The runway is becomming a little less cramped with competition for models. It first started with models who were too skinny. Some designers railed against the changes, a smaller group was ambivalent while a larger number welcomed the changes altogether, though we’re sure they groused behind the scenes. In the past week, several groups that hold major runway shows have decided to increase the age of models participating in runway shows. The motivations behind raising the model age are as ambiguous as they are necessary. They range from a lack of maturity leading to eating disorders to child worker laws prohibiting certain types of work for 16 year olds and younger.

An article in news site In the News UK looks at issues with the weight of younger models and body mass index, noting that there are conflicting positions as to whether bmi alone is an accurate indicator. The article states:

But other experts suggested that body mass index (BMI), which is often used as a measure of fat, is “not necessarily an accurate measure” and “not foolproof” in identifying whether models are suffering from eating disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa.

Another issue is whether these girls under 16 are becoming sexualized to the point where it is exploitation. Some designers tend to push the envelope when it comes to what the create and the end result may be a 16 year old wearing something not made for a 16 year old.

The British Fashion Council is deciding now whether to ban models 16 years or younger, if the ban is successful we’re expecting to see similar bans throughout the fashion industry. Madrid was one of the first to ban models who were too skinny from working the runway and this seems to be in line with reasons for the weight ban. Although it is extremely doubtful, Paris and Milan may not be too far behind. Do you think models are too young? Leave comments.

There are perenial favorites at Papierblog and then there are others who just pop up every now and again. For fall, we heart Anna Molinari. And gasp… we agree with Sarah Mower this is a very youth-driven collection. But we dig it nonetheless.

Today we launch a new fashion blog. (we actually launched the pre-beta version last week) It covers a lot of the fashion that we simply don’t have the space to cover here on Papierblog. A lot goes on here in the states and it’s hard to cram that into one blog. So we launch iPapier. iPapier covers everything outside of the states in fashion that we’re dying to know about. Most of it is in English, but you may find a French post in there every now and again as it is our co-founder’s native tongue. You’ll find coverage of street fashion, random musings and fashion weeks that may not be in the main stream (meaning Paris, London, Milan) but are becoming ever more relevant.

We start coverage this week with Hong Kong Fashion week and get rolling on Amsterdam and Berlin fashion week, next week. Editors Tenisha Anderson and Marquita Harris bring you all the words and descriptions while photographer Anne-Marie Michel and her team brings us back photos at the various fashion weeks and on the streets. Bookmark it (http://ipapier.papierdoll.net) and wish us luck!

Jimmy Choo eschews Nicole Richie this season for Heather Marks. Film at eleven. Why not? In one of the shots done by Brett Ratner (he’s also directing X-Men 3) Marks is waiting patiently on the runway in the snow with her plane by her side apparently with engine troubles. She’s wearing a pair of criss-cross, open-back, peep toe heels looking mad as shit bordering on apathy. Figure that one out. Several other scenes contain Marks in various states on the runway as chic as can be. Choo knows that leather is going to be big for Fall. Who am I to disagree? You can see the other looks here. (credit: VogueFR)

Remember this post? It is pointed out because while there are many still going in that direction, there are several in the music, tv and fashion world going in the other direction. The other direction meaning going the right way. Instead of crashing into trees, showing their vaginas coming out of cars, ending up in jail for dui convictions, throwing parties inviting only the anorexic, there are those who are finally breaking through with real talent. Leah Renee is actually one of those going in the right direction with real good music. She agreed to sit down and have an interview with us while in New York recording her debut album and shooting A Day in the Life (have to get those Michael Kors shoes). A Papierdoll exclusive, the interview follows below:

What are you working on currently that has all of your attention, and how is it going?

Right now I’m working on finishing up my record deal-it’s been really challenging having to deal with everyone’s different, not to mention busy schedules and living away from home…but at the same time it’s exciting! I’m also writing and recording songs for my first album and future projects…which is always fun!!!

Who deserves all the credit for Leah Renee?

Well…there isn’t just one specific individual responsible for where I am in life right now. I’m a work in progress. I started modelling and acting at the age of five…I had to BEG my parents to let me. From a young age I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and gained the confidence I needed to put myself out there and take risks with my career. I’ve worked with some great people and those who weren’t so great…but I’ve learned something from each of them. Luckily I hooked up with my New Jersey team ( a.k.a my 2nd family) and every experience so far has been a positive. They’ve definitely helped me grow as a person and an artist. It also goes without saying that my family deserves a whole lot of credit.

You’ve done voiceovers for TV shows and animated features, how did you get into singing?

Acting and singing are kind of related in the industry-when I was eleven I wanted to audition for the musical Jane Eyre which was coming to Toronto. So I did some research and enlisted the help of vocal coach Elaine Overholt…who just recently finished working with John Travolta on Hairspray…to help me get through the whole audition process. I didn’t get the job but I did land some jobs singing commercial jingles for TV and started to work with different producers.

Was the voice-over thing something you saw as a full time job forever?

As an actor you have to be versatile-it’s a good thing to be able to do on camera and voice work. I’ve been doing cartoons since I was a kid and I fully expect to still be doing them when I’m an old lady along with singing!!

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