Getty ImagesVictoria Beckham has previously faced criticism for her super-skinny frame, but this time, it's not her figure that is coming under fire.
The singer-turned-fashion designer is making headlines today after her runway show at New York Fashion Week, which saw a number of incredibly thin models strut their stuff down the catwalk.
The 41-year-old mother of four shared a variety of behind-the-scenes images from her show, during which husband David Beckham and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour were both seated in the front row, and is facing heavy backlash on social media for her choice in models. She also picked newcomer Peyton Knight, who is just 17 years old, to close her show (to note: Knight also walked in Alexander Wang).
Beckham's Instagram has since become the subject of a body image debate, and E! News spoke to Lorna Garner, chief operating officer of the eating disorder charity b-eat who said that "these type of images do not cause eating disorders but they escalate and exacerbate existing conditions. There is overwhelming evidence that points to these images having a very negative and damaging effect."
She continues, "The recent publication of a study done by Micali (2015) shows that girls as young as eight begin to develop body size and shape issues. If the appearance is of an extreme body shape or extreme youth, it sends out a message to young women that this is what you should look like. The fashion industry does not just sell clothes but a whole look and style – and people buy into that."
Thus, Garner finds it entirely unacceptable for Beckham (or any other designer) to feature exceptionally thin models in their shows, saying it's their "social responsibility" to refrain from idolizing those body types and keep young women from developing body image issues.
"In 2015 given the amount of progress that we have as a society made in terms of understanding mental illness it is extremely sad that we cannot focus on healthy images when promoting products. We would ask those involved with the fashion industry to pause and consider the merits of our request and their own social responsibility."
Additionally, Piers Morgan penned a piece for the Daily Mail titled, "Stop with the miserable skinny models, Victoria - this is NOT how we want the world's young women to look."
Back in 2010, the former Spice Girl reportedly banned models who were too skinny from walking in her show.
E! News has reached out to Beckham's team for comment.
Here's what the folks on social media are saying:
@victoriabeckham 's #NYFW underweight models trigger and exacerbate #eatingdisorders [I speak from experience] pic.twitter.com/gsE59rInnb
? Janet (@JanetEastham) September 15, 2015Shame on @victoriabeckham! Those models were terribly miserable and way too thin. You have a daughter now! Inspire her!
? Lucky Schwartz (@LuckySchwartz) September 15, 2015@victoriabeckham I have to agree with the above. I really like your designs but these models look very thin and emaciated. Not a good look
? Kate Deacon (@KateDeacon) September 14, 2015@victoriabeckham ever thought about real size models and not promoting under weight role models for young women!!! #responsibiltyinfame
? Jill Barker (@jilly31) September 14, 2015@victoriabeckham Oh no, no, no. Not healthy looking at all. How can you mkt clothes to real women and hire anorexic models to sell them?
? Jolie (@JolieBlonde14) September 13, 2015Victoria beckham: I'm designing for real women
*models are all super skinny teenagers and her clothes are overpriced*
? Corrine (@corrinuzz) September 13, 2015This is a model. She is the spitting image of the girls who were on the eating disorder ward I was once on https://t.co/2BAT59BY5w
? Allie Renison (@AllieRenison) September 15, 2015@victoriabeckham you should be ashamed promoting skinny models
? ianrw (@svenmxx) September 13, 2015All the models walking for Victoria Beckham's collection look dead. #eatsomechicken
? Celia (@ceeeelski) September 14, 2015