Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

A SAINT International model with the typical slender frame.

When the news broke two weeks ago, that Spain put a ban on overly-thin models at a top-level fashion show, it shocked the fashion world. Many model agencies were outraged.

One Reuters news report read: "Madrid's fashion week has turned away underweight models after protests that young girls and women were trying to copy their rail-thin looks and developing eating disorders.

Organisers say they want to project an image of beauty and health, rather than a waif-like, or heroin chic look."

With several of Jamaica's models making strides internationally, including in Spain, Flair spoke with some of the players in the local modelling industry about their view.

What a model says:

Simone Dunbar of Miguel Models International

There really should not be an outright ban, but an acceptance of other types of models. Being on the fuller side, I have never been scoffed at. In Jamaica, the fashion industry is different and I have developed a relationship over the years with clients.

What model agency heads say:

Deiwight Peters of Saint International

People are not making too much of it, as Madrid is not a direction market. The fashion industry's major markets are Milan, Itlay; Paris, France; New York, U.S.A and London, England. If this ban had happened in one of these markets then it would have sent a strong signal throughout the world of fashion.

It is however unfortunate that this is happening as a lot of models are naturally thin. To suggest that everyone who is naturally thin is unhealthy is bizarre.

Some of our models are naturally thin and who eat like a horse. They love fast foods such as burgers and fried chicken.

At Saint, it is more about statistics and body measurement than weight. We take girls with 35 inch hips.

We might have super thin girls but they are working and are signed with top agencies internationally. My concern is their skin, that they are eating healthily and keep their skin beautiful and clean.

Debbie Ann Stanley of Champs Model Management:

I agree with Madrid in terms of the waif-like look. There are many girls who are not naturally slim.

It is crazy for people to be throwing up food and not eating properly. This is happening right here in Jamaica. I have models come to me from other agencies locally who tell me that they were told to lose 10 pounds. One in particular is about 5" 9' and weighs 115 pounds. She was told by another agency that she was too heavy. She was told for the fashion industry, all she could be was 105 pounds.

At Champs, we have unconventional models. We go for the Caribbean looking woman. But you must be properly toned. Weight doesn't matter as long as you carry it properly.

Kingsley Cooper of Pulse Model Agency:

Some people are naturally thin. This does not necessarily mean that they are unhealthy. To be banned simply because of thinness is discriminatory. The industry has general standards and once models are able to healthily maintain the right proportions they should be allowed to perform their jobs. This ban on skinny models is really just a storm in a teacup and from one news report, New York, London, Paris and Milan are not taking it on.

Skinny girls will not be banned! At least not outside of Spain. This latest round of fashion industry excitement is just that - the latest talk! The real question is whether the models can the fit the samples that designers make.

At Pulse there is no weight requirement. Weight will vary depending on height. However hips should not exceed 36 inches, ideally 35. We will only sign a model beyond 36 inch hips if we think she has the discipline and commitment to get to that number by a healthy combination of diet and exercise.