Body image has always been an issue in the media. From the controversial banning of size 0 models to calling supermodels fat, it seems we're far from done with this topic. It can be damning, and downright damaging to one's self esteem. Here are 10 supermodels who were unbelievably called fat out in the open.
1. Coco Rocha
Coco has worked for Dolce & Gabbana, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, Liz Clairborn and Calvin Klein. She is a six 6, and because of that, she was eventually looked over for campaigns. Her agent encouraged her to lose weight, but since then, she has been one of the most outspoken models against anorexia.
2. Sophie Dahl
Dahl was an alternative to the size zero models back in the 1990s.
3. Gemma Ward
Ward retired in 2009 due to constant criticism over her weight.
4. Filippa Hamilton
Hamilton's image appeared in a Japanese catalogue and was digitally altered to make her look thinner. She was obviously outraged and demanded a public apology for that. But after the apology, Ralph Lauren decided to end her contract because she didn't "fit into the sample clothes they needed her to wear".
5. Karolina Kurkova
Kurkova was a Victoria's Secret angel. She even walked the runway with the company's "Star of Victoria". In 2009, she developed hypothyroidism
which caused her to gain thirty pounds.
6. Heidi Klum
Designer Wolfgang Joop stated “No way she is a runway model” because she is “too heavy”.
7. Tyra Banks
Banks has always been heavy for a model. When she retired she weighed 148
pounds. She's been criticized for her weight numerous times but has since gone on to be a spokesperson for positive body image on her TV show.
8. Kate Dillon
Kate Dillon is the first "plus size" model to appear on the cover of Vogue. She was forced to leave the modeling business in 1993 because of a life threatening eating disorder. After recovering, she rejoined the industry and was named Mode magazine's "Model of the Year" She is now a very outspoken activist against anorexia and other eating disorders.
9. Kate Upton
Victoria's Secret famously said that Kate Upton didn't fit the cut of a Victoria's Secret angel.
10. Kate Moss
Moss was forced to leave modeling because of a drug problem in 2005. She later returned looking healthier and larger, to which The Sun wrote an article saving that even supermodels have off days.