THE remarks by Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman about using size zero models on the catwalk really isn’t helping.

Ms Shulman insists that to stop using very skinny models because it may upset those struggling with eating disorders would be “extremely unfair” on the industry.

She adds that she “absolutely strongly believes” that very thin models do not encourage girls to feel bad about how they look. I would dispute that, but there’s another point.

By holding up skinny models as the epitome of the fashionable shape, she helps put normal sized females everywhere at a massive disadvantage. The average British female is not a size 6 but a size 14, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, any size lauded as the desirable shape is going to be very influential. Implying that it’s very tiny is not only unfair to women in general but a very dangerous “bar” to set.