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.

Full Article

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.