Iman Says Models Are Now "Human Hangers"

October 8, 2007 11:15 a.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Former supermodel Iman has spoken out about the current state of the fashion industry.

The hot topic for debate is the fashion and modeling industries' influence on body image around the world. With some models literally starving themselves to death, regulations have been introduced to promote a healthier image.

However, many fashion heavyweights, including top designers and models, refuse to accept responsibility for the current size zero trend.

Iman, however, has told CTV's Canada AM, that the fashion industry has something to answer for.

She said, "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. 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.'"

According to Iman, a lot has changed in the beauty world since she was a cover star. She said, "It used to be that they used to celebrate the identity and the character of the girl, but not any more."

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and designers Dolce And Gabbana are just some of the big names who say that the unachievable body images are the result of problems closer to home.