Models may have to provide medical certificates at LFW

COLLECTED BY: RISHI KAPOOR


Catwalk models at London fashion week will be allowed on the ramp only on one condition - a doctor`s certificate proving they are not suffering from any eating disorder. In addition, no models will be allowed to take part until they are over the age of 16, and undergo regular backstage drugs testing. Experts say such certificates, provided by specialist doctors, would help counter endemic health problems in the modelling world such as anorexia and bulimia. The proposal was put forth in the Model Health Inquiry report, which was published on Sep 14, but the report`s creators hope their suggestions will come into force in time for next September`s event. The report has come in response to concerns about the use of "size zero" women and following the deaths of two South American models last year. Labour peer Baroness Kingsmill, who headed the inquiry, said the investigation had revealed "startling" evidence of the susceptibility of models and a "deep lack of knowledge" about eating disorders in the fashion industry.