Fashion Week is almost here and we’re super excited! Someone else who is excited is CFDA president Diane Von Furstenberg, who is anxious to see things run smoothly this season.
One thing DVF is certain of: no underage models on the runway! Healthy looking models are also a priority.
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“Any model walking in the Diane von Furstenberg runway show will have shown i.d. prior to the show,” she writes in a letter to CFDA members. “We do impact the lives of women and we can set a strong example of a well balanced life on our runways.”
Last year DVF unknowingly employed an underage model and was called to task. That mistake won’t happen again.
In the letter DVF asked designers to ‘consider model privacy’ by asking photographers to leave the backstage area as the models change into their first show looks. Von Furstenberg goes on to remind designers of their responsibility to models.
“In January 2007, the CFDA formed a health initiative to address what has become a global fashion issue: the overwhelming concern about whether some models are unhealthily thin, and whether or not to impose restrictions in such cases,” she writes. “Designers share a responsibility to protect women, and very young girls in particular, within the business, sending the message that beauty is health.”
The guidelines include educating industry members about the early warning signs of eating disorders, encouraging at-risk models to seek professional help and supplying healthy meals and snacks backstage.
“Although we cannot fully assume responsibility for an issue that is as complex as eating disorders and that occurs in many walks of life, the fashion industry can begin a campaign of awareness and create an atmosphere that supports the well being of these young women,” she says.
We love this lady … Hopefully she’ll send us an invite to her show!
What do you think? Will designers follow the rules or break them?
SOURCE: Elle UK
