Alexandra Shulman Fights Against Small Sample Sizes That Limit Model Choices

Earlier in the month, the bloggers at the modelling agency told you that all 19 Vogue editors collectively launched ‘The Health Initiative’.

British Vogue's June Cover
British Vogue's June Cover

Earlier in the month, the bloggers at the modelling agency told you that all 19 Vogue editors collectively launched ‘The Health Initiative’.

Not only does the initiative aim to protect models and encourage health and body confidence, but it also bans the use of underage or overly skinny models in the magazines.

British Vogue Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Shulman seems to be completely on board with the positive change. However, during a talk in London last Wednesday evening, she expressed some concerns about being able to action the initiative given the fact that some designers still insist on sending her too small sample sizes.

British Vogue published Shulman’s view on the matter and how she has been prompted to write to designers on its own blog.

“I’ve written another letter to a designer this week because the sample sizes are too small,” she said.

“All magazines use the same samples so if they are small it limits the choice of models that can be put in them. You are then by necessity showing a very small range of body types.

“There’s a limit to what I can do about it myself. We try by never using models who are under 16, and not using models with eating disorders. As part of the Health Initiative that Vogue has just launched, I am meeting all the top UK model agents in a couple of weeks to discuss what we can do in this country. However, other parts of the press need to take responsibility and change their ways too. Tabloids and weekly magazines that ring cellulite and promote diets are a part of the problem.”

Wise words indeed – Talent Management for one hopes Shulman’s proactive take on these problems has a positive outcome.