Council of Fashion Designers of America Health Initiative
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Council of Fashion Designers of America Health Initiative January 12, 2007- New York - The CFDA recently formed a health initiative to address what has become a global fashion issue: the overwhelming concern about whether some models are unhealthily thin, and whether or not to impose restrictions in such cases. Designers share a responsibility to protect women, and very young girls in particular, within the business, sending the message that beauty is health. While some models are naturally tall and thin and their appearance is a result of many factors, including genetics, youth, nutritional food, and exercise, other models have or develop eating disorders. Although we cannot fully assume responsibility for an issue that is as complex as eating disorders and that occurs in many walks of life, the fashion industry can begin a campaign of awareness and create an atmosphere that supports the well-being of these young women. Working in partnership with the fashion industry, medical experts, nutritionists, and fitness trainers, the CFDA has formed a committee to propose a series of positive steps designed to promote wellness and a healthier working environment. We recognize that change will take time and are committed to industry-specific educational efforts, awareness programs, support systems, and evaluation and treatment options that advance our recommendations. Recommendations: • Educate the industry to identify the early warning signs in an individual at risk of developing an eating disorder. • Models who are identified as having an eating disorder should be required to seek professional help in order to continue modeling. And models who are receiving professional help for an eating disorder should not continue modeling without that professional’s approval. • Develop workshops for the industry (including models and their families) on the nature of eating disorders, how they arise, how we identify and treat them, and complications if they are untreated. • Support the well-being of younger individuals by not hiring models under the age of sixteen for runway shows; not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight at fittings or shoots; and providing regular breaks and rest. • Supply healthy meals, snacks, and water backstage and at shoots and provide nutrition and fitness education. • Promote a healthy backstage environment by raising the awareness of the impact of smoking and tobacco-related disease among women, ensuring a smoke-free environment, and address underage drinking by prohibiting alcohol. The CFDA Health Initiative is about awareness and education, not policing. Therefore, the committee is not recommending that models get a doctor's physical examination to assess their health or body-mass index to be permitted to work. Eating disorders are emotional disorders that have psychological, behavioral, social, and physical manifestations, of which body weight is only one. The CFDA Health Initiative is committed to the notion of a healthy mind in a healthy body, and there cannot be one without the other. The industry is determined to foster a balanced approach to nutrition, recreation, exercise, work, and relationships. In support of our recommendations, the CFDA will present a discussion on health and beauty during Fashion Week on February 5 to an audience composed of designers, models, 1412 Broadway #2006 New York NY 10018 tel: 212.302.1821 fax: 212.768.0515 www.cfda.com agents, editors, and industry leaders, along with representatives from eating-disorder organizations, nutritionists, and other health professionals. The recommendations were developed by the following committee: Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN Recognized as a leading nutrition authority, Joy Bauer has built Joy Bauer Nutrition into one of the largest nutrition centers in the country. Bauer provides counseling to both adults and children on a variety of nutritional concerns, including eating disorders, and counts many models, actors, and athletes among her clientele. A best-selling author, she is affiliated with the American Dietetic Association, is the nutritionist for the New York City Ballet, and in the past has served as the nutrition consultant for the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, helping to design and supervise their ongoing research in eating disorders and weight management. Louis Chaban Louis Chaban is an agent at modeling agency DNA. He has more than twelve years experience and represents top models like Karen Elson, Missy Rayder, Elise Crombez, Hana Soukopova, and Agyness Deyn. Nian Fish Nian Fish is Creative Director, Senior Vice President of KCD, an international creative services and media relations company specializing in fashion. KCD's clients include Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Narciso Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Gucci, Chloe, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Chanel. Ms. Fish has been in the fashion business for 30 years, having had a previous successful career as a fashion stylist. Nian Fish is acting as the chair for the CFDA Health Initiative. Susan Ice, M.D. Dr. Ice is the vice president and medical director of the Renfrew Center. Founded in 1985, the Renfrew Center is the nation's first freestanding facility dedicated exclusively to the treatment of eating disorders. Over the course of almost two decades, the Renfrew Center has helped more than 45,000 women and adolescent girls overcome their destructive eating behaviors by providing a safe, non-institutional, nurturing environment and an intense program of therapy. David Kirsch David Kirsch has 20 year’s experience in fitness and wellness. He is the owner of the Madison Square Club in Manhattan -- celebrated for state-of-the-art, custom-designed fitness training and nutritional counseling. He draws from his diverse training background to combine his knowledge of physical fitness, good health, and spiritual wellness in his approach to fitness and nutrition. He is a staunch advocate of mind-body conditioning, teaching clients like Linda Evangelista, Sophie Dahl, Naomi Campbell, Bridget Hall, and Heidi Klum to think and live soundly. Diane von Furstenberg Diane von Furstenberg made fashion history with her signature jersey wrap dresses upon her arrival in New York City in 1972. Her success continues with the internationally-recognized DVF brand now selling in over 50 countries. Diane’s free-spirited independence and straightforward style have earned her iconic status among fashion-conscious women of every generation. In addition to her business pursuits, Diane was recently elected as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a not- for-profit trade organization whose membership consists of 280 of America’s foremost fashion and accessory designers. For more information, contact [email protected]. 1412 Broadway #2006 New York NY 10018 tel: 212.302.1821 fax: 212.768.0515 www.cfda.com .