German fashion world not taking anorexia lightly

The German fashion industry has gone on the attack against anorexia with a plan to banish unhealthily thin models from the catwalk.

It has adopted a voluntary code of conduct that sets age and weight rules. Models must be older than 16 and have a dress size of at least 36, that is size 10 in Britain and 6 in the US.

The initiative has been strongly supported by the government. “We hope that the fashion industry and others might join us in our effort. What’s more, I hope for a wide and open discussion on this in Germany. Maybe this might force the advertising industry as well to change their minds,” said the German Health Minister Ulla Schmidt.

There is a growing awareness in the world of fashion that overly-skinny women on the catwalk provide a dangerous model for young girls. German fashion leaders believe they have set an example for other countries to follow.

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