Two major French fashion companies have unveiled a new global charter banning underweight and underage models from representing their brands.<br /><br />Between them, holding companies Kering and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton own dozens of high-end labels, including Gucci, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs.<br /><br />“The brands will require casting agencies to present female and male models who are respectively size 34 or over, and 44 or over.” The companies announced in a joint statement.<br /><br />French size 34 is equivalent to UK size 6 and US size 2.<br /><br />This is a big deal because between them kering and lvmh own or control many of the global brands with the most-watched shows— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) September 6, 2017<br /><br />The charter also stipulates that “brands must not hire models under the age of 16 to participate in shows and shootings representing an adult.”<br /><br />Models will have to present a medical certificate showing they are fit to work and a psychologist will be present while they are working.<br /><br />The move follows ongoing criticism that the fashion industry promotes eating disorders and poor body image. <br /><br />In 2015, France passed a law banning underweight models from working in the country.<br />
