In a landmark case of conventional wisdom and/or common decency, Vogue magazine is going stop employing models under the age of sixteen, as well as models who appear to have an eating disorder.
The agreement will go into effect with their June issue and has been adopted by the editors of all nineteen international editions. Condé Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse released the following statement on Thursday:
Vogue editors around the world want their magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the well-being of their readers.
Obviously, criticism of the fashion industry's somewhat unrealistic standards of beauty isn't anything new, but the fact that a heavyweight like Vogue is taking real steps to address those standards is a reassuring sign.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (which I imagine meets in some kind of underground, brushed-steel chamber, or possibly in a dormant volcano) has been working to promote a healthier body image in the fashion industry as of late, and has received the support of heavyweights like Anna Wintour and Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani.
The Council has also asked designers and modeling agencies to refrain from using models younger than sixteen in their shows, and for the most part, the request has been complied with. The exception to this is noted douchebag Marc Jacobs, who, aside from being known for only paying his models with his clothing, enjoys using underage models. He's publicly opposed this move by the Council (an offense punishable by sass!), and recently used underage models in a show. Because, er, fashion?
The entirety of the six-point pact:
1. We will not knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder. We will work with models who, in our view, are healthy and help to promote a healthy body image.
2. We will ask agents not to knowingly send us underage girls and casting directors to check IDs when casting shoots, shows and campaigns.
