How young is too young?
That's the question being batted around in reference to Thylane Loubry Blondeau, the 10-year-old model whose suggestive photo spreads have ignited a debate over the sexualization of young girls.
"Good Morning America" took a look at some of Blondeau's recent photo spreads for Vogue Paris, which feature the young girl in lipstick, high heels and tight dresses, and a slew of smoldering "come hither" stares.
Although Blondeau, the daughter of soccer player Patrick Blondeau and reporter-turned-fashion designer Vronika Loubry, appeared in the Vogue Paris shoot with other young models, her looks were more mature and for many readers, more discomforting.
A little research shows that little Blondeau has been at this for a while, frequently photographed for editorials (Fashionista has several here ), the cover of Vogue Enfants (see pic below) and even walking in Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2006 runway show as a child extra.
Reactions to the recent, jarringly-adult editorial have ranged from perplexed to utterly appalled, with most questioning the appropriateness of a child consistently photographed like an adult and sexualized in the process.
But there are those voices who have defended the photos, such as the blogger behind "F**k Yeah Thylane Loubry Blondeau" (which has been renamed simply "Thylane Lna-Rose Blondeau.")
On the site, the blogger argues that the mini model looks "stunning" , saying, "I just wished that some people would see the beauty in them too" and "stop having such a judgemental attitude."
However most critics are saying that with the appearance of an arguably-sexy 10-year-old model, the line has been drawn. And as "Good morning America" reminds us, thirteen-year-old Elle Fanning for Marc by Marc Jacobs and fourteen-year-old Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu raised a few eyebrows.
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