Inflaming the size zero debate: Stony-faced Samantha Cameron is unimpressed with skeletal model at London Fashion Week

Unenthusiastic: Samantha Cameron watches one of the models on the catwalk for Erdem yesterday


She is usually a passionate follower of fashion.

However, in a coveted front-row seat at London Fashion Week, Samantha Cameron appeared distinctly unenthusiastic about what she saw yesterday.

The Prime Minister's wife stayed sombre and stony-faced as extremely thin models strutted up and down the catwalk in designs from luxury label Erdem.

Some of the women – who will no doubt stoke the size zero debate – hardly filled the floor-length gowns they were supposed to be showing off.

But Mrs Cameron herself attracted admiring glances in her chic Osman beige shirt-jacket, stylish Whistles shirt, cropped trousers and favourite Zara shoes.

The 39-year-old opened London Fashion Week on Friday in her first appearance as the event's ambassador. She explained how she was 'passionate about fashion' and how it 'makes people feel'.

But she appeared to be less passionate about the choice of models made by Erdem, a label which has been worn by Glee actress Lea Michele and editor of U.S. Vogue Anna Wintour.


Weighty issue: Chloe Memisevic barely filled out the floor-length gown as she walked the runway


Backward step? Chloe's painfully thin arms were on display as the size zero debate is reignited


Charities offering support for eating disorders also described the selection of very thin models as 'disappointing'.

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of eating disorder charity Beat, said: 'There's a backwards step here, and it's a shame. We had hoped that the tide had turned, so this is a disappointing move.

'Young people are especially interested in fashion and want to take the lead it gives. If we're back to the old days of seeing one size on the catwalk, it is regrettable.'


Unrealistic expectations: The Mental Health Foundation believe using such thin models on the catwalk is irresponsible and dangerous


Simon Lawton-Smith from the Mental Health Foundation, which offers advice to sufferers of eating disorders, called the choice 'irresponsible and dangerous'.

He added: 'The idealising of underweight models can set unrealistic expectations.

'A perceived failure to meet these expectations can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and serious mental health problems such as depression.

'These in turn can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder.'
Erdem failed to comment.


Tribute: Samantha Cameron made a touching speech at the press preview of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, praising the designer


The Prime Minister's wife also had her sombre face on this morning at a press preview of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty - an upcoming exhibition of the late designer's work.

The exhibition celebrates the work of one of the UK's most famous designers who tragically committed suicide last year.

Samantha Cameron made a touching speech at the launch, praising the designer.

The collection opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 4, but the preview took place as part of fashion week at the Ritz Hotel in central London.


source: dailymail