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Protect models or lose £4m, Fashion Week told
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent25.10.07
London Fashion Week could lose almost £4.3 million in funding from Ken Livingstone unless it agrees to do more to help discourage the use of ultra-skinny models, it emerged today.
The British Fashion Council, which runs the event, could lose its grant unless it brings in recommendations made by the Model Health Inquiry, set up to tackle the problem of "size-zero" models.
The inquiry called for compulsory medical certificates for models, random drug testing and criminal record checks on agencies working with under-16s.
The London Development Agency has agreed £4.28 million for the fashion industry over the next three years.
But the Mayor revealed the deal will have a "break clause" forcing the British Fashion Council to meet a series of milestones, not yet agreed, if it is to keep the cash. In a written answer to Dee Doocey, a Liberal Democrat London Assembly member, the Mayor said: "Terms are being discussed with the fashion council.
"LDA lawyers have written into the grant agreement a break clause should the BFC not clearly make its best efforts to implement the recommendations of the Model Health Inquiry."
The inquiry, led by Baroness Kingsmill, reported last month and called for girls under 16 to be banned from the catwalk - as happened during last month's fashion week. It also suggested a mentor scheme for models, a health education programme and eating disorder helpline and an investigation into working conditions. Other recommendations included setting up an independent models' trade union. But the report failed to call for a full ban on size-zero models.
The London Development Agency will draw up an action plan with the British Fashion Council, whose spokeswoman said: "We have already acted on some recommendations and it is our intention to act on all within our remit."
A spokesman for the agency said: "We are committed to working with the industry, models, health professionals and employment law experts to improve working conditions and protect health."
Reader views (3)
I agree with the plan to stop undersized models, but completely disagree with Ian. Yes, we may pay taxes and yes, they may go towards LFW, but look at the wider picture - how much money does fashion and tourism attract through having the LFW? We are a powerful force after Paris in fashion - take that away and we are taking away an identiy that we have worked long and hard to achieve.
- Brett, London, UK
Why is one penny of our taxes being spent on London Fashion Week anyway? I can think of many better ways to use his money starting with a reduction in the amount of tax that we are compelled to pay.
- Ian, London
Finally! Some eyes are being opened to a real problem that exists among professional models. The real problem: The unreasonable standards that many top agencies place one their girls. I have witnessed with my own eyes perfectly gorgeous, healthy models being verbally abused by their agents and told to lose weight that DOES NOT exist. For a young, inpressionable young woman to be talked to in this manner is a disaster waiting to happen. An otherwise emotionally stable young mind WILL eventually begin to see fat where there is none.
- Momomodel, New York, NY
