Go Vogue, Go Vogue, Go Vogue.

Vogue Shreds Firms On Size-Zero Models

Yesterday, 11:28 pm

© Sky News 2009

The editor of one of the world's most influential fashion magazines has lashed out at haute couture companies for forcing the use of super-skinny models.

In an unprecedented move, veteran Vogue UK editor Alexandra Shulman sent a letter to luxury fashion firms complaining about the clothes sent for models to use in photo shoots in her magazine.

The Times has now published parts of the lambasting letter, which was not intended for publication, from Ms Shulman about so-called size-zero models.

"During the time I have been at Vogue the sample sizes that models are required to wear have become substantially smaller," she wrote in the missive.

As a result, the editor accused designers of making her hire models with "jutting bones and no breasts or hips".

She added: "Nowadays, I often ask the photographers to retouch to make the models appear larger.

"I am finding that the feedback from my readers and the general feeling in the UK is that people really don't want to see such thin girls either in editorial or advertising."

Ms Shulman told the newspaper: "I don't want to be too specific about it, but it was very recently. I found myself saying to the photographers, 'Can you not make them look too thin?'"

Art staff have resorted to using software programmes to smooth away protruding features and flesh out the models to make them appear more palatable.

Ironically, the highly respected fashion editor also revealed that some cover images only show faces - not the clothes - because readers are "uncomfortable".

The Vogue action comes after the fashion world has been accused repeatedly of pressuring young girls and women into unhealthy dietary lifestyles to maintain slim figures.

According to the paper, although Ms Shulman does not believe all firms are to blame the letter was sent to the world's major designers including Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Donatella Versace.

Ms Versace's own daughter has battled with an eating disorder for several years.

Emma Healey, director of operations of Beat, a UK charity which supports people affected by eating disorders, applauded the move by the magazine.

Ms Healey said: "This is very welcome. The whole controversy over size-zero models has been a wake up call.

"British fashion is leading the way on this, and it is very encouraging to see Vogue, which is the fashion magazine, taking a stance like this."

© Sky News 2009