Americans to set health guidelines for skinny models

The New York Times reported on Saturday ("Health Guidelines Suggested for Models," Eric Wilson) 1/6/07)  that the Council of Fashion Designers of America  has decided to issue guidelines aimed at promoting healthier behavior among models.

YAY!

HOWEVER.... the "guidelines" sound like they're going to be pretty weak... so I'm not sure how many changes we're going to see.

The recommendations are likely to include:

• Scheduling fashion show fittings with younger models during daylight hours, rather than late at night to help them get more sleep
• Urging designers to identify models with eating disorders
• Introducing more nutritious backstage catering

Yo damn!  Those sound harsh!  You mean there's actually going to be FOOD backstage?!

And OY VEY the comments that some fashionistas gave the New York Times for the article:

"The Chamber of Fashion, based in Milan, is asking that models hold a license issues by a committee of city officials and a panel of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists and other experts."

"Can you think of another job you would have to talk to a nutritionist, a psychology expert and a doctor to get certified," asked Roberta Meyers, editor of Elle.  "Maybe the CIA?"

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Aw hell, Roberta, I agree with you that it sounds totally cuckoo. I mean, that sounds like a lot of resources wasted on making sure that women who sell image and product for a living are fit for their jobs.  It's absurd actually, given that there are starving kids in Africa.  So here's a suggestion: why don't the fashion and beauty and design industries actually take note of the fact that the role models they put out there contribute in some way to beauty ideals and the goals/aspirations of young girls... and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT on their own?!

In fact, I charge YOU, Roberta, with getting things off the ground... especially since the same New York Times article cited that more than 2/3 of respondents to a questionnaire on Elle magazine's website said they wish American designers would follow the recent examples of fashion show organizers in Milan and Madrid in banning overly skinny models.

Listen to your peeps!

Comments

[Eva]

Those recommendations seem designed to keep the CFDA from getting sued rather than promoting healthful eating. How on earth is scheduled fittings during daylight hours going to make girls get more sleep? It just gives them more nights off to party. And asking designers to out girls with eating disorders is unrealistic. If these are the girls who sell their clothes, they're not going to get them help. More nutritious backstage food choices actually makes sense, and it sounds like it will have an impact IF girls are encouraged to actually eat. If the environment is still fueled by girls afraid to gain weight, all the healthful choices in the world won't matter.