"No fashion has ever been created expressly for the lean purse or for the fat woman: the dressmaker's ideal is the thin millionaires"

Katherine Fullerton Gerould's quote highlights the persistent exclusivity and unrealistic requirements often perpetuated by the fashion business. Through the declaration, "No fashion has actually ever been developed expressly for the lean purse or for the fat lady", Gerould highlights a crucial commentary on how style generally caters to a narrow audience, particularly those who are rich ("the lean bag") and fit a specific physique ("the fat lady").

The expression "the dressmaker's ideal is the thin millionaires" encapsulates 2 unique yet overlapping concerns: body image and socioeconomic status. By explaining that style caters to "thin millionaires", Gerould is showing that the market prioritizes and idealizes those who have both wealth and thinness. Fashion, according to this view, often ignores individuals who might not fit into these categories, disregarding most of the population that might be average in size or financial ways.

Exclusivity in fashion can push away those who find themselves outside the narrow scopes of wealth and slim physique. It perpetuates specific charm standards that glorify thinness and wealth as the ultimate perfects to accomplish, creating pressure for individuals to comply with these requirements, regardless of how unrealistic or unhealthy they might be for many people. Consequently, the industry can strengthen feelings of inadequacy and exclusion for both plus-size individuals and those with restricted monetary ways.

This review welcomes a more comprehensive conversation about inclusivity and representation within fashion. It challenges designers and brands to reconsider whom they design for and to think about expanding their scope to be more inclusive of varied body types and financial backgrounds. As the fashion business progresses, there has actually been a gradual shift towards more inclusive and diverse representation, signifying a slow but emerging change in focusing on ease of access and inclusivity over exclusivity. However, Gerould's observation remains pertinent, as it reminds us of the historical foundations and continuous challenges within the fashion business.