Vogue editor: Skinny models don't cause body issues

Alexandra Shulman says she "absolutely strongly believes" that very thin models do not encourage girls to feel bad about themselves. Photo / Getty

The editor of Vogue has claimed that the use of "extremely skinny" models on the catwalk does not give girls body issues.

Alexandra Shulman, who has edited the magazine's British edition since 1992, said it would be "extremely unfair" for the industry to stop using them just because it may upset those struggling with eating disorders.

She claimed she "absolutely strongly believes" that very thin models do not encourage girls to feel bad about themselves.

Miss Shulman was speaking ahead of an all-party parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, which will look at the possibility of new laws to protect models.

But the Vogue editor said yesterday that any legislation would be "completely unworkable", and that measuring and weighing models would be "degrading".

Tory MP Caroline Nokes, who will chair the discussion, described Miss Shulman's outright dismissal of the idea of legislation as "a great pity". And eating disorder charity Beat, which will also be taking part, said the fashion industry has a "social responsibility" and that models should be "more reflective of real people".

Speaking in an interview with ITV, due to be aired on Monday's Lunchtime News, Miss Shulman said: "I think it's extremely unfair to think that a model who is extremely skinny should not be on the catwalk, because if somebody will attach their own feelings about their own self-image, possibly the problems they've got with an eating disorder or something, to that girl. I do think that it's absolutely unacceptable to put a girl who is herself suffering from such things on the catwalk.

"It's very easy to say that a skinny model is responsible for encouraging young women to feel bad about themselves, but I absolutely strongly believe that is not the case."

She added: "None of us probably feel that great about how we look ... the question is when does that feeling of dissatisfaction turn into something that is really harmful ... the point I'm making is that in the main it's not the generality of looking at a model that is that tipping point.

"I can't think of anything more degrading and more appalling for girls who are models ... than being measured and weighed like they're a kind of heifer."

Responding to the comments, Mrs Nokes said: "I do not think anyone would suggest models are responsible for people suffering serious mental health issues. The behaviour of designers and magazines who demand these unrealistic body types, however, may have some part to play."

In 2012, 19 international editors from Vogue jointly agreed to only work with "healthy" models. But the latest December issue of British Vogue contains about ten examples of women who could be considered underweight.

Advertising spreads for fashion houses such as Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana show very slender models, with one posing in a way which emphasises her very angular frame. Other images show models on the catwalk with extremely thin legs, and there are tell-tale signs of airbrushing.

- Daily Mail