Fashion Model too Skinny to Work
A Top Agency has Denied a Thin Woman Representation
Charlotte Carter, a size zero, was turned down to walk the runway
Charlotte Carter, a young, international fashion model, was surprised when Models 1 agency told her she was too skinny. The debate over size zero models has been brewing for the last year, forcing some countries to outright ban underweight models from the runways.
Charlotte is one of those thin models. She clocks in at 5ft 10ins, is 22 years old and has a 32-inch bust and 22-inch waist. In the United States, she is a size zero. Her career has already taken her around Europe, but now she’ll have to reassess the body that has brought her this far.
Models 1 Agency
In a startling move made by the agency, a spokesperson has said that they told Charlotte she was too skinny to be represented by them. She was told she had a lovely face but that she would have to gain some weight before being taken on.
They are being applauded by the British eating disorder organization, beat, who have publicly commented that they commend the move as being responsible.
Charlotte Carter
Coming from Zimbabwe, Ms. Carter now lives in Kensington, England as a model. She has admitted to distorted eating since she was a teenager. She commented to the Daily Telegraph that this the first time a European agency has ever recommended she gain weight.
The photo accompanying this article is of Charlotte at 1 stone heavier (14 pounds) than she is now. Her current photos aren’t being used anymore, at her own request.
A Pleasant Surprise?
Instead of being angry or frustrated about the incident, Charlotte has said that she’s encouraged by the change in attitude of the industry in general.
She said, “From the inside it feels like London agencies are cracking down on this super-skinny idea and therefore the rest of the world is somehow listening” (Daily Telegraph, 2007).
She goes on to say, “It helped me finally to realize that I was too thin… I was impressed that an agency was actually addressing my well-being.”
What This Means
It means everything and it means nothing. One agency does not an industry change, but it’s heartening to know that even one industry insider is being accountable. Although most models wouldn’t react in the positive manner than Charlotte did, it’s still encouraging that the hard work of so many activists might be positively paying off.
It seems impossible to break the “overly skinny” tradition of such a high profile and thriving industry, but perhaps the time has come. A brand new report by the Model Health Inquiry in England will be revealed on Friday, expected to suggest random drug tests, a minimum age of 16 years, eating disorder screenings, and health checks by agencies. It is not anticipated that they’ll recommend an outright ban or BMI regulation.
