“Heroin Chic” has made a comeback into the scene. From models on the runway to influencers on Instagram, the dark aesthetic is back as a trend to haunt the body positivity movement.
The term “Heroin Chic” was made popular after the Vincent Gallo shoot for Calvin Klein in the ‘90s, which featured young Kate Moss. The hauntingly starved bodies became the new “it look”, and the trend ensued. Along with it, came an unhealthy lifestyle. This was a stark difference from the stronger-looking models of the ‘80s, such as Cindy Crawford or Kathy Ireland.
When the body positivity movement came about, this ushered in a welcome space for all types of bodies. It became easier for a plus-sized woman like me to love herself after years of self-hatred and body image issues. There was representation in social media, big campaign shoots, and even on the runways of high fashion. Models like Ashley Graham and Candice Huffine came unto the scene and it was like a breath of fresh air. It was a remarkable moment to see women of my size represented.
With the comeback of this sickly aesthetic, came the doubts of any woman who has ever wondered if she was “too big”. Gen Z has outrightly refused to be part of the harm caused to body image, as seen on TikTok or any other social media platform. The viral hit on TikTok of Singer SZA’s SNL “Big Boys” skit has done wonders for the body positivity movement as it also brought about a spoof of the sound celebrating the “Big Girl.”
View this post on Instagram
“Women’s bodies are not trends” stated actress and comedian Jameela Jamil. The resurgence of trends happens frequently, but our bodies are not trends to be easily manipulated. The harmful trend can break down years spent building one’s self-esteem. To endure this as a trend again is torture on one’s body image and mental health.
