Skinny model row clouds show
London - London Fashion Week got under way on Monday with shows from two top Asian designers heading down the catwalk first, amid simmering controversy over calls for stick-thin models to be banned.
The furore over hyper-slim models in Madrid has threatened to cloud the London clothes fest, where Giorgio Armani's show on Thursday is among the most eagerly-awaited parades.
"I think it's a debate that will happen all in good time and all contributions are welcome," six foot model Erin O'Connor told AFP, diplomatically reticent.
At the launch breakfast, Stuart Rose, the chair of the British Fashion Council that organises the event, declined to be drawn, commenting only that the week had started "slightly controversially".
Rose, also chief executive of British department store Marks & Spencer, has previously indicated he is not in favour of legislation.
But big names and officials are likely to have a hard time avoiding such questions for the duration of the five-day, 50 show event, being held at the Natural History Museum in the west of London.
Gharani Strok's show attracted an array of footballers' wives and girlfriends, including Elen Rives, Spanish partner of Chelsea and England star Frank Lampard.
There were celebrities on the catwalk as well - Lily Cole, the redhead teenager frequently mentioned in the skinny models row, strode nonchalantly down the catwalk, showing no sign of being affected by her new-found notoriety.
The clothes themselves were classic with pretty detailing - billowed cuffs and light floral designs in white and yellow were standouts.
Pressure has been growing on the organisers of fashion to ban ultra-skinny models following restrictions imposed earlier this month at Madrid fashion week.
Organisers of the Spanish event placed restrictions on "unhealthily thin" models - deemed to be those with a body mass index of below 18 - from appearing and authorities in Milan are said to be considering a similar ban.
The restrictions have triggered widespread media speculation about whether models such as Kate Moss, reportedly 49kg, and Cole could be affected by them.
News source: www.news24.co.za
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