Girl Model - A Documentary Film

Not a new controversy - albeit one that has not ever been fully addressed - the documentary film "Girl Model" shows the side of the fashion industry that most forget. In a world where later aged teens are considered "too old" and runway workers are "disposable" a story is told . Girl Model will be released in select theaters February 10th just in time for London Fashion Week.  In a situation strikingly similar to that of slave workers at fashion sweatshops in Latin America and other parts of the world - thirteen year old Nadya is selected from a group of hundreds of girls and promised work as a model in Tokyo.  In a TNT Magazine article covering the film Nadya's experience is described: "Indebted to her agency and, under the constant threat of being sent home should she gain any weight, she is left to fend for herself. It is a miserable existence, shorn of illusions. There are no fabulous parties, no designer clothes. She is bonded labour." For more information visit http//girlmodelthemovie.com

Eating Disorders: Responsibility in the Fashion Industry

Milan Fashion week. This is a reminder that there is an ethical obligation by professionals in the fashion industry to foster healthy messages on the issue of body image.  According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder (ANAD) "Eating disorders affect people of both genders, in all age groups and of every racial and cultural background. An estimated 10 million American men have an eating disorder at some time in their lives. Clinical psychologist Roberto Olivardia told NPR, “Over the last five, six years, I’ve been seeing younger and younger boys who are struggling with these problems.”

While research has shown that the fashion industry is not the sole cause there is nonetheless a strong contributing factor when so many young people look to the industry for images of what is considered beautiful. In January 2007 the Council of Fashion Designers of America - chaired by Diane von Furstenberg - developed the Health Initiative . According to the initiative "Members of the fashion industry – modeling agents, designers, magazine editors, stylists, and models themselves – are on the front line with regard to early recognition of eating disorders in our community."

"Organized opposition to the fashion industry’s ultrathin ideal dates back over several decades, when studies began to show that super-thin female images adversely impact girls’ body attitudes and eating behaviors. Four years ago, when several international models died from complications of anorexia nervosa, criticism—and concern—intensified." Read more: Op-Ed by Diane von Furstenberg .

Other supporters of the health initiative - which bans the hiring of models under the age of 16 and requires a healthy body mass index (minimum of 18.5) - are fashion designer Michael Kors and Vogue magazine's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Endangered Species - The Female Body

The Endangered Species summit is taking place this month concurrently in five cities internationally regarding body image and all the serious issues surrounding it worldwide.  Perhaps you may be interested in attending the interesting workshops and conferences at a location near you. Unfortunately I only learned about it today, the London and Melbourne ones have already finished however there are interesting videos and podcasts of some of the conferences.

Buenos Aires, Argentina:  March 16, 2011
London, England:  March 4, 2011  Videos, Podcasts
New York, U.S.A.:  March 18-19, 2011 at the New School
Melbourne, Australia:  March 10, 2011  Facebook
Sao Paolo, Brazil:  March 26, 2011

Main website  http://www.endangeredspecieswomen.org/