THE debate over “size zero” models will take centre stage at Oxford Fashion Week.

Visitors to the O3 Gallery in Oxford Castle will debate the topic “Is fashion bad for society?” tonight and “Is ethical fashion important?” on Friday.

Velda Lauder, whose company designs corsets, will talk about the impact fashion has on self image.

She said: “A lot of fashion seems to be about celebrating women with these long and lean impossible silhouettes.

“But they are supermodels for a reason and that shape is impossible for the average woman.

“We spend thousands to try and become a creation, on products and creams and designs, but, at the end of the day, the average size of a woman in Britain today is a size 14.

“Why fashion doesn’t reflect that, I don’t know.”

She added: “Corsets are designed for curvy women. We are all about embracing the natural shape of women.”

Ms Lauder also called for an end to the “throwaway culture” in fashion.

She said: “I think that it is time people concentrated on buying pieces that last, rather than cheap clothing that they replace every few months.

“In answer to whether ‘fashion is bad for society?’, I don’t think it has to be.”

O3 Gallery manager Helen Statham, said: “It is important that Oxford Fashion Week doesn’t come across as a frivolous, insubstantial festival, but one which is very considered and conscious of what it portrays.”

“Through these kinds of events we are talking subjects through in an intellectual way as well as a visual way.”

The discussions both begin at 5pm.

Places are free but limited and visitors are advised to get there early to avoid disappointment.

Oxford Fashion Week launched on Monday with a Champagne night of late shopping at city stores.

The week also celebrates “models of diversity”, including plus sized and disabled models, in its Style Show on Saturday, March 19, at the Town Hall from noon.

An ethical show of up-and- coming designers will be held at the castle’s Living Room on Friday from 6.30pm to 7pm.

And an ethical fashion fair will be held in the O3 Gallery this Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

  • For details of all events, see oxfordfashionweek.org