Ultra-skinny rule and the pressure to stay underweight on the catwalk will no longer be a cause of worry as the Italian fashion capital MILAN has barred all models with a body mass index of less than 18. Generally a normal body mass index ranges from 18-25.
The fashion world was held responsible for promoting the idea that ultra-thin models may encourage eating disorders in girls and young women. Fashion was under pressure to promote a healthier image.
Milan mayor Letizia Moratti said,
The agreement is the result of a common effort ... to share and to communicate to our young people the importance of positive models of living.
Body mass index: Is the ratio of weight to the square of height. So if a 1.73-meter (5 foot 8 inch) model weighed less than 55.4 kg (122 lb) would be barred.
Initially, Spain banned models below a certain weight from Madrid's shows in September. And this month a campaign to ban under-age, under-weight models was launched by Brazil in response to the death of a Brazilian model due to anorexia.
'The government and fashion associations have sealed a strategic partnership to launch a common fight against anorexia,' said Youth and Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri.
But London based designer Ben de Lisi said that they will choose models whoever they want. He said,
I'm not showing in Spain...they can do what they want - to categorically say that your body density weight is just under what we think is acceptable is just arbitrary.
Well this news will bring some relief to Hollywood actress Kate Winslet who had refused to have magazines in her house because she was worried about her six-year-old daughter Mia reading them. Kate was further supported by Billie Piper who starred in the hit television series 'Doctor Who,' said her 13-year-old sister was already worried about her figure.
Piper stated,
I think the whole size zero debate is disgusting. She loves Posh (former pop star Victoria Beckham) and I say, 'Come on Ellie, she's tiny. What's wrong with (Colombian singer) Shakira? She's sexy, curvy'. But she has no interest.
Size zero celebs were recently criticized by 'The Holiday' actress Cameron Diaz. She quoted,
I think it's terrifying, it's tragic and sad. I think that it's a sickness, something that's going on in someone's head where their perspective is off. We get ideals from images that we see and there certainly should be more responsibility put on those people who are putting those images out into the world. Let's be a little bit more responsible to what's realistic.
Nichole Richie, Kate Bosworth and Victoria Beckham are the most condemned celebs for their ultra-thin stature.
The decision to ban the under-age and under-weight models from the catwalk surely deserves appreciation. Atleast number of young women will stop starving themselves for the sake of ultra-thin stature.
