Whistles Apologises For Controversial Skinny Mannequin, Twitter Says 'Meh'

This article has been updated with a statement from Whistles

Another day, another high street store that has caused outrage by using a very slim mannequin.

Instagram user Amina Hays (@sinkvenice) snapped the picture and posted it with the caption: “Because having a mannequin specifically made with a protruding breast bone will definitely solve women’s body issues.”

Underneath the post, when someone wrote it was hideous, she responded: "Revolting isn't it. Usually I don't care about things like this but when I walked past this shop last night, I was horrified."

Since then, Whistles have issued a statement apologising for the mannequin posting the following on their site:

"We are sorry for any unintentional offence caused by this mannequin. Our mannequins are supplied by a company which has been working with leading retailers for over 30 years. The headless mannequins are a stylised tool for visual merchandising and standing at 177cm tall are not a direct representation of the average female form. It is made from elongated solid fibreglass in order for clothing to be carefully slipped on and off. However, we do take customer feedback very seriously and will be removing this style mannequin from shop windows."

Twitter users responded with the following:

Speaking to HuffPost UK Lifestyle, eating disorder charity Beat said: "Retailers should consider very seriously the messages that they put across and we should all play a part in giving a generation of young people confidence in their bodies, their appearance and their sense of wellbeing.

"Obviously underweight mannequins such as this are unhelpful in fuelling the continuous exposure of the unrealistic ‘ideals’ so often portrayed. People who are at risk, or already affected by an eating disorder can be triggered or maintained in the disorder by the images they see everywhere.”

Rivkie Baum, editor of plus size magazine Slink says: "It is amazing that an in age where we are so clued up on body image and the effects of media and fashion that brands are still making these errors of judgement. Last year alone we saw two other high street stores using similar mannequins in store displays too.

"I think it is commendable that savvy shoppers have both spotted and pulled the retailers up on this and I think this is a key message, consumers have power to influence the high street and show brands that they want retailers to adhere to good practice in this field."

HuffPost UK blogger Leyah Shanks who wrote about her irritation with the term 'real women' said: "Many people are very naturally slim and still perfectly healthy. However, I do think that such an obviously underweight mannequin, with visibly protruding bones, could have seriously damaging impacts on those suffering with eating disorders such as anorexia and accentuates our ever present "thin worshipping culture".

"Eating disorders don't always stem from body dissatisfaction but images like this one are indefinitely a trigger for some. Those who have eating disorders should not be made to feel ashamed of their body either, but I do think that retailers have a responsibility to think a bit more sensitively and represent ALL of their customers - not just a select few."

However, we must ask the question - is this veering into dangerous skinny shaming territory?

When Topshop - one of the brands Baum refers to - used thin mannequins, there was a strong response on our social media that labelling such body types as unhealthy and unappealing was damaging to women with 'skinny' frames.

In response to this article when it was first published, one of our Facebook users wrote: "Too right it is shaming skinny women.

"I have body issues as a tall skinny woman who comes from a line of tall skinny women. All with protruding breast bones. I think that what women want and need is a healthy variety of images. We are all different and should be celebrated for that rather than villified."

What do you think?

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9 Things Skinny People Eat All The Time

Nuts(01 of09)

It seems counterintuitive, but a recent study from Loma Linda University in California found that the people who ate the most tree nuts were up to 46 percent less likely to be obese than those who ate the fewest nuts. “They are high in protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat—all of which digest slowly and help to keep you feel full longer,” says Alissa Rumsey, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “In comparison to refined carbohydrate-based snacks, nuts do not cause a blood-sugar spike and subsequent insulin release, so your body is less likely to store the calories as fat.” To avoid excess calories, limit your intake to one ounce, Rumsey advises—about 20-24 almonds, 14 walnut halves, 28 peanuts, 14 pistachios, or 16 cashews. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and, macadamia nuts are particularly linked to weight benefits. (credit:mamadela via Getty Images)

Popcorn(02 of09)

Say no to potato chips and other fattening snacks, and yes to popcorn. Air-popped popcorn only has 30 calories per cup, and with a whopping 5 grams of fiber per 4-cup portion, it keeps you feeling full. Just steer clear of butter and oil, which will negate the health perks. Rumsey suggests these seasoning ideas: Dust with chili powder and a dash of sea salt. Lightly mist with olive oil and sprinkle with a tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese and black pepper. Or toss with rosemary, thyme, and sage. (credit:Creative Crop via Getty Images)

Spicy foods(03 of09)

Some research has shown that spicy foods may promote weight loss. The magic ingredient: capsaicin, a chemical compound found in chili peppers that appears to suppress appetite or boost metabolism. “Adding spicy ingredients like cayenne or red pepper to your meals may not only improve your weight, but it's also a no-calorie way to flavor your dish,” says Rumsey. (credit:juefraphoto via Getty Images)

Water(04 of09)

It’s a little known fat-fighting fact: People often think they are hungry when they are really thirsty. So it makes sense to stay hydrated. Drinking water also helps you feel full. Starting your meal with a broth-based soup or a veggie-filled salad (veggies have a high water content) will help you eat less of your main course. “There’s data that shows people who drank two cups of water before eating lost more weight than those who didn’t,” Rumsey adds. What’s more, a study from German researchers found both men’s and women’s metabolic rate surged 30 percent after drinking about 17 ounces of water. Over a year’s time, that could add up to a five-pound weight loss. (credit:Kevin Chelko via Getty Images)

Peaches (and other fruits)(05 of09)

A study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that women of normal weight consume one or more servings of fruit per day on average. Aim for two or three servings per day, Rumsey suggests. “Top yogurt with berries, add sliced apple to your sandwich, or have a kiwi for dessert,” she says. In general, foods with a high water content help people feel full and satisfied with fewer calories. The fruits with the highest water content—such as peaches, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, and grapefruit—tend to have the lowest calorie levels, giving you the biggest bang for your buck. High-fiber fruits like apples (with skin), berries, bananas, apricots, and pears, help by filling you up. (credit:Tastyart Ltd Rob White via Getty Images)

Oats(06 of09)

Eating whole grains has been associated with maintaining a healthy weight, and oats are “a great blank canvas for other healthy stuff like nuts and chopped fruit,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, a Chicago-based dietician and author of "The Flexitarian Diet". “They’re super filling and control appetite for hours because of the fiber and water content,” she says. (credit:Burke/Triolo Productions via Getty Images)

Chicken (and other proteins)(07 of09)

Protein helps keep you full and increases your lean muscle mass, which keeps metabolism revved, Rumsey says. So instead of filling up on carbs like pasta and bread, aim to include some lean protein—such as low-fat dairy, legumes, eggs, poultry, and fish—in every meal and snack. (credit:Annabelle Breakey via Getty Images)

Breakfast(08 of09)

Research has shown that those who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight or obese. “Eating a nutritious meal first thing in the morning jumpstarts your metabolism and may prevent you from overeating later in the day,” says Rumsey. No time? Prep the night before—hard boil eggs, make a peanut butter-banana sandwich, or grab a yogurt and fruit before you head out the door. (credit:monticelllo via Getty Images)

Dark chocolate(09 of09)

Small amounts of its intense flavor satisfy sweet and chocolate cravings, saving you from the high calories of treats like cakes, cookies, and ice cream, says Blatner. A study from the University of California at San Diego found that people who ate chocolate most frequently had lower BMIs (body mass index) on average. Research done in mice chalks up chocolate’s weight-suppressing effects to antioxidant compounds called oligomeric procyanidins (PCs). An ounce or so is usually enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, while keeping calories to a minimum. (credit:Jacek Nowak via Getty Images)

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