The International Fashion Council of Milan, Italy, has banned all size zero figure models for ramp walks, and this way the city has claimed to be first in the world to changing the rules of the industry as well as setting forth constructive trends in the world of fashion.
The issue came out loud last month following the death of a Brazilian model, which lead to a new self-regulation code by theGovernment of Italy. Furthermore, designers came forth stating that models walking the ramp in future fashion shows will have to be “full bodied, healthy and radiant Mediterranean types.”
In a statement released by Italy’s Fashion Council and their government, “Many women affected by eating disorders had started dieting to attain the figures of catwalk models and cover girls.”
“It’s true that anorexia is not born on the catwalk but the fashion industry could not stand by as an indifferent spectator,” said Italy’s Youth Minister Giovanna Melandri.
He also added, “The thin models that we have seen on catwalks have been a cause of the increase in this illness which has also caused numerous deaths. The idea is to show the difference between a thin beautiful model and a thin ill model.”
The government’s appeal states that models with a body mass index of less than 18 will not be allowed to catwalk in any fashion show, further being duly fined if not following the rule vigorously. Whereas, models under the body mass index of 16 will be directly banned with larger sizes – 14 and 16, to be introduced in future shows.
On this note, famous Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, spoke out and said, “The time has now come for clarity. We all need to work together against anorexia.”
The appeal has been warmly welcomed and approved of by modeling agencies, photographers and makeup artists alike in the fashion world.
Countries like Europe and France have already banned underweight skinny models, and now India has followed suit, state media reports.
