Last month, we were happy to hear that Diane von Furstenberg took measures to ensure models were treated well during Fashion Week.

Queen of the wrap dress and President of CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), von Furstenberg issued new guidelines on behalf of the CFDA, one of which stated: “Support the well-being of younger individuals by not hiring models under the age of sixteen for runway shows; not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight at fittings or shoots; and providing regular breaks and rest.”

We think that the fashion industry enforcing these guidelines is great news for our models. However, perhaps having the guidelines in place is not enough given that von Furstenberg mistakenly used 15-year-old American model Hailey Clauson in her latest autumn/winter 2011 show.

“As you remember, I sent you all a letter prior to the shows, emphasising healthy models and diversity, and reminding you of our Health Guidelines,” von Furstenberg stated in the letter to CFDA members. “One of the guidelines, as you know, is not to hire models under 16 in addition to making sure that all of them are properly fed. Well, it is to my horror that I discovered last Friday that in spite of me repeating that to my production and casting people, one girl slipped through the cracks. One girl who will be 16 in March walked my show last week!”

But, ever the professional, von Furstenberg has found a solution to prevent the problem in the future.

“I was horrified and terribly embarrassed,” she told WWD. “From now on I will instruct my casting people to demand IDs. I encourage you to do the same. I am trying to be a good leader and set an example…so please please accept my apology.”