Lorna Jane spokeswoman defends job ad

FITNESS queen Lorna Jane Clarkson infuriated some of her most loyal customers after advertising for a receptionist with particular measurements. Now a spokeswoman has responded on behalf of the brand.

SELF-MADE millionaire and fitness queen Lorna Jane Clarkson has infuriated some of her most loyal customers after advertising for a receptionist who must be a size 8 to 10 with a tiny 70cm waist.

Clarkson, who has built her $200 million empire based on empowering women and promoting a positive and healthy lifestyle, listed the required body measurements of the successful applicant alongside administrative skills in the controversial job ad.

Women, many of them loyal Lorna Jane customers, last night vented their fury with some even declaring they would boycott the Brisbane label.

Elanor Howlett posted: “Note to self; remember to never purchase @LornaJaneActive again. Ever. Thanks for empowering me!”

Naomi Elizabeth from Melbourne said she would also boycott the brand.

“@LornaJaneActive I used to wear your gym clothes but being a job seeker who has a bust that’s ‘too big’ I’ll now be boycotting your stores.”

Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg also slammed the Brisbane entrepreneur and called the advertisement “completely insane”, saying it had the potential to promote an unhealthy body image.

The original job ad which is no longer listed online. Photo: Crikey News.

“There’s a big difference between a healthy body image and unhealthy body and what this sort of narrative does is make people feel really bad about themselves if they don’t conform to a particular image,” he said.

“We already know that a very significant number of young people are bombarded daily with photoshopped bodies that are unrealistic and fake.

“This advertising for this sort of position would do the same thing.”

Many Lorna Jane garments carry slogans aimed to empower women. Slogans on current stock include “it all starts with believe” and “like the way you work it”.

The advertisement, which went live on Friday, called for a woman who had a bust size of 87 to 90cm, waist 70 to 73cm, hips 97 to 100cm and a height of 165cm or taller.

The measurements are the equivalent of a size small or 8 to 10. The average Australian woman is a size 16.

“This Receptionist/Fit Model role is full time with your work week split between receptionist duties and assisting our design team with fitting of new garments,” it reads.

Applicants must fit the measurements listed above “in order to accurately provide feedback on Lorna Jane products in a size small” during fittings of new designs, but previous experience is not needed.

However, the candidate must fill 18 requirements necessary to do the receptionist role.

A spokeswoman for Lorna Jane defended the ad.

“As a fit model is only required in a part-time capacity, Lorna Jane felt it appropriate to combine this position with the part-time receptionist role which is also currently vacant,” she said.

The ad was taken down yesterday, with the company saying that was due to an “overwhelming” number of applications.

While the advertisement has outraged women across Australia, Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland spokeswoman Mackayla Jeffries said it was not discrimination.

She said it was legal to discriminate based on gender for modelling work, and said physical appearance was not covered in the legislation.

University of Sydney School of Psychology Scott Griffiths said the practise was widespread.

“We are in a grey zone because we don’t legislate that you can’t choose who you hire for positions where the appearance is fundamentally important,” he said.

“For example, guys who work in gyms and supplements store there is unwritten expectations that they will be fit and muscular.”

Lorna Jane at her Valley Store. Pic: Jono Searle.