Well, this is confusing.
Fashion designer Collette Dinnigan has come under fire after criticising the weight of young Australian women. She argues that both (a) showing off their stomachs with midriff tops is unacceptable, and (b) covering up with kaftans should not be condoned.
48-year-old Dinnigan criticised overweight girls with “big burger bellies”, which she described as “unattractive”. In an interview with fashion writer Anooska Tucker-Evans for The Courier-Mail, Dinnigan said:
“I see so many girls with those cut-off short shorts and midriff tops and their big bellies hanging out the top of them and I’m just thinking, `Why on earth would you think this looks attractive?’
“I walk down the street and they’re 16-17 years old and I feel like saying to them, `It’s just so unattractive, you have no idea.’ ”
As well as condemning girls who have decided to show off their bodies with revealing clothing, Dinnigan criticises young women who have tried to cover up – mentioning kaftans in particular.
She explained, “[Wearing kaftans] is kind of women’s way of just covering up. I think it’s better to look at your health and get your body in shape.”
So, teenage girls aren’t allowed to flash flesh or cover up? Of course, this message is only directed at girls with “big burger bellies”.
Perhaps Dinnigan’s bottom line is: You are welcome to wear whatever the hell you want. As long as you’re skinny.