Australia Tries to Ban Super Skinny Models

In an attempt to do away with the trend of super-skinny models, Australia will reward designers and magazines that showcase healthier-looking women. Other requirements for gaining the youth minister’s seal of approval include: No retouching of photos in any way that changes body shape, disclosure when photos have been retouched, and using a diverse range of body shapes and sizes.

“Body image is an issue that we must take seriously because it is affecting the health and happiness of substantial sections of our community,” the youth minister tells Australia's Telegraph. “However,” notes Amy Odell in New York, “this isn't a law, these are choices designers and fashion magazines may choose—or not choose—to make. So it's unclear how great an effect this kind of system will have on the industry.”
(More Australia stories.)