The Italian government has partnered with the countrys fashion industry to devise a voluntary regulatory code that bans underweight, underage models from the catwalk in a common goal to discourage anorexia in young girls.
Youth and Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri and Italian National Fashion Chamber chief Mario Boselli worked out a deal that bans girls younger than age 16 and those who have “apparent eating disorders” from the catwalk; requires models to provide a medical certificate attesting to their good health; and only permits models with a minimum body mass index of 18.5 to participate in fashion shows. Size 0 models are out.
Brazil launched a similar program of fashion industry reforms after 21-year old fashion model Ana Carolina Reston succumbed to anorexia-related complications. In September, Spain also barred models below a certain weight from fashion shows as have other countries.
The Wall Street Journal analyzes how this global backlash against emaciated mannequins might impact the fashion industry (subscription required):
Though fashion houses can’t be legally forced to follow the charter, punishments could be meted out to those that refuse to adhere to its guidelines, Mr. Boselli said. Among the sanctions could be being banned from the official fashion show calendar of the Milan catwalks.
Milan influences fashion internationally — and is home to important global brands such as Gucci, Versace and Prada — so the move could put unparalleled pressure on fashion houses and other fashion venues, such as Paris, to alter the look of their gaunt models.
Thin models are also a subject of debate for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which helps organize New York’s fashion week. Executive Director Steven Kolb says the CFDA is still considering the issue and “will have its own response at some point. If change comes, it’s a collective response.” The CFDA doesn’t currently regulate how designers choose their models.
Regular readers of The Stiletto Blog know that The Stiletto has wholeheartedly championed these reforms and not just for health reasons. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, this round-up of articles that include photos of ultra-thin models speaks volumes on how unfeminine and unaesthetic their bodies look:
