Victoria Beckham On 'Too Skinny' Models: 'Just Because They're Thin, Doesn't Mean They're Ill'

Victoria Beckham On 'Too Skinny' Models: 'It Doesn't Mean They're Ill'

Victoria Beckham has spoken out against critics who said she used 'too skinny' models in her latest New York Fashion Week show.

The pop star-turned-designer insisted she only uses healthy women to model her designs and the fact they are thin doesn’t automatically mean they’re not looking after themselves.

"They’re young, they’re thin, but that doesn’t mean they’re ill," she told The Telegraph.

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Victoria Beckham attends the 25th Annual Glamour Women of the Year Awards in New York on 9 November

"Our casting director spoke to the [model] agencies, and we know that all our girls are healthy.

"People are mean on social media, whoever you are. It’s a shame people have to be that way," she added.

Beckham's comments follow a media backlash, which saw journalist Piers Morgan describing her catwalk models as looking both "painfully thin" and "painfully miserable".

Denise Hatton, chief executive of YMCA England, which is coordinating the Be Real body confidence campaign, also called the show show a "prime example of selecting models based on the outdated premise that the only way to sell products is by presenting an idealised view of the female body".

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The Victoria Beckham Spring 2016 collection modelled during New York Fashion Week in September

MP Caroline Nokes recently claimed that Victoria Beckham and top modelling agencies ignored an invitation to discuss the use of underage and "dangerously thin models" at a Parliamentary inquiry.

Nokes, who heads up the all-party Parliamentary group on body image, said she invited Beckham and other leading figures in the fashion industry to give evidence at a Parliamentary inquiry, but received no responses.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) currently does not enforce a minimum weight or BMI for working models.

Instead, the organisation say they have "a focus on looking after models [and] encourage health and wellbeing with healthy food and drink provided backstage at shows."

Victoria Beckham's Best Looks From The '90s And Early '00s
This Corset-Like Top And Mini Skirt(01 of20)
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It's Posh perfection. And of course she's carrying a puppy with her. Of course. (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
This Red Leather Outfit(02 of20)
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Okay, so all of these outfits are pretty great, by Posh takes the cake here. SO MUCH LEATHER. (credit:Fred Duval via Getty Images)
This Metallic Bustier And Matching Pants Set(03 of20)
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There's so much going on here. But we wouldn't want it any other way. (credit:Gareth Davies via Getty Images)
This All Gold Look(04 of20)
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She must have had a closet full of this same outfit in just multiple metallic shades. (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
This White-Hot Ensemble(05 of20)
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Take note of the disco ball-like choker and belt. And also, those cutouts are quite scandalous! (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
And Here It Is Again(06 of20)
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Perfect. (credit:Jon Furniss via Getty Images)
This Chocolate Brown Number (07 of20)
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Another day, another bustier and pants combo. Also, just take a minute to appreciate the glory that is David Beckham in his full length "Matrix" coat. (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
This Sparkly Pink And Blue Dress(08 of20)
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We're not even sure what's going on with this dress, but we don't even care. (credit:Justin Goff via Getty Images)
This Sexy Captain Jack Sparrow Ensemble(09 of20)
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Maybe Johnny Depp actually took his inspiration from Posh... (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
Her Piece-y Hair And Silver Top(10 of20)
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YES. Just so '90s. We can't even. David is wearing a bandana! (credit:Dave Benett via Getty Images)
This Bustier And Denim Combo(11 of20)
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Yep, another bustier. Obviously. (credit:Dave Benett via Getty Images)
ALL OF THIS AMAZINGNESS(12 of20)
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Just. Yes. So much leather. (credit:Justin Goff via Getty Images)
This Ombre Mullet Dress(13 of20)
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Sunset perfection. (credit:Peter Still via Getty Images)
This Metallic Mini Dress(14 of20)
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A step up from Posh's typical LBDs. And that hair! So voluminous! (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
This Oh-So-Posh Mini Dress(15 of20)
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#onpoint (literally). (credit:PA via Getty Images)
This Casual Tee And Sunglasses Look(16 of20)
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It doesn't get much more chic than a black tee and sunnies. (credit:Tim Roney via Getty Images)
This Vertigo Dress(17 of20)
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She stepped outside her comfort zone with this one! (credit:Mick Hutson via Getty Images)
This Crop Top And Flares Combo(18 of20)
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VB should just wear this look tomorrow. (credit:Tony Barson via Getty Images)
This Perfectly Posh Ensemble(19 of20)
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All hail spaghetti straps! And satin pants! (credit:Brigitte Engl via Getty Images)
This Lingerie-Inspired Slip Dress(20 of20)
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Or maybe it was actual lingerie. Whatever the case, it just proves that Posh was way ahead of her time. (credit:KMazur via Getty Images)