Illegally Skinny - French Bill Will Make Skinny Models 'Illegal'

The French National Assembly has approved a bill that will make it ILLEGAL for anyone to ‘promote extreme thinness’.  The law, if passed, would apply to advertisers in both print and online media. 

If found guilty of promoting anorexia, violators could face fines up to $47,000 and possible jail time. 

The law was sparked by several anorexia-linked deaths.

Regarding the ban, NBC Noted, “Doctors and psychologists treating patients with anorexia nervosa — a disorder characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming overweight — welcomed the government’s efforts to fight self-inflicted starvation, but warned that its link with media images remains hazy.”

Over the last few years, Trend Hunter has been all over this topic.  Below are some of the controversial and opposing views we’ve published:

Miss England Told to Gain Weight - Next Miss World To Have Curves

Miss England has been told by the pageant director to put on some weight if she wants to win the world crown. She is a size eight and weighs 126 pounds. By the typical model standard, she is considered to be in the plus size category. The organizers of the Miss World Competition are looking for co… [More]

Victoria Beckham Asked to Gain Weight - Posh Urged to Nosh Pre-Tour (GALLERY)

Apparently, skinny isn’t so spicy anymore. Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has been asked to put on a few pounds for the group’s world tour. Beckham, or Posh Spice, has been the source of many anorexia rumors, and target of media criticism regarding her 00 frame. The tour kicks off in December, so Pos… [More]

Anorexia Billboard Shocks Milan Fashion Week

As Milan fashion week begins, fashion brand Nolita has released an advertisement depicting a naked anorexic woman to highlight the effects of the illness. Written above the photo of the woman are the words: “No Anorexia”. The photograph was shot by the controversial Italian photographer Oliviero To… [More]

Australia’s Next Top Model Debate – Is Alice Burdeu Too Skinny to Compete? (VIDEO)

Half a year ago Trend Hunter was delighted to see Mardid banning skinny models from their catwalk.  However, reality TV does not appear to be following suit. Specifically, Alice Burdeu is receiving a lot of media attention down under thanks to her emaciated appearance. At 18 years old and 6’1”,… [More]

Skinny Stays - Underweight Models Still Hot in UK (VIDEO)

After months of stress on promoting healthier models, the UK doesn’t seem to want to participate in the trend.  Just when we thought the industry may have shifted to promote positive body image, a USA today article points out that thin is still in. London is one of the world’s fashion capitals,… [More]

Big Is Beautiful - Miss Jumbo Queen Thai Beauty Pageant (VIDEO)

Being thin won’t win you the crown at Thailand’s Miss Jumbo Queen beauty pageant; you have to be big-bodied with an even bigger personality! A refreshing change to the usual skinny models that have received so much controversial press in the media. In order to be eligible for this contest, women m… [More]

Lebanese Liposuction Loans – First National Bank Promotes Plastic Surgery (VIDEO)

Lebanese women as young as 18 now have the means to fund the liposuction they year for to help them fit into spring’s incessantly hip skinny jeans. “Lebanese women are known to be seekers of beauty and fashion, so they always follow the latest trends in everything, even cosmetic surgery,” sa… [More]