NSW: Fashion week organisers backtrack and ban under 16-models=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2008
NSW: Fashion week organisers backtrack and ban under 16-models=2

Vogue magazine had already said it would not feature Monika in its coverage of Australian
Fashion Week (AFW) and had called for all models appearing at the event to be aged 16
years and older.

AFW founder Simon Lock said the event was happy to adapt its policies at the community's request.

"Policies are constantly revisited and endorsed by the AFW's industry advisory board
to ensure the event best served the industry and reflected community attitudes towards
issues surrounding the fashion industry," he said in a statement.

Earlier today the NSW government said it was "comfortable" with the teenager modelling
in AFW, provided organisers complied with their legal obligations.

NSW Community Services Minister Kevin Greene said the organisers of AFW would have
to work with the Children's Guardian to ensure that Monika worked within set guidelines.

These included ensuring she was given frequent breaks, worked shorter hours than adults
and did not appear in "inappropriate" situations.

"As long as those standards are maintained, and she works within the requirements of
our legislation under the guidance of the Children's Guardian, then NSW is comfortable,"

Mr Greene said.

"We are proud of fashion week, but we need to make sure that the involvement of child
models is within the guidelines."

NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell had said he supported the stance taken by Vogue
magazine and the suggested use of Monika during AFW was "simply unacceptable".

"The fashion industry made it clear that no models should be employed under 16 and
that's where it ought to end," Mr O'Farrell told reporters.

"Those who employed a 14-year-old have a lot to answer at a time when particularly
young girls are under enormous stress in relation to body image."

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KEYWORD: MODEL 2ND LEAD 2 SYDNEY

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