Urban Outfitters’ latest campaign using a plus size model is a massive fail

It’s refreshing to see outlets embrace diversity in advertising.

The world we live in is changing and embracing that change makes sense for multinational businesses. Recently Urban Outfitters decided to run a huge campaign and included models from all ethnical and cultural backgrounds. The campaign, titled "The Class of 2017," features transgender model Hari Nef and plus-size model Barbie Ferreira. In a blog on their website, UO hailed the cast as "fresh new faces [who] are challenging the status quo."

A video posted by Urban Outfitters (@urbanoutfitters) on Jan 2, 2017 at 7:13am PST

The only problem is that model Barbie Ferreira wouldn’t actually be able to pick up any clothes from the retailer. According to Revelist, the store only stocks sizes up to a US size 12, or a 33-inch waist and 43-inch hips. Model Barbie Ferreira, meanwhile, rocks a 33.5-inch waist and 47.5-inch hips. In an interview with UO, Ferreira said: "I’m not the epitome of representation, but a lot of girls can look to at me and finally see themselves doing something like that. Along with a bunch of other girls, we’re showing that diversity isn’t represented in everyday media, it never has been. It’s always been euro-centric. It’s always been thin. It’s always been straight and cis. It’s just a very small industry and people even think it’s silly of me to think that, to be optimistic that it could be better. But I think it’s really working! I never thought that an industry so deeply rooted in its traditions would be open to letting young people show themselves in different ways."

A photo posted by Urban Outfitters (@urbanoutfitters) on Jan 3, 2017 at 9:55am PST

So yeah, while it’s a nice thought, it seems it would be more effective if the clothing giant would actually walk the walk instead of just talking the talk. The rest of the campaign is compelling and gives insight into all featured faces HERE.