Child Bikinis: Appropriate?
Elizabeth Hurley has a new line of bathing suits for young girls. Some are finding the bikinis 'disturbing.' Has fashion for young girls taken a dangerous turn?
Actress Elizabeth Hurley has recently come under fire for her line of swimwear for young girls. On her website in the "8 and Under" section, the bikini shown here (the "Mini Cha Cha"), includes the description: "Teenagers love this, as well as younger girls. This is the mini version of a similar adult’s bikini." That makes us wonder: Should young girls under 8 years old really be wearing the same styles as adult women?
Claude Knight, director of the child protective charity Kidscape, tells The Daily Mail, "It is very disturbing to see some inappropriate items in this swimwear range. The pieces that are very adult and which contribute to the sexualisation of young girls - especially in the poses portrayed - do not take account of the child protection concerns that have been well-aired."
So it's not just the designs that have come under fire, but the way in which the young models are posing which contributes to the sexualized effect, according to some.
Hurley's site also boasts a "Collette Bikini" for the 8-13 age range, the top of which is held together at the front by a gold ring. The site describes it as being "great for girls who want to look grown up."
As we prepare for Halloween season, this topic is particularly timely. As a mom, I recall many anxiety-filled trips to costume stores with my then-preteen daughter, leaving empty-handed because the selection was so sex-centric. Sexy fairy costumes, sexy bumblebees, sexy princesses and even sexy nuns were everywhere we looked. We managed to make do with the understanding that my daughter would wear leggings under her dress and flat shoes rather than the high heels pictured on the costume bag. Still, the entire process left a bad taste in my mouth.
How much is too much when it comes to dressing young girls? Are we overly sensitive or has "fashion" gone too far? Weigh in below in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
Photo: elizabethhurley.com
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