As most of you probably remember, the size 0 skinny model debate has been raging for almost two years. Back then, the world’s media had siezed upon the issue and the industry was under immense pressure to find a solution. Each fashion capital had their own solution, with Milan prohibiting models with a body mass index below 18.5. Now, the media seem to have forgotten their initial interest, but the fashion industry is still dealing with the burden of finding a solution.The CFDA has been working for several months to work out some guidelines. Tonight will see the culmination of talks with designers, model agents, casting directors and stylists; a discusssion forum – “The Beauty of Health: How the fashion industry can make a difference”. The event will be hosted by CFDA president Diane Von Furstenberg along with Michael Kors and model Coco Rocha. The list of expected attendees includes Donna Karan, Francisco Costa, Micole Miller, Tory Burch, Doo-Ri Chung and Amanda Brooks.The CFDA initially recieved negative critisism, however, I think that this is such a pertinent issue for the industry and the CFDA should be praised for not only bringing this issue back into the fore, but also working to create a solution. Afterall, it’s not just the models who are affected. Donatella Versace’s daughter Allegra has had a well documented fight with anorexia and Bradley Bayou, former Halston designer, has recently spoken out about his daughter’s battle with anorexia. Bayou had critisised the CFDA just months ago for ignoring the problem.This month’s issue of Teen Vogue features the story of Ali Michael, a runway model who has felt the pressure to become skinny firsthand. Sadly, Ali has been accused of speaking out because her career is on the brink of extinction. Coco Rocha, on the otherhand, has walked most of the major shows in the past season so there’s little chance of her being accused of the same thing. Let’s hope that, with the help of some fashion heavyweights, the CFDA can come to a solution.
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