Top fashion houses ban models under 18May 16, 2019 - 17:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Gucci, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen are among leading fashion brands who have pledged to work only with models aged over 18, CNN reports. Young men and women under that age will no longer represent the brands owned by French luxury group Kering from 2020 onwards, according to the company's chairman and chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault. The new guideline will apply to both fashion shows and photo sessions. In a press release, Pinault explained that the move sought to inspire others within the industry. He said: "As a global Luxury group, we are conscious of the influence exerted on younger generations in particular by the images produced by our Houses. We believe that we have a responsibility to put forward the best possible practices in the Luxury sector and we hope to create a movement that will encourage others to follow suit." The fashion industry is no stranger to controversy, having faced much criticism in recent years over its over the use of 'size zero' models. Two years ago, Kering and rival conglomerate LVMH -- which owns Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Givenchy, among other brands -- published a charter on models' well-being, which set the minimum working age at 16. It aimed to introduce a range of guidelines to safeguard the health and well-being of models, including a pledge to only employ models with a valid medical certificate. These changes were introduced a month before Vlada Dzyuba, a 14-year-old Russian model, fell ill and suddenly died while working in China in October 2017. The tragic episode sparked a debate about underage models and their working environments. But the new policy, which will come into effect in time for the Autumn-Winter 2020 collections, goes beyond that. "In our view, the physiological and psychological maturity of models aged over 18 seems more appropriate to the rhythm and demands that are involved in this profession," Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability officer and head of international institutional affairs at Kering, said in the company's statement. "We are also aware of the role-model element that images produced by our Houses can represent for certain groups of people." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |