Model boss: Size 12 girls are too curvy
MODELS as slim as size 12 are being told they are too fat.
Girls above a 10 are put in a special “curvy” category by the fashion industry.
The shock revelation came as agency bosses and doctors gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry into the extreme pressures of the catwalk world.
Karen Diamond, director of Europe’s largest agency Models 1, told politicians: “We don’t call it plus size, we call it our curve division.
“It starts at size 12, so they are not big girls.
“There are certain measurements that are required to be a fashion model.
“I don’t think they are unreasonable or unachievable for somebody if they have the right body type.”
But Miss Diamond’s comments have been branded “appalling” by campaign groups.
Marg Oaten, co-founder of eating disorder support service Seed, said: “What message does that send out to women and young girls? It’s absolutely appalling.
“This woman has profited from people who could be underweight and at risk.
“To describe a size 12 being at the curvy end of the spectrum is ridiculous. It sends the wrong message and is very damaging.”
The MPs are considering a law to protect young models.
Miss Diamond went on to explain the effects of being underweight. She said: “There’s a pallor to the skin. There is a lack of vitality, something in the eyes.
“If someone is making themselves sick then there may be bad breath, the teeth may show signs of having acid from the stomach.”