British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman. Pic: PA
Influential fashion magazine British Vogue has become the first publication to sign up to a new code of conduct on working conditions for models.
Amongst its stipulations, the code insists that no models under the age of 16 can be used in photo shoots representing adults.
British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman said the magazine had been working with agencies to help in the education and mentoring of younger models.
"Our support of the Equity code reinforces our continued commitment to set the benchmark for this important industry issue. We're very pleased that Equity is using its position in such a positive way," she said.
The influential title has taken the lead in agreeing to abide by a 10-point code drawn up by the models committee of Equity, the union that is better known for its campaigning for actors.
The deal means that models hired by British Vogue will work for no more than 10 hours a day, have suitable food provided and will do no nude or semi-nude shoots unless approved in advance.
The code also includes breaks, transport, suitable temperatures for the clothes being modelled and prompt payment.
It lays down that no model should be asked to do anything 'dangerous, degrading, unprofessional or demeaning'.
Model Dunja Knezevic, the chair of Equity's models committee, said she hoped that other magazines, retailers and designers would now also sign up and 'prevent treatment of the kind which would be wholly unacceptable in any other profession'.