Just like in New York, LA, and many other US cities, a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and cafes is finally hitting the UK. Given the persistence of smoking in the fashion industry -- both in advertising, and due to the high number of models who are smokers -- what kind of effect will the ban have? Will the industry finally have to leave behind the out-dated notion of cigarettes as symbols of confidence, empowerment and freedom? Will models continue to use cigarettes as props on catwalks? Will they still be able to sell the idea of smoking as youthful and rebellious?
If the photo at right -- taken from a recent W magazine -- is any indication, I'd say the answer is probably "yes." In spite of the ban, and the fact that -- ironically -- smoking prematurely ages the skin, the "dangerous" or "edgy" look that designers and fashion photographers are fond of is still accomplished by having their models promote cigarettes.