.2 -- "underweight", by NIH standards.
It may be that, rather than firing her for being fat, RL is firing her for being 23, an even more insidious act. If she's been modeling for them for 7 years, RL may regard her as old, banal, tired. How about a nice, healthy boycott of RL products? Vive la liberte!
A model 5'10" tall weighing 120 lbs. has a body mass index of 17.2. Anything under 18.5 is considered underweight. If a woman has to be medically unstable to look good in Ralph Lauren, they need to change their clothing, not their models!
Too fat to fit into their sample clothes? How about making sample clothes that are REAL samples of what a REAL woman would wear.
When I USED to shop for Ralph clothing, my size 10 body sure had enough to choose when I wanted to spend lot of dollars!
Oh dear! What frightening things does this say to young girls/women in our culture? Why does RL bother to even make clothes for women above a size 4 if he only wants his clothes worn by the emaciated? This size 14 used to wear his things, but I'll be shopping elsewhere!
1. She is not 5'10". She's lucky to be 5'8".
2. She is also no where near 120. Probably closer to 135-140, and about 15-20lbs heavier than she was a year ago.
3. Regardless, she is very beautiful and clearly a perfectly acceptable weight, She is simply a size 6 or 8 who could no longer fit into a 4. (which is probably what's in her contract...)
This is common, it's done to depress women. Depressed women then buy products to feel better. Then they give up hope and eat until they explode. It's sad, but models as thin as they use, often become infertile, they don't have enough fat in their body to have kids. Guys know it too, they look for curves. RL is in it for money.
She actually looks anorexic in this photo!!!!!! Whats wrong with the world today?
I think he is crazy- It is already bad enough that the fashion industry has caused us all to be crazy about weight loss and dieting. But to say someone who is a size 4 and who is considered underweight to be too fat is just crazy- I personally don't wear his clothing and I will not in the future- He is no longer relevant.
this behaviour is consistent for ralph lauren, as well as unhealthy and bad for his business. why would i buy clothing for extraterrestrials? why would i support his literally distorted view of women? why would i ever buy any product again from this stupid, women-hating company? they must think women are completely stupid. i'm not buying into their contempt.
I agree with Diana - time to send a message from the "normal" size woman. For the money RL et al make on their line, they should buy a little extra material for the "samples" and make a size 6 for heavens sake. Why would I buy clothing draped on a stick? It sure wouldn't look the same on me, perhaps my old Barbie dolls will fit in.