With all of the negative news constantly being broadcast recently, it is arguably quite refreshing to see such a positive step in the fashion industry in France. This December, a law was passed in France regulating the models used for any fashion shooting, show, or other modeling done in France. The largest component of this law is that models must have a body mass index (BMI) above 18—which is still classified as underweight for many female heights—in order to model. This BMI must be signed off by a doctor in order for modeling agencies to hire a model, and if a model is found to be under this limit, agencies may face both fines and time in jail.
This law also addresses photo "enhancing"—more like de-naturalizing—on a large scale. It is now required that any photos of models that have altered representations of the models traits must be tagged as "photo edited" or "retouched." Breaking this aspect of France's new law may result in fines as well as the removal of the advertisement or photo.
Growing up, I certainly remember—as I'm sure many do—when image became a factor in everyday life. Especially as a female, I remember looking at pictures of models and not understanding their beauty, particularly during that awkward middle school phase... Come on, admit it. We all went through it. And yes, as awful as it was, I know it gave me a better understanding of individuality. Being born in the late 90s, I am a part of the group of kids who didn't have iPhones and still went outside and played, and I still was influenced by what I saw in advertisements when I logged onto my computer to play Club Penguin. Many children now, though, use iPads and computers regularly, which will make them even more vulnerable to unrealistic advertising. Now is the time to teach what healthy—not underweight—is. And yes, living a healthy lifestyle is important, but no amount of salads can accomplish what Photoshop can.
While France is not the first to regulate models, this law is certainly a large step in a positive direction for the fashion industry, as France is one of fashion's hottest locations. As the new year brings spring fashion lines and summer bikinis, it will be interesting to see how companies adjust. Some may certainly just decide not to host shows in France to avoid these new regulations while some may opt to use this as an opportunity to try a new advertising tactic: honesty. I give total props to models who go to the gym twice a day, eat extremely healthy and live healthy lifestyles. And while many wish they had the time, this lifestyle is not as achievable for all, making it important to address healthy as a lifestyle, not as a pant size.
