Vogue to ban underweight and underage models. Photo: Elite News Now
The skinny model debate has been ignited once again as Vogue promises to ban dangerously thin models in its magazines to shift fashion’s approach to body image.
The 19 editors of worldwide editions of Vogue, including former Australian Vogue editor Kirstie Clements, pledge to only work with “healthy models” no younger than 16 and not knowingly use models suspected of having an eating disorder on their editorial pages.
“We will work with models who, in our view, are healthy and help promote a healthy body image,” says Vogue ambassadors for the six-point pact, The Health Initiative.
Girls under the age of 16 have already been banned from the catwalks of Australia, following implementation of the Federal Government’s 2009 Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image. The initiative, developed by former Youth Minister Kate Ellis, promotes positive messages, diversity and healthy weight models.
“Messages about beauty portrayed in the fashion, media, and advertising industries contribute to body image pressures,” says the National Advisory Group on Body Image.
Christine Taylor, who struggles with weight-loss, says the super-slim models seen in fashion magazines promote unrealistic beauty ideals.
“As a plus-sized woman, trying to wear clothes shown to me on stick figures is unfeasible. I have curves, bumps, and folds to dress,” she says.
The fashion industry has been lambasted for perpetuating the ‘thin’ ideal. Constant focus on dieting and images of the ‘perfect’ body places pressure on society, according to Mission Australia’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians, which found body image as a top concern for 11 to 24-year-olds.
A recent Girlfriend Magazine study on the health and wellbeing of girls found that 65% of girls feel “self-conscious” about their bodies.
With the trend of teen girls asking ‘Am I ugly?’ on YouTube, the onus is on key fashion players to foster positive self-esteem by promoting healthy images of beauty.
“Fashion is an inspiring and creative force, and fashion models are also role models for many women. [The Health Initiative] encourages a healthier approach to body image within the industry,” declares the international editors’ pact, published in the June edition of Vogue Australia.
Listen to the public's view on mediated beauty ideals are HERE Read about former Vogue Australia editors' announcement HERE Read the 2009 Volutary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image HERE For details of Vogue's The Health Initiative click HERE For details of the Girlfriend Magazine study click HERE