Israeli model Sofia Mechetner became a topic of discussion on ABC’s ‘Nightline’ segment on young models. The 14-year-old recently walked a Dior show earlier this year while wearing a sheer gown which raised some eyebrows. Sofia’s agent, Roberto Ben-Shoshan, stated that the nudity was not done in a sexual way, but from an artistic and fashion viewpoint. Others argue that Sofia is too young to be so provocatively dressed. According to ABC’s report, Sofia landed a contract worth $200,000 with the brand.
In the US, the CFDA has changed their guidelines to include an age-limit of models no younger than age 16 for runway shows. However, many parts of Europe and overseas do not follow these same rules. The report questions whether it is okay to expose young girls to the fast-paced world of modeling so early. Top models like Karlie Kloss and Kate Moss both started out at 14-years-old, and are quoted saying how difficult it is to model at such a young age.
Regardless of criticism, the world of fashion is still a youth-orientated game. Just recently, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis’ daughter, Lily-Rose Depp was named the face of Chanel Eyewear at 16-years-old.
I’ll never understand why fashion is so obsessed with youth. There are a lot of women that are beautiful beyond the the ages of 30.