Model speaks out about being told to show off her ribs by a body-shaming brand

Bridget Malcolm, an Australian model who has walked the runway for the likes of Rodarte, Ralph Lauren, and Victoria’s Secret, has long been outspoken about body-shaming in the industry.

In a new blog post, the 26-year-old catwalker revealed just how insidious negative comments can be. One of her worst job experiences involved a photo shoot for an unnamed brand that expected Malcolm to have 33-inch hips, and were cold and dismissive when it realized she didn’t. According to Malcolm, women on the set — “which makes the whole thing even more frustrating and messed up” — encouraged her to fake a skinnier appearance on the shoot.

“I had one lady refuse to look me in the eye, choosing instead to address my stomach with a sneer (I was shooting swim),” Malcolm wrote. “I addressed her, smiled, and she didn’t even look away from my stomach, let alone respond to me beyond mono-syllables.