Madrid's Models
by Gabriella Lehimdjian

   In the early nineties, super models were everywhere; Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Christie Turlington ruled the covers of fashion magazines. They were portrayed as “Amazon women,” tall, strong, and in control. Today, however, the industry is leaning towards the super skinny and ultra lean Kate Moss look. Even though the fashion industry has always loved its models, more and more “real” women have hopped in the driver’s seat of fashion. Women across the globe prefer seeing an actress, a woman they can relate to, on the cover of a magazine rather than a model. Senior, Chloe Mullins, said, “I think full figured models are great and they’re putting out a great message to young girls, saying you don’t have to be anorexic to be a model.” Chloe’s sentiments echoed those of many women today.
   The recent controversy surrounding Madrid’s Fashion Week has everyone, including the fashion industry, buzzing. The hot topic was the event’s ban on overly skinny models. Models who auditioned had to qualify by passing a weight test. The test was a calculation between their body mass and height. Models who failed the test were turned away. This has never happened before. Spain is definitely on the forefront of a revolution.
   Due to protests by women’s advocacy groups and medical associations throughout Spain, the organizers of Madrid’s Fashion Week and Madrid’s regional government took the matter to heart. Protestors began voicing their opinions more strongly after last year’s show. They wanted to project a more “healthy” image to young girls. As everyone knows, the fashion industry has always been labeled as the cause behind eating disorders and poor self images among teenagers and young women.
   Even though Madrid is taking a major leap towards improving the fashion industry’s attitude, its efforts may have little effect. The runways of Madrid do not match the prestige of Paris and Milan. This may mean a division for the fashion industry. Models who work in Madrid will definitely be unemployed in Paris and models in Paris will have no luck in Madrid. So, until other European designers embrace the movement, Madrid may stand alone.  

Why Study Abroad?
by David Siwicki
     The few years in high school and college present many opportunities of growth and maturity; furthermore, the decision to study abroad ties together both an amazing and memorable experience with a new awareness of oneself.  The number of places that can be visited to study is only limited by how much one can afford.  Here are four great reasons to consider studying abroad:
     One of the biggest advantages to studying abroad is, in fact, the many traveling opportunities. For many, this truly is a once in a lifetime experience. While abroad, whether it be Amsterdam or Melbourne, one can live in these places they have only heard of in text books. Junior, Andrea Tomlinson agrees “It is great to experience a new culture, meet new people and learn how they operate. You learn to see life through a different person’s perspective.” It is apparent how big of an impact choosing to study abroad will have.
     This unique experience contributes to new perspectives and understandings.  When one becomes completely immersed in a culture, they can start to learn about these new people’s actions, views and values. Each student gets to see these customs in action rather just read about them in a text book. Only after one sees things through the eyes of the native people can one start to fully appreciate and understand.
     Studying abroad provides the chance to meet new and unique people. A student can take the time to get to know people with a different background.  This new cultural immersion creates an environment where many new friendships can be made. These new friendships could last a lifetime.
     It also can provide a very informational and educational experience for students and teachers alike. Madame Perry, one of the two French teachers here at Ireton, strongly recommends a foreign exchange experience. She says “French education stresses critical thinking and forming your own opinion.”
     The decision to study abroad will enlighten a student’s mind to many new possibilities. It is a once in a lifetime experience to visit the many different parts of the world and learn about them first hand. Any teenager that is stuck should remember the large world around them that is open to present them with many new points of view.
     There are many student exchange programs available to those that want to experience the world around them. These excursions can focus on language development, travel and college courses. Many colleges around the world offer the opportunity to study abroad. There are also numerous amounts of student exchange programs that cater to the high school student. A few such programs are: IES, ISA, CIEE and Rotary Youth Exchange. These student exchange programs offer the amazing experience of studying abroad in a refreshing and exotic atmosphere.