Crystal Renn calls for bigger sample sizes

The 26-year-old former plus-size model Crystal Renn has called for sample sizes to be made bigger as she thinks it would encourage more diversity in models.

She believes designers should change from the standard US zero or two (a UK four or six) to an American eight. (UK 12).

She said: "By having a size eight sample, you are giving freedom to a designer. Most of the models are going to be size sixes and eights, and you could have tens. If a really amazing model walked in who was a size zero, you would tailor the dress down to her."

Crystal also praised Zac Posen for his attempts to add diversity to the catwalk by using a variety of different body shapes in his models.

Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the National Eating Disorders Awareness organisation and the Model Alliance at Pace University, she said: "There are some people who lead and Zac Posen is one of those people. Modelling is about beauty, but it's also an energy. That's not a size."

Modelling agent Chris Gay, president of Marilyn Model Agency, slammed the "ridiculous" standards of the fashion industry.

He said: "The industry standards are ridiculous. They're not standards a woman can keep through her life or her career ... You're replacing good models with new models because of unrealistic standards."