British Models Made To Sign Contracts Agreeing That They Won't Starve Themselves

The fashion industry has gotten some serious flack in recent years for allowing and perpetuating a culture of uber-skinny runway models, many of whom have suffered from eating disorders due to the pressure of staying thin.

Many labels have fought back against the emaciated model stereotype, and Rose & Willard is the latest big name in fashion to do just that. Rose & Willard will now require models to sign contracts stipulating that they will eat during shows and photoshoots, essentially legally assuring the company that they will not starve themselves for the sake of fashion.

"The model has not just to eat a meal but eat it in our presence," Rose & Willard founder Heidy Rehman told The Sunday Times. "She's not going to get away with eating a slice of cucumber or throwing it away and saying 'I'll eat it later.'"

Models are also getting on-board with the industry changes.

Last week, model Rosie Nelson handed a petition with several thousand signatures to the officials on Downing Street in London supporting a models' law that would prevent incidents — like one where a model fainted on the catwalk from hungry — from happening.