More news...

This, I believe, is a step in the right direction. Though fashion is generally regarded as a superfluous concern and an industry of vile and/or superficial individuals, clothing is a basic necessity. And, unfortunately, fashion models have become icons of sorts for impressionable girls, dictating the standard of beauty to some degree. I, for one, appreciate the efforts that industry practitioners are taking with this measure. We don't need to wait for another catwalker to die from self-destructive eating habits and a desire for a stick-thin physique. Luisel Ramos and Ana Carolina Reston ought to be the last ones.

Italy fashion industry to fight anorexia

By MARTA FALCONI, Associated Press Writer Fri Dec 22, 3:55 PM ET

ROME - Italy was once famed for the sultry, full-bodied beauties it contributed to the international scene. A month after the death of an anorexic Brazilian model, the Italian government teamed up with the fashion industry Friday to promote a "healthy, sunny, generous, Mediterranean model of beauty."

The self-regulatory code of conduct aims to fight anorexia among women and the vogue for stick-thin models. It requires models to show medical proof they do not suffer from eating disorders, bans models younger than 16 and calls for a commitment to add larger sizes to fashion collections.

"There's a line between a thin girl and a sick one that is often crossed. Italy, with this manifesto, is committed to recognize this boundary and not cross it," Youth Policy and Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri told reporters.

Full story at Yahoo! News