Iman: Fashion Models Are 'Human Hangers'

04-10-2007 12:51

Iman is the latest celebirty to attack the fashion industry for the way it deals with issues of weight and racism.

The former supermodel accused the industry of treating models like 'human hangers' and said that designers have to play a part in putting an end to the problems which are constantly hitting the headlines.

"I find that the fashion business and the beauty industry really have an assault on identity when it comes to young models because they have to conform to these impossible demands," Iman told CTV's Canada AM.

"They're becoming like human hangers. Obviously the designers have a lot of influence in this. Because the designer can say, "I will not hire you at that body weight.'"

Iman says that models are losing their individual identity as a result of the unhealthy attitude of those who employ them.

"It used to be that they used to celebrate the identity and the character of the girl, but not any more," Iman said.

Last month, Iman joined supermodels Naomi Campbell and Tyson Beckford and about 70 other models, designers and agents to launch a campaign against race discrimination in the fashion industry at a rally in New York.

"It is a shame in 2007 that...we're still talking about racial issues and why black models are not used," Iman said. "It has literally been worse now than when I was modelling 16 years ago."