Call for ban on under-sixteen models

Models aged under sixteen should banned from the catwalks at London Fashion Week, an inquiry into the British fashion industry has said.

The Model Health Inquiry, which was established in order to investigate health problems, also said that greater protection was needed for models aged 17 and 18.

However, the inquiry ruled out weighing all models, saying that the measure had been ineffective in other countries.

Chairwoman Baroness Kingsmill said: "During our investigations members of the panel became increasingly concerned as we heard more details about the working conditions faced by many models and the vulnerability of young women working in an unregulated and scarcely-monitored work environment.

"We have been given startling medical evidence about the prevalence and impact of eating disorders in certain high-risk industries.

"There was also strongly expressed concern that it is profoundly inappropriate that girls under 16 - under the age of consent - should be portrayed as adult women. The risk of sexualising these children was high and designers could risk charges of sexual exploitation."

The inquiry is due to publish a final report, along with a final set of recommendations, in September, ahead of the next London Fashion Week, which also takes place that month.

(KMcA/JM)