Erin O’Connor Wants Tougher Model Laws

Erin O'Connor says there must tougher laws to protect models under the age of 16.

The British supermodel - founder of the temporarily closed respite center Model Sanctuary - is supporting a group of MPs who are campaigning for model protection laws for young females in the industry:

"Back in 2007, the fashion industry had recently undergone a turbulent and reflective period which resulted in the recommendations of the Model Health Inquiry. Out of those recommendations, the decision to protect under 16-year-olds from appearing on the catwalk was one of the most impacting. It seemed to me that there was mounting pressure on both sides, not only for young models at a crucial stage in their mental and physical development, but also for some members of the wider community who look to fashion to influence their own body aesthetic. It is imperative that we continue to secure the welfare of our younger participants and we should always aim to do that in an empowered and creative way. It's for reasons such as this that I founded the model sanctuary. We aim to encourage a strong ethic of self-reliance, awareness and belief with the encouragement of our friendly and experienced team of professionals."

Erin O’Connor to Continue With Catwalk

Age is nothing but a number for Erin O’Connor, who has no plans to retire from the catwalk.

The 32-year-old beauty wants to carry on down the runway for as long as possible as she doesn’t think age has anything do to with a model’s ability to pose for the cameras.

“I hate that idea of retirement or ‘You’re past your sell-by-date.’ That is very odd, because, for me, it is about moving, showcasing and being an outrageous poser.”

Erin says she absolutely loves being in the fashion industry and finds being on the catwalk liberating: “You’d think after 15 years I would be bored, but I’m not. The catwalk is like liberation, because there is a bit of performance involved, a bit of skill thrown in, so it doesn’t matter what age you are.”

Now she is one of the more experienced women in the fashion industry, Erin recently set up the Model Sanctuary, which offers respite and a full-time nutritionist to very young models, as she knows they need help when starting out.  “These are really young people. They don’t always realize that they need to set their own boundaries.”