Last spring, France banned super-skinny models from the runways, passing a law similar to those already in effect in Italy, Spain, and Israel. According to the fine print of the ban, models must present a medical certificate proving they have a body mass index of at least 18 (roughly 121 pounds for someone who’s 5’7″). And so you know how serious the country is about this, designers who ignore the rule could face a fine of $82,000 or spend half a year in jail.

Whether this shift becomes industry-wide remains to be seen, but acceptance toward models with different body types is both inevitable and awesome. Unfortunately, not everyone is thrilled to see girls with curves taking over the catwalk, perhaps because some people are inherently resistant to change or, more likely, because some people are straight-up asinine.

Gigi Hadid — model extraordinaire who has in the last few weeks walked in Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Anna Sui, and a bunch of others we’re probably forgetting because that’s how many shows she’s walked in — has became a target of the backlash, despite the fact that she is a goddess. (And, less subjectively, sample size.)

At this point, it’s tough to find the negative comments on Gigi’s Instagram because she has so many fans — 6.4 million of them, but who’s counting? — chiming in with emoji-filled well wishes (“Perfection!” “Never change!” “SLAY QUEEN!”) after she opened up about body shamers.

Gigi points out that we should all get to a place in our lives where we can talk about the things that inspire us. And thanks to her, we’re doing just that.

Source: www.teenvogue.com