Photo: MCV Photo. Gemma Ward may have stolen the spotlight at Prada with her epic return to the runway, but now, another model from the Milan Fashion Week show is making headlines — and it’s for reasons a bit more controversial.
Meet Roos Abels, 14-year-old Dutch newbie and Miuccia Prada’s newest muse, Fashionista reports. Signed to Brave Models in Milan, the teenager somehow managed to cruise under the radar at the show, despite supposed efforts from the fashion industry as a whole to keep underage models off the catwalk. In fact, in 2012, the CFDA imposed restrictions on models under 16 from walking in runway shows as part of its health initiative (ahem, and not to mention, child labor laws).
The one catch? While the CFDA ban on underage models applies in New York, similar regulations don’t exist in Milan. This could explain why Prada has a history of championing up-and-comers in campaigns and runway shows, regardless of age. From recruiting a 15-year-old Lindsey Wixson for her spring 2010 collection to coming under fire for featuring a then-14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld for her Miu Miu campaign, Miuccia Prada is no stranger to this age issue. Plus, in an industry so centered around youth that 22-year-old Karlie Kloss is considered an industry "vet," the fact that these polarizing decisions take place isn't the least bit surprising. But, don't you think it's time for the designers to unite together, rather than continue to make model exceptions? Weigh in below. (Fashionista)