“When she fell down, I felt the bones going into my leg like a knife. When she fell down I felt like I took hold of something from the grave.”
Those are the words of photographer, friend, and agent Adi Barkan, who had spent countless hours by the bedside of Israeli model Hila Elmalich during her successful modeling career, and brutal fight with anorexia which ended both her career and her life far too soon.
I viewed that shocking and tragic video this morning as it became worldwide news that Hila Elmalich had died on Wednesday of heart failure. She weighed less than 60 lbs at the time of her death, and battled with anorexia for years in an effort to stay on the top of her modeling career. The video had been taken during a previous episode. She slides limp and unable to sit, it is all he can do to hold onto her as she seems to wilt toward the floor while waiting for treatment.
Barkan has campaigned against the use of ultra thin models, refusing to photograph anyone with a BMI – (or weight to height ratio) of less than 19. Due to the pressure he has put on the industry Israel became the first nation to pass laws requiring models to have a BMI of 19 or above. As an example, a 5’9” woman would need to weigh at least 129 lbs.
He has campaigned internationally, but so far all he has seen is talk which has led nowhere, he hopes the shock of Hila’s death will bring attention world wide.
Several high profile incidents occurred last year which caused a ripple but failed to cause any permanent change.
In August, 22 year old Uruguayan model Louisa Ramos died during Fashion Week in Montevideo after surviving on a diet of lettuce and diet soft drinks.
Just a few months later, 21 year old Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died weighing 88 lbs at 5’8”.
In New York, voluntary guidelines were suggested but not required. No action was taken in Paris and London.
Anorexia and Bulimia are complex diseases with physical, emotional and social roots. A study by the British Medical Association confirmed the link between images of “abnormally thin” models on TV and in print ads and the rise in both diseases. The Academy For Eating Disorders says those who have such a powerful influence on the perception of beauty must take more responsibility.
The following statement from designers should put to rest any foolish idea that things are about to change in any way, shape, or form from the perspective of the fashion industry.
Designers say that clothes just look better on thin models, and the curves of more shapely women distract from the clothing they are showing off. The say rules and punishments would only stifle creativity. Perhaps they should face the fact that the ideal figure they seek can be found on a pre-pubescent boy, and stop torturing women? ABC News Hila Elmalich