John Lewis weighs into the size zero debate

**Lani** · February 21st, 2007, 01:10 PM

One of London's biggest department stores is using a size 12 model to launch its new range of swimwear. John Lewis will also change all its mannequins to a size 10.

The store said its decision - which has been seen as a victory in the campaign against unhealthy size-zero models - was about being "honest" with its customers.

A recent survey carried out by the store found that 80 per cent of its swimwear was bought by women who were size 12 and larger.

Photographs of South African model Lauren Moller in a selection of swimsuits, sarongs and bikinis will be used in John Lewis stores and accompanying publicity material.

At 5ft 8in, Moller has a body mass index of 19.8 - which falls within the healthy range recommended by the World Health Organisation.

John Lewis spokesman Mark Forsyth said: "We wanted a realistic image and body shape in our shots. The photographs show you can be size 12 and be healthy and beautiful.

"You don't have to be super-skinny to model clothes in an attractive way.

"This is about being honest by showing the garments worn on the shape and size of a woman who is more typical of our customers."

The store had problems finding a suitable size 12 model for the shoot - when it contacted regular agencies they said they did not represent such "large" models, and referred them to agencies specialising in "plus size" women.

"We were astonished," said Mr Forsyth. "Size 12 isn't big. It's still quite slim."

The pictures of Moller were taken near Cape Town by fashion photographer Nick Haddow, who has worked with models including Jade Jagger, Helena Christensen and Laura Bailey.

He said: "Lauren looks amazing, absolutely beautiful, like a Bollywood star. I work with a lot of size zero models and to me this girl didn't look big at all. If there was more acceptance of all body sizes there wouldn't be a problem."

The size zero debate was reignited last week after the death of another model from the effects of extreme dieting — only months after her sister died in similar circumstances.

Eliana Ramos, 18, was found dead by her grandmother after a suspected heart attack, reportedly caused by complications related to anorexia.

The death of her model sister Luisel, 22, from heart failure after a fashion show in August sparked a global debate and prompted catwalk bosses in Spain to ban underweight models from Madrid Fashion Week.

The average catwalk model is 5ft 9in tall and weighs 7st 12lb - a BMI of only 16.

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A Uk Size 12 is a US size 10 which is a AUS size 14

7st 12lb= 50kg or 110lb

**twitchy** · February 21st, 2007, 01:30 PM

There's a picture of her here.

John Lewis weighs into size zero row with size 12 swim model | News | This is London
and here: Catwalk Queen: John Lewis pick size 12 model

**Lani** · February 21st, 2007, 01:40 PM

She's stunning. awsome.

I dont get why articles have to point out that she isnt 'fat'. Thats retarded. You can be healthy and not be a size 0. I thought the WHOLE point of this whole fricken debate was to have healthy models, not extremely thin or over weight models.