ITS ABOUT TIME

I read this article about Issuing Model Guidelines for Fashion Designers and I got excited. Its about time that the Fashion Industry focus on being "healthy" and not being anorexic.

I am not sure if you all have heard, but, last month a 21 year old model by the name of Ana Carolina Reston died from anorexia - weighing only 88 pounds at 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

I believe that society puts too much focus on being skinny. Everywhere you look you see images of people that are extremely skinny and that makes women feel that they have to be those sizes in order to fit in. It is sad that it took someone to die from a eating disorder to make the industry change its focus.

However, we do have to start somewhere. Some fashion shows are already taking a step forward by showcasing models that are at a healthy weight and more plus size models. They have also suggested some rules for showcasing models. So far the suggestions are as follows:

• Keep models under 16 off the runway and models 18 and under are not to work at fittings or shoots past midnight.


• Educate those in the industry to identify the early signs of eating disorders.


• Develop workshops on the causes and effects of eating disorders.


• During fashion shows provide healthy meals and snacks, while prohibiting smoke and alcohol.

I understand that in terms of fashion thin will always be in. That's the way it always has been and probably always will be. However, I think its important to continue to put an emphasis on being healthy.