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Robert Verdi: ‘I Think Food Is for Fat People and Poor People’

Last night at the fifteenth-anniversary celebration of Martha Stewart Weddings, we asked stylist Robert Verdi what he thought of Ralph Lauren allegedly firing model Filippa Hamilton for being too fat. “I love fat people because they’re jolly,” Verdi offered, seemingly dodging the question. But he was quick to agree with Robin Givhan that it shouldn’t be a big deal if the fashion industry doesn’t like non-stick figures. “I think people of all sizes should be wearing clothes. I don’t know if they necessarily need to be photographed in clothes,” he continued. “A lot of women say ‘I should’ve been alive when Ruben was because I’m Rubenesque.’ So times have changed. There are different cultural norms and values and beauty identities, and the fact that thin is in — who cares? It’s why I stopped eating. I think food is for fat people and poor people. Rich people don’t eat. They get dressed up and go shopping.”

Robert Verdi: ‘I Think Food Is for Fat People and Poor People’