Yahoo Lifestyle Designers Unite To Ban Underage Models
Despite implementing a ban on the use of underage girls on the runway last year, the fashion industry is being forced to take further action to ensure the safety and legality of models.
The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers America) is urging designers to begin "carding" its models after Diane von Furstenberg discovered she had inadvertently used a 15 year old in her autumn/winter show.
According to WWD.com, Furstenberg and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb sent out a letter to members yesterday recommending they start carding models on the day of the show to ensure they meet the 16 year age minimum.
It's still not known whether the new measure will stop the inflow of underage models however, with Michael Kors commenting that he believes more and more girls are lying about their age in order to book jobs.
"I said two years ago, “No models under 16," said Kors. "Well, of course, right after I said that, we started seeing all of these girls from Eastern Europe, and every girl who'd walk in, you'd say, "Hi. What's your name?" And she'd be like, "I'm Svetlana." I'm like, "Svetlana, where are you from?" "Ukraine." "Svetlana, how old are you?" "16." Next girl walks in—she's from Eastern Europe and 16. Next one? Eastern European and 16. I was like, "Was there a bus?"
Kors also commented that underage models should be banned not only to ensure their safety, but also because "they haven't lived enough to really know how to project anything in a photograph".
The carding process is set to take effect from New York Fashion Week onwards.
