Models with ‘generous’ look wanted

A month after the death of an anorexic model in Brazil, Italy’s government and fashion industry on Friday adopted a voluntary code aimed at promoting a more “generous” look for women.

Under the pact, Italy’s highly competitive fashion industry agreed not to hire models younger than 16. The industry also promised to add larger sizes to its collections and require models to submit medical proof they do not suffer from eating disorders.

“There’s a boundary between a thin girl and a sick one that is often trespassed,” Youth Policy and Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri said at a news conference in Rome. “Italy, with this manifesto, is committed to recognize this boundary and not trespass it.”

The code, signed by Melandri and Mario Boselli, president of the Italian Fashion Chamber, called on the industry to encourage women to embrace “a healthy, sunny, generous Mediterranean model of beauty.” It will apply to stylists, model agencies, makeup artists and other fashion professionals too.