Minor models could soon be banned from French runways Towards a strengthened framework for modeling in the hexagon
At the end of the parliamentary inquiry into violence in the cultural sector, French MPs want to impose stricter regulations on the work of underage models. This report, made public in July, follows several years of denunciations of abuses and mistreatment in the fashion and entertainment industry, particularly against young people. The National Assembly’s inquiry commission, made up of MPs from different political backgrounds, heard from industry professionals, agents, and also child protection associations. The findings are clear: minors are exposed to physical and psychological pressures, schedules unsuitable for their age, and sometimes situations of harassment or even abuse. All of this takes place in an often poorly regulated environment, where apparent prestige hides darker realities.
Among the key measures proposed is the outright ban on those under 16 from participating in fashion shows. This proposal aims to protect children from premature media exposure and the demands of the industry, particularly in terms of physical appearance, availability, and travel. During the inquiry, Cyril Brulé, director of Viva Model Management, a modeling agency based notably in Paris, pointed out that Kering no longer employs models under the age of 18. As for LVMH, he explained that he is in constant negotiation with them to adopt the same age limit. However, the director noted that many other brands still refuse to work with 18-year-old models. He assured that within his agencies, the number of models aged sixteen to eighteen is decreasing. Regulation of the work of 16- to 18-year-old models is also central to the recommendations. MPs suggest strengthening the necessary administrative authorizations, requiring the presence of an accompanying adult during professional assignments, and implementing stricter medical checks. Harsher penalties are also being considered for agencies or brands that do not comply with these rules.
MPs believe that before this age, minors are not capable of giving informed consent to the constraints of this profession and must be protected from an often toxic environment. Erwan Balanant, MoDem MP and rapporteur for this commission, also proposes banning the sexualized representation of minors on screen and in fashion photographs. This parliamentary commission has shed light on the dark practices of the fashion industry. Indeed, the issue of working conditions for underage models is only a small part of the inquiry: the almost systematic indebtedness of models and the physical and psychological violence against them were among a long list of topics addressed. The ball is now in the government’s court, which must decide whether to turn these proposals into a bill. A reform of the labor code applicable to minors in artistic and cultural professions could be introduced in the coming months.
