Gigi Hadid’s Vogue Hairspray Cover Sparks Debate Over Thinness

Gigi Hadid’s recent cover for Vogue, featuring a rendition of the musical “Hairspray,” is generating quite a bit of buzz—largely because of its lack of body diversity. The iconic John Waters film centers around Tracy Turnblad, a larger teenager who aspires to dance on a television show but faces discrimination due to her size. The narrative emphasizes solidarity between heavier individuals and the fight for racial equality, making it a crucial theme that resonates throughout the story.

Hadid, who has been a prominent face in the fashion world, takes center stage in Vogue’s latest video titled “Gigi Hadid Can’t Stop the Beat,” where she channels her love for musical theater. Interestingly, she recalls auditioning for the role of Amber Von Tussle at just nine years old. In the video, she performs sections of the song typically sung by the character Penny and even sports a wig that evokes Tracy’s signature look.

The video features Broadway star Cole Escola playing Edna, Tracy’s mother, although he skirts around a notable line regarding food—most likely because he doesn’t identify as plus-size. Moreover, Laverne Cox portrays Motormouth Maybelle, a character known for belting out a number called “Big, Blonde and Beautiful.”

However, there’s an undeniable issue at play. Among the ensemble cast of 16 dancers and four special guests, not a single person represents larger body types. The absence of plus-size individuals in this tribute raises eyebrows, especially considering the original story’s focus on size discrimination. Many comments applauded the effort, but critics pointed out the glaring lack of body diversity in a production that could’ve championed inclusivity.

It’s vital to acknowledge that roles like Tracy’s remain some of the few major opportunities in musical theater for plus-size performers. While this tribute isn’t a full-fledged production, one has to wonder—wouldn’t it have made more sense to include larger models to align with the story’s fundamental message? Or if they were hesitant to feature a diverse ensemble, perhaps choosing a different musical altogether would have been a better option.

As discussions around body image and weight discrimination continue to evolve, the fashion industry’s ongoing stigmas surrounding size remain critically relevant.