Anorexic Models

Posted by Lori Henry Jan 7, 2007

The Council of Fashion Designers of America in Manhattan has issued model restrictions for the industry in the United States. Following the recent bans on underweight models in Madrid and Milan, the USA fashion industry has gotten together for a meeting to decide whether to follow suit.

The president of the council, Diane von Furstenberg, was quoted as saying, “It is important as a fashion industry to show our interest and see what we can do because we are in a business of image. But I feel like we should promote health as a part of beauty rather than setting rules.”

They’ve decided to issue guidelines for designers that promote a healthier atmosphere. They will allegedly include scheduling fittings with young models during the day to promote getting a better night’s sleep; advising designers to identify models with eating disorders, rather than ignoring their behavior; and providing healthier food backstage during shows, which can currently run the gamut of only cigarettes and Champagne.

These recommendations are paltry compared to the strict enforcement the other 2 countries’ have been and is sure to spark more controversy among critics. These guidelines will likely go into effect for the fashion season that begins in New York on February 2nd.

As Patrick O’Connell, a spokesman for Vogue Editor’s Anna Wintour, says, “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.”

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