Underweight Models Banned from Madrid's Runways
09/14/2006
Casting agents for Madrid's Fashion Week are forced to chose models that are of healthy weight as determined by Body-Mass Index (BMI) calculations preformed by on-site medics. We may see similar restrictions in Milan as well. Advocate groups for people with eating-disorders have expressed support for this.
Excerpt from CNN article:The Madrid show is using the body mass index or BMI -- based on weight and height -- to measure models. It has turned away 30 percent of women who took part in the previous event. Medics will be on hand at the Sept. 18-22 show to check models.
"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 Madrid's show, also known as the Pasarela Cibeles.