London fashion bosses refuse model ban too…

September 17th, 2006

London Fashion Week organisers are refusing to ban skinny models from the catwalk, despite furious opposition from politicians.
Britain’s Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has called for an end to “stick thin” models, including Kate Moss and Lily Cole, who have a body mass index (the ratio of height to weight) of less than 18.
Her warning comes after the death of the Uruguayan model Luisel Ramos of heart failure following an intense two-week diet. The news prompted Madrid City Council to impose the ban for its fashion week in Spain.
Jowell says, “The fashion industry’s promotion of beauty as meaning stick thin is damaging to young girls’ self image and to their health.” However, the London Fashion Council, who is organising this week’s fashion extravaganza in the British capital, says, “We do not comment or interfere in the aesthetic of any designer’s show.” Kate Moss’ agent, Sarah Doukas, adds, “Who knows what (body mass index) means apart from your doctor? “I believe girls should just eat healthily, exercise and just be normal.”