Former supermodel Iman said the fashion industry needs to make more progress in addressing the issues of underweight models and racism.
The topic of underweight models has been back in the spotlight again in the fashion industry since the deaths two models last year. It is believed that anorexia was the cause of their deaths.
Earlier this week organizers of the upcoming Montreal Fashion Week announced that models who appeared to be too thin would be withdrawn from the event.
The organizers said in a statement that these models would be directed to get professional help for the treatment of eating disorders and nutritional assistance.
The Montreal Fashion Week announcement followed a similar ban at London Fashion Week last month.
In France and Italy, restrictions have been placed on models deemed too skinny for the runway.
"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," Iman told CTV's Canada AM.
"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.'"
Iman said the result of this attitude means that the individual identity of models is becoming less important and is a reason why a superstar has not emerged from the modelling industry in recent years.
"It used to be that they used to celebrate the identity and the character of the girl, but not any more," Iman said.
The supermodel also felt that the fashion industry needed to also address a lack of diversity in its runway shows.
Last month, Iman joined supermodels Naomi Campbell and Tyson Beckford and about 70 other models, designers and agents to launch a campaign against race discrimination in the fashion industry at a rally in New York.
"It is a shame in 2007 that...we're still talking about racial issues and why black models are not used," Iman said. "It has literally been worse now than when I was modelling 16 years ago."
Iman is also bringing her opinion to her role as the host of "Project Runway Canada," a show where 12 designers will vie for a $100,000 prize to start their own line and a shot at success in the fashion industry.
It's a Canadian take on the popular Emmy-nominated American version of the show hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum.
"I want to start them on the right foot," Iman said. "I want them to understand that this is a serious business. This is not about fluff."
Iman said she told the contestants they should focus on the business aspect of the industry and creating clothes that are practical.
"We don't need another dress. We don't need more fashion," Iman said. "What we need is clothes that really uplift our daily lives."
