Allowing size zero models is 'both irresponsible and wrong' - Dee Doocey AM

5.38.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th Aug 2008

Commenting on the decision to allow size zero models at next month's London Fashion Week Dee Doocey AM, Liberal Democrat culture spokesperson, said: "To allow these ultra-thin models on to London's catwalks, when they are idolised and imitated by so many impressionable young girls, is both irresponsible and wrong.

"I find it quite extraordinary the British Fashion Council is saying this idea is unworkable. The British Fashion Council should lead the way and set an example rather than wait for agreement from other countries."

The proposed ban had come out of the Model Health Inquiry set up last year amid the widespread concern over the increasing use of "heroin chic" models in high-profile modelling assignments and campaigns.

The British Fashion Council had described the idea as "eminently sensible" and gave the impression they were keen to see it introduced.

But now the plan to banish size zero models from London's catwalks has been abandoned after other fashion capitals refused to follow London's lead. The proposal that all models would have to obtain a doctor's certificate proving they were in good health also raised fears models would boycott London Fashion Week.

Dee says: "There are serious health issues at stake. One in 40 women currently either has bulimia or anorexia. The numbers are increasing each year and sufferers are getting younger.

"Yet the British Fashion Council seems oblivious to the fact that there are huge numbers of impressionable young girls who are highly influenced by these unhealthy images on the catwalk.

"However, it's now clear that they've only paid lip-service to the recommendations. Once again they've shown they put profit for the industry ahead of the wellbeing of models.

"I will be pushing very hard for the LDA to withhold the funding and I'll be raising this as a matter of urgency with the both the LDA and the Mayor."

Bookmark this story at: del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg FacebookFacebook LibDigLibDig redditreddit StumbleUponStumbleUpon
Print this news story
Comment on this news story
Previous news story: Who will stand up to Bob? - Caroline Pidgeon AM (Wed 13th Aug 2008).
Next news story: 'London's evidently harder to run than private business' - Mike Tuffrey (Tue 19th Aug 2008).

Related News Stories:

Thu 18th Feb 2010:

Wed 10th Sep 2008:

Wed 11th Jul 2007:

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY.
Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.