No waifs
The week's news at a glance.
Madrid
The government of Madrid has rocked the fashion world by banning underweight models from this year’s fashion week. The city government, which sponsors the event, said the industry has a responsibility to portray healthful images of women. Officials said they would evaluate models according to the body mass index, a calculation that uses weight and height. Those with BMIs of less than 18 will be disqualified. “The restrictions could be quite a shock to the fashion world at the beginning, but I’m sure it’s important as far as health is concerned,” said Leonor Perez Pita, director of the show. Most Spanish designers refused to comment, but a U.S. modeling agency director called the ban “outrageous.” “What about discrimination against the model and what about the freedom of the designer?” asked Cathy Gould, director of Elite.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Fly like you know what you're doing with these 5 tips for healthy air travel
The Week Recommends Yes to stretching. Even more yesses to hydration.
-
September 9 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Tuesday’s political cartoons include the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein, Russia's answer to peace talks, and tougher citizenship questions
-
Murdoch's conservative son wins succession battle
Speed Read Lachlan Murdoch will get control over the media empire that includes Fox News and The Wall Street Journal following his father's death, while his siblings will receive payouts