'Vogue' and other magazines agree to no longer hire models under 18

Back in February this year, one of the biggest fashion magazines, 'Vogue' initiated the idea

Back in February this year, one of the world's biggest fashion magazines Vogue announced that it would no longer be hiring models under the age of 18. Now, a few months down the line, the publication has explained its decision in a new editorial.

“Early this year, in the wake of #MeToo revelations, Condé Nast, the publisher of this and many other magazines, issued a new global vendor code of conduct," the article reads.

One notable model under the age of 18 is 16-year-old model Kaia Gerber. PHOTO: VOGUE

"Responding to stories about models both male and female being inappropriately touched, pressured for sexual favors, and even assaulted, Condé Nast established provisions aimed to ensure that all its editorial shoots are safe working spaces — harassment-free zones with private dressing rooms and allowances for model approval of both poses and clothing,” the editorial explained.

The publication notes that the modelling industry's own #MeToo movement influenced its fresh new code of conduct.

One notable model under the age of 18 is 16-year-old model Kaia Gerber. PHOTO: VOGUE

“Another set of provisions addresses the age of models: In recognition of the unique vulnerability of minors thrown into a career where they have little control and where abuse has been all too commonplace, the vendor code of conduct stipulates that no model under the age of 18 will be photographed for editorials (unless he or she is the subject of an article, in which case the model will be both chaperoned and styled in an age-appropriate manner),” the statement further read.

“No more: It’s not right for us, it’s not right for our readers, and it’s not right for the young models competing to appear in these pages. While we can’t rewrite the past, we can commit to a better future,” the publication added.

17-year old model Thylane Blondeau at the Cannes Film Festival. PHOTO: AOL

“The age of models is just one component of a big conversation,” agreed designer Stella McCartney. “If you have a business that employs people, you have to be mindful of their conditions of employment—period. There’s no reason fashion should think it’s above that.”

Victoria Secret Angel Karlie Kloss believes that a new world is emerging even as we speak. “When I started modelling at 15, maybe I was mature for my age — but still, I was 15,” she says. “Over the 10 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve changed. My body’s developed, as any woman’s does, and my mind has developed, too.”

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