America’s Suggestions For Healthy Models

The NY Times reports on the new modelling industry guidelines introduced at a meeting of the Council of Fashion Designers of America last week. A meagre attempt at tackling the problem of fashion’s promotion of the ultra-skinny frame, these recommendations focus on promoting healthy lifestyles among models but do not force any restrictions on weight/ BMI minimums such as those in Madrid and Milan.

According to participants at the meeting, the recommendations are
likely to include scheduling fashion-show fittings with younger models
during daylight hours, rather than late at night, to help them get more
sleep; urging designers to identify models with eating disorders; and
introducing more nutritious backstage catering, where a diet of
Champagne and cigarettes is the norm.

Patrick O’Connell, a spokesman for Ms. Wintour, said: “The feeling is
that it is not realistic to dictate or impose rules on a huge fashion
industry. However, we do believe raising awareness and consciousness
will go the furthest toward increasing people’s sensitivities to the
problem."

The recommendations will be sent to designers next week, with the intention of influencing decisions around the upcoming NY fashion week in Feb- where the models may well be scrutinised more than the outfits. Definitely an easy way for a designer to secure column inches- certainly helped Gaultier last season.

full article

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