U.S. "Weighs In" on Fashion Weight Debate

Finally the U.S. is catching up to its European counterparts on the fashion weight debate. New York, led by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has issued these guidelines regarding the underweight model issue, according to About.com:

• Models under 16 are banned from the runway and models under 18 shouldn't work past midnight.


• Models identified with an eating disorder must get professional help; these models can only return to work with that professional's OK.


• Provide healthy food for the models during fashion shows and prohibit smoking and alcohol.

The debate began when two models died last year of suspected weight-related ailments: one collapsing on a Uruguay runway, the other in Brazil from anorexia-related complications. Madrid initiated the campaign against underweight models with guidelines banning models under a body mass index of 18. Milan became the first major fashion capital to issue guidelines regulating underweight models, and now finally, the U.S.

Will the fashion industry really take notice, or will Kate Moss continue to reign supreme? For now at least the industry is making some changes, let's hope it continues.