When news broke this week of Kering’s decision to stop using under 18s from 2020, I saw it as nothing but good news - I’m all for positive steps in the right direction. The real test, however, will be how this is enforced.

Almost every model I know has put down a fake age on a form at a casting at some point in their career — either pretending to be younger for a high fashion job or older for a skincare brief. Even if the girls themselves aren’t complicit, it would not surprise me if agents fudged the numbers slightly — after all, opening a show like Saint Laurent or Gucci could make a model’s career and mean a huge income for both her and the agency.

Hopefully Kering takes more of an official route — requiring ID before confirming any bookings — and more brands follow suit.

Currently, most model agencies look to put girls into development (where they build up a book and do odd jobs and go-sees on their school holidays) from as young as 13, partly for experience, partly so that other competing agencies can’t sign someone who is potentially the next big new face. Whilst they won’t really ever start working full time until they’re 16, that’s still extremely young. Although everyone is different, I think as an adult with a bit more life experience you are likely better equipped to deal with what the industry throws your way.

“Gucci and Balenciaga are right to stop using models under 18 — here’s why”