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.
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