Size Zero Rules Are Unworkable Say Schiffer and Designer Giles

By ALEX STEPHENS, AMY IGGULDEN

NEW measures to stop dangerously skinny models appearing on London’s catwalks could be unworkable, according to some of the biggest names in fashion.

Former supermodel Claudia Schiffer and celebrated British designer Giles Deacon are among those who have questioned the effectiveness of "landmark proposals" published on Friday.

The report by the Model Health Inquiry, which failed to enforce an outright ban on size zero women, made 14 recommendations including forcing models to pass medical checks before being allowed on the catwalk and barring appearances from those under-16..

But, speaking on the second day of London Fashion Week, Ms Schiffer, 37, and Mr Deacon, 36, a member of the inquiry panel, questioned demands for medical certificates "attesting good health".

It comes as campaigners called on sponsors of London Fashion Week to pull out unless the measures are fully implemented. Ms Schiffer said: "Although it’s a fantastic attempt to help girls who may be, or are, unwell it will be very difficult to carry out. I’ve no idea how they can possibly find out who’s healthy and who’s not.

"I have seen models who are very, very skinny. Sometimes women can be very skinny and healthy but they can also be skinny and unhealthy. It’s good to get it out in the open but it will be a very big challenge to change it all." In a break from the official line, Mr Deacon also expressed reservations, despite his role in formulating the recommendations.

He said it would be difficult to properly examine a model’s mental state. Under the proposals, they would be required to have an assessment to find out if they have an eating disorder.

"The points about psychological assessment of models logistically that will be tough," he said. The report came too late for most of the recommendations to be enforced this Fashion Week. The majority will take effect from September next year.

Today protesters against the use of size zero models said sponsors should make their funding conditional on the measures being implemented.

Dee Doocey, Lib-Dem culture spokesman on the London Assembly, has written to all 21 sponsors, including the Evening Standard, to urge them to pull out if models do not have compulsory health checks next September.

"The ink wasn’t even dry before the British Fashion Council were making excuses about the time and money it would take to adopt the report’s findings," she said. "This report has the potential to make a real difference it must not be left to rot on a shelf." Hilary Riva, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, which owns and runs London Fashion Week, has already implemented two recommendations and she supports certificates of good health.

The inquiry was set up in March after the death of two models from anorexia triggered an international scandal over size zero, equivalent to a UK size four or a 22in waist.

The British Fashion Council said: "The Inquiry said it would take 12 months to implement all the recommendations.

We want to put in place all the recommendations within our remit." EDITORIAL COMMENT: Page 12 LAURA CRAIK: Page 12

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