MILAN, Italy, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Spain barred overly thin models from a Madrid fashion show and now Italy's fashion chiefs will draw the line on ultra-thin models.
Since Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died in November from anorexia, fashion industry leaders have been pressured to promote healthier bodies.
Milan fashion houses at first refused to follow regulations established in Spain, requiring models to be older than 16 years and not extremely thin. But Italian Youth Minister Giovanna Melandri has met with Mario Boselli, head of the National Fashion Chamber, about the issue. The NFC represents houses like Armani, Versace and Prada.
Boselli agreed to "work with the ministry on a self regulatory code" Sky News said Friday.
Before Milan kicks off women's fashion week in February, a manifesto will be issued.
Women may be required to have a weight check. If a model is under 18.5 on the body mass index set by the World Health Organization as underweight, she could be banned from work for the sake of her health.
