Fashion brand Next has faced criticism over an advertisement featuring a model labeled as “unhealthily thin.” The backlash prompted the company to pull the ad, sparking renewed debates about body image, responsible advertising, and the impact of unrealistic beauty standards.
You May Also Like: Are Bubble Skirts the Next Big Thing in 2025? Here’s How to Style Them
The Controversy
The advertisement, which showcased a slim model in a new collection, drew immediate attention. Social media users and body positivity advocates raised concerns about the model’s appearance, claiming she looked unhealthily underweight. Critics argued that such imagery promotes unrealistic body expectations and could contribute to unhealthy beauty standards.
Several consumer watchdog groups and health advocates also stepped in, questioning the ethics of featuring extremely thin models. Many called for fashion brands to adopt more inclusive and responsible advertising practices.
Next’s Response
After facing mounting pressure, Next issued a statement acknowledging the concerns. The company announced the removal of the advertisement, stating:
“We value our customers’ feedback and recognize the importance of responsible representation in fashion. We will continue to review our advertising to ensure we reflect healthy and diverse body images.”
While some praised the company for its swift action, others argued that such incidents highlight ongoing issues in the fashion industry.
The Debate on Body Image in Fashion
This controversy is part of a larger conversation about the portrayal of bodies in media. The fashion industry has long been criticized for glorifying ultra-thin body types while failing to embrace size diversity.
Experts warn that unrealistic imagery can contribute to:
✔ Low self-esteem among young audiences.
✔ Unhealthy dieting behaviors and eating disorders.
✔ A narrow definition of beauty that excludes most body types.
In recent years, brands like Dove, Aerie, and Savage X Fenty have embraced body-positive campaigns. However, many luxury and mainstream fashion labels still favor thin, traditionally “model-like” figures.
What Comes Next?
Fashion brands are under increasing pressure to adopt healthier and more diverse representations in their advertising. Consumers demand:
✔ More realistic and inclusive models.
✔ Greater responsibility from brands in shaping beauty standards.
✔ A shift towards promoting health over extreme thinness.
Final Thoughts
Next’s decision to remove the ad is a step in the right direction. However, it highlights an ongoing issue in fashion. Will brands truly commit to body diversity and ethical advertising? Only time will tell.
