Vancouver Fashion Week organizers are under fire after issuing a casting call for female models with 20- to 22-inch waistlines.

According to reports and comments on the event鈥檚 , the casting call was posted last week, and taken down on Monday.

The post included 鈥渃urvy models,鈥� defined as being 5鈥�8鈥� to 6 feet, with a U.S. size 12-to-16 waist. Meanwhile, 鈥減etite models鈥� were defined as being 5鈥�5鈥� to 5鈥�8鈥� tall, with a 20-to-22-inch waist.

In a statement posted this week online, organizers apologized and called it a mistake.

鈥淲e want to make it absolutely clear that we support and champion models no matter their size, gender, ethnicity or background,鈥� the statement read.

鈥淲e believe every body type is a cause for celebration and we welcome designers who encourage body positivity and who redefine what 鈥榖eauty鈥� and 鈥榮tyle鈥� mean in today鈥檚 society. We apologize for the offence caused, as we truly strive to deliver a fashion week that is inclusive for all.鈥�

The apology didn鈥檛 stop social media users from continuing to criticize them.

The modeling industry has been under increased scrutiny for promoting small waistlines deemed unhealthy by health advocates and doctors.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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