Retail Giant Bans Models Under 18 From Working Summer Fashion Shows

New York, NY (CNS) - Retail giant David Jones has made a decision to ban models under the age of 18 from its summer fashion parades.

Agencies around the country were informed of the change in policy on Tuesday when they were asked to sign a letter confirming that models were 18 or over. Models also need to bring identification to castings.

Experts have applauded the decision, which follows widespread controversy over the use of young models in fashion parades and art campaigns.

Controversy erupted this year when Polish model Monika Jagaciak, 14, was banned from Australian Fashion Week for being too young.

At the time, organizers bowed to public pressure to adopt a minimum age of 16 for models. David Jones has gone a step further and now made the minimum age requirement 18.