What nonsense. Fashion reflects acceptable body image — it doesn’t establish it.
In America, skinny women, not just fashion models, are rewarded at every level.
They make more money. They anchor news and political shows. They get elected to public office. They star in movies and TV, and not just professional actresses. You have to be painfully thin to get a slot on a cheesy reality show — witness all the “Housewives” shows.
If fat women got more social and male approval, the skinnies would fatten up before you could say “Lemme have an In ‘N Out Four-by, animal style!”
Count on it.
I submit that fashion both reflects and establishes acceptable body image ... it's a positive feedback loop.