The Young And The Waist-less

The girls strutting on the runways these days look like they belong on America's Next Top Hanger. While emaciated chic might move clothing at international fashion houses, the New York State Assembly is looking out for the unhealthy under-18 set cat-walking their way to anorexia or bulimia.

Yesterday, legislators passed the "skinny models" bill, which will bring health and industry experts to the table to create standards and guidelines for underage performers and models. The advisory board's suggestions on things like employment restrictions, weight or body mass requirements and medical screenings will be handed to the Commissioner of Labor.

Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition, wrote the legislation following the deaths-by-eating-disorder of [two South American models]. Other cities like [Madrid and Milan](http://www.disordered-eating.co.uk/eating-disorders-news/milan-bans-thin-models.html) have also implemented guidelines to stop the skeletal look.

The Council on Fashion Designers of America, currently headed by wrap-dress queen Diane von Furstenberg, has their own guidelines for models and would like legislators stay out of industry affairs. Rivera said the fashion industry is not capable of policing itself.

"The President of the Council of Fashion Designers was quoted as saying that the government would be involved in regulating models size ['over my dead body,']" Rivera said. "We don't want anymore dead bodies, that's the point of my legislation."