New Model Regulations

NEW YORK — The American fashion industry says it wants its models to be healthy, not anorexic, not bulimic and not chain-smokers. And to help models achieve that, the Council of
Fashion Designers of America on Friday released a list of recommendations as part of a new health initiative.

The panel that formulated the guidelines included CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, nutritionist Joy Bauer, modeling agent Louis Chaban, fitness trainer David Kirsch and Dr. Susan Ice, vice president and medical director of Philadelphia's Renfrew Center, which is dedicated to eating disorders.

The guidelines were issued three weeks before designers start showcasing their fall collections during New York's Fashion Week, which starts Feb. 2.

The guidelines are only suggestions and not binding for the industry

They include:

- Keep models under 16 off the runway and don't allow models under 18 to work at fittings or photo shoots past midnight.

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

- Require models identified as having an eating disorder to receive professional help and only allow those models to continue with approval from that professional.

- Develop workshops on the causes and effects of eating disorders, and raise awareness of the effects of smoking and tobacco-related disease.

- During fashion shows, provide healthy meals and snacks, while prohibiting smoking and alcohol.

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My question is: Will these suggestions actually do anything? Its fine and dandy to provide healthy meals and snacks but how can any of this really be enforced? I'm all for promoting a healthier lifestyle for those girls that do need help but I think its going to take a bit more than a couple of no smoking signs and Costco fruit platter to change an entire industry.

Plus-Size Streetstyle Resources

Sometimes its nice to see clothing worn by real people out in the real world. Seeing things in stores and on celebs/models is nice but nothing compares to seeing actual people wearing the outfits, there is just something a little bit more personal about seeing how normal folk put together their clothes, it can be quite the catalyst for creativity. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone wearing something on the street who has influenced me. A constant stream of impressive street style is one of the great perks of city life but not everyone lives in NY/Paris/Milan/Tokyo/Helsinki, etc. and sometimes it can be hard to find images of people outside of the glossy pages of a magazine.

As such I've put together a list of my favorite streetstyle destinations on the web with special love for those that show women & men of different sizes.


Wardrobe Remix, The Sartorialist, HelLooks

The Fashion Spot Plus Size Streetstyle Thread: The Fashion Spot knows streetstyle, they have a whole subforum dedicated to just about every kind of streetstyle around the world from scene kids to couture dandys they have got it covered. The Plus Size thread is devoted entirely to girls and boys with curves and showcases the best of fashion on bodies ranging from small to large.

Fatshionista Flickr: The Fatshionista Flickr is the all photo version of its Livejournal cousin Fatshionista LJ. The members vary in styles and size so whatever "look" you prefer from preppy to punk it is here.

Wardrobe Remix: With over two thousand members there is something for everyone. All the latest trends are here and before they even have a chance to become trends. Members come in all sizes male and female and the clothing commmentary lets you know just where they found their coveted items.

Hel Looks: Helsinki is clearly the most fashionable place on earth. HelLooks has some of the most interesting fashion combinations I have ever encountered all in one place.

The Sartorialist: I don't think you can do a streetstyle post without mentioning The Sartorialist. He's the undisputed king of the genre and on his site you will see people of every age, gender, race and size dressed to the nines. His eye for fashion in incredible, whether he's making note of unexpected pocket square folding techniques or covering the latest store opening, it is always entertaining.

What are your favorite streetstyle websites / resources?

Crystal Renn in Harpers Bazaar

It appears our girl Crystal has landed the cover of Harpers Bazaar Russia! This is a huge thing as I don't think I have seen a plus sized model on the cover of a major international fashion magazine since Sophie Dahl way back when. To think I was just bemoaning Harper's Bazaar US's endless stream of dull celebrity covers on The Fashion Spot. Glenda Bailey and co. should take a Iesson from their Russian counterparts. I think this cover is stunning. I love that fierce look in her eyes. That is what we call attitude ladies and gentlemen!!



I am currently on the look out for a magazine shop carrying this treasure in New York so I can share the editorial with everyone but enjoy the cover and a stunning editorial with Crystal shot by the reknowned Ellen Von Unwerth for Above Magazine.



I love this edit because its a straight size model and a plus model together and its not shown as being abnormal or somehow astonishing. Its not "OMG! Look she is thin! OMG! She ISNT!", its "Look at these two gorgeous girls in Gaultier." I'd love to see more of that in fashion.