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Hila ElmalichIsraeli fashion model
Date of Birth: 14.11.1973
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Biography of Hila Elmaliach
- Early Life
- Modeling Career
- Tragic Death
- Campaign Against Unhealthy Beauty Standards
- Legacy and Impact
Biography of Hila Elmaliach
Hila Elmaliach was an Israeli fashion model, representing the interests of the Israeli branch of the 'Elite' agency. She was once one of the most well-known models in Israel. Elmaliach tragically passed away from nerve anorexia, a result of her ongoing battle with an eating disorder.
Early Life
Born on November 14, 1973, in Tiberias, northeast Israel, Ilanit 'Hila' Elmaliach showed a passion for modeling from a young age. Her eating disorder began when she was just 13 years old, at the start of her modeling career.
Modeling Career
Elmaliach quickly rose to prominence in the Israeli fashion industry and became a sought-after model. However, her success was overshadowed by her ongoing struggle with anorexia. Despite her illness, she continued to work as a model and gained recognition for her beauty and talent.
Tragic Death
On her 34th birthday, Elmaliach tragically passed away from a heart failure caused by her severe anorexia. The news of her death shocked the entire Israeli fashion community, and her close friend and Israeli fashion photographer and model scout, Adi Barkan, was devastated by the loss. He spent countless hours by Elmaliach's side during her hospitalization, and her death left him speechless. Barkan later decided to initiate an international campaign to redefine beauty standards and promote the well-being of models, discouraging extreme thinness and unhealthy practices in the industry.
Campaign Against Unhealthy Beauty Standards
Adi Barkan became a leading advocate against the pressure placed on models to starve themselves and suffer emotionally to achieve an "ultra-thin" look. He even refused to photograph models with a body mass index (BMI) lower than 19. Barkan fought against those who advocated for extreme thinness in the industry, leading to significant changes in Israel's fashion standards. In 2004, Israel became the first country to establish laws requiring agencies to hire only "healthy models" with a BMI not lower than 19, meaning that a model who is 1.75 meters tall should weigh at least 58.5 kilograms.
Legacy and Impact
Hila Elmaliach's story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of eating disorders in the fashion industry. Her close friend Barkan documented their journey and the shocking state of her health before her death. The fashion capitals of London and Paris, however, have resisted implementing specific BMI requirements for models, as many designers argue that thin models showcase clothing more effectively and distract from small imperfections. Nevertheless, anorexia and bulimia remain complex conditions with physical, emotional, and social implications. Research conducted by the British Medical Association has also shown a correlation between the portrayal of "abnormally thin models" in media and the rise of eating disorders. In response, organizations like the Academy for Eating Disorders call for greater responsibility from those who influence beauty standards and urge the fashion industry to prioritize the well-being of models.
