MARRIA® Fashion Blog

Model Health Inquiry Release Interim Report

The Model Health Inquiry was created by the British Fashion Council (BCF) in March 2007 after concerns about the health of models working at London Fashion Week. They wanted to ensure a safe and healthy environment for models working at the event and so, they have gathered an experienced panel that will research and debate the pros and cons of the fashion industry. They have currently released an interim report where they encourage feedback so, they can compile their final report which will be released in September 2008. They will enforce stringent rules in order to make sure that the industry behaves responsibly.

Potential actions include:
- A drug-free environment backstage, where smoking will not be permitted
- Models will need a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 18.5, as they feel that weighing them is inappropriate and hasn't been effective in other countries
- Models aged under 16 will not be permitted to work, while those under 18 must be chaperoned at shows
- Underage models will have restricted working hours
- Models will have to provide Good Health Certificates in order to participate at London Fashion Week

These sound great but some agencies are opposing them, feeling that they will miss out on income because many models will not make themselves available. I believe that these agencies need regulations as well. If you would like to make a submission, you may send your information with accompanying evidence to info@modelhealthinquiry.com before the end of July 2008.

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