New Model Guidelines

On Yahoo News, Friday, January 12, 2007, Samantha Critchell, a fashion writer, wrote an article titled "Fashion Designers Issue Model Guidelines", found on Fashion Designers Issue Model Guidelines. The article talks about the fashion industry, headquarters in New York, and Madrid, Spain, that has set a new guideline currently in effect for New York Fashion Week, February 2, 2007. The idea is that thin will always be "in" and desired as the weight to be, especially for those in the spotlight. However, it is how the clothes are worn that makes the person look and feel good, Critchell points out in her conclusion. "The fashion industry wants models to be healthy and not anorexic, bulimic, or chain smokers," says Critchell. The Council of Fashion Designers of America that set the guidelines is made up of a nutritionist, modeling agent, fitness trainer, as well as the President. The guidelines are as follows: models under 16 are to be kept off the runway, models under 18 can't work after midnight, models with eating disorders are to receive professional help and can only continue modeling if the professional approves, and models must be educated on the early signs of eating disorders and must have the opportunity to attend workshops that discuss the causes/effects of eating disorders and raise awareness on the effects of smoking and tobacco-related diseases. On top of this, they must be provided with healthy snacks and meals at fashion shows with no alcohol or smoking. These guidelines are to provide a healthy environment that promotes safety. Though body mass is not mentioned in the guidelines, The World Health Organization says the acceptable standard is over 18.5. The article states that models are not required to have a physical exam to work, but they must be exposed to, aware of, and understand that eating disorders are "emotional disorders with psychological, behavioral, social, and physical manifestations". A lot of this concentration on models being too thin came after a Brazilian model died at 88 pounds. It has recently become a huge issue in the fashion and modeling industry for future fashion/runway models.

I feel I have an idea of what men find attractive, so I must ask, what is attractive about looking like a skin and bones stick figure with no meat or curves?
I assume every man appreciates and every woman wants a nice round butt, hips, thighs, abs, and toned arms and legs as many dancers work to achieve. For models, strutting the catwalk requires no exercising and eating right to get in shape. Modeling is not a workout, so long thin legs on the body of 6'2 models are perfect for those long strides down the runway. A pretty and unique face comes on all body types, even the most plus-sized models. The mass media has placed so much attention on the weight of models, that it forgets about the dangers of those struggling to succeed in the glamorous world of photographers. In recent news, Kate Moss has been battling with drugs, which practically cost her a future career with her talent agency after they let her go. It didn't stop her being in commercials, ads, and in entertainment news. However, what once was a pretty face, lost its shine because of looking worn and tired do to the heavy partying and drug use that comes with being famous. What first brought Kate fame, eventually brought her destruction and threatened her job, what she considered her life. Feeling beautiful in your own skin in clothes that flatter your body type is style, what fashion is all about. It is how you wear the clothes that makes you a trendsetter. Trendsetting is not joining the crowd, but standing out and being a role model.

-Amy