Fashion industry told to restrict airbrushing

London, Dec 22 (UNI) The magic wand that gave super-slim Keira Knightley a voluptuous look, and curvy Kate Winslet a washboard stomach is not approved by the British Fashion Council who wants to restrict the use of digitally-enhanced photographs.

In a letter released yesterday, it appealed to all the magazines and advertisers for a voluntary agreement to restrict the use of airbrush techniques.

The move follows an inquiry into the health of catwalk models in the city, which found that such images could perpetuate an unachievable aesthetic.

Airbrushing is believed to promote unrealistic expectations about female and male bodies.

Some celebrities have been more upfront about having a little digital help in their publicity photos.

Keira Knightley spoke of her shock at appearing with a bigger bust in the US version of posters for her 2004 film King Arthur. ''Those things certainly weren't mine,'' Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

Actress Kate Winslet, who was digitally slimmed-down for a GQ photoshoot, said she preferred her natural curves.

The Council has written to the British Society of Magazine Editors, the Periodical Publishers Association and the Advertising Association to get their views on restricting the use of airbrushing.

The letter will inform the recipients about the inquiry panel's calls for a new code of practice.

UNI