With their new health initiative guideline that models be ID’d to prove they are above the age of 16, the CFDA is making an effort to create a healthier and fairer work environment for models. But is the fashion industry even listening? We asked designers, models and casting agents during New York Fashion Week, and the answer seems to be: Wellll, not really.
The CFDA’s new health initiative guidelines–which stipulate, among other things, that models be ID’d to show they are above 16 years of age–have been met, for the most part, with glowing support from the fashion industry. Or so it seems. Because despite the industry’s best intentions, actually following the new rules is a whole other ballgame.
Designers Tory Burch and Tommy Hilfiger both told the New York Times that models that are either too young or too thin are still being sent to them by casting agencies. Burch said she was concerned for some models who walked through her door during this season’s casting. “There is still an issue, and there is still a lot of work to be done,” she said. “There have been positive steps. But I see some girls coming in who are really emaciated. It is still a problem.”
Here’s the problem:
