With only a few weeks of term left at university, it's that time when those in their final year are finishing off garments for that career-starting final collection and are starting to think about the smaller details and the best ways to enhance their designs as they are worn down the catwalk for all to see and critique.

One of the most important parts of a runway show are the models and making sure that you have the right ones to show off your collection in the best way and creating a lasting impression in every person's mind. Just as Graduate Fashion Week is looming, an important announcement has been made which will have a huge impact on the fashion industry. Vogue editions worldwide have made a joint decision that they will no longer use models that are under the age of 16 or who they know to have an eating disorder. This is a huge step in tackling the issues in the modelling world and really sparks thoughts about the choice of models for final collections and how students can really make a difference to the entire industry.

The 'All Walks Beyond the Catwalk' campaign has been making strides ever since the launch of the All Walks Forum at Graduate Fashion Week in 2010, working to change attitudes about the diversity of models whether it be size, age or race. This year at the National Portrait Gallery an exhibition was shown of portraits taken by Rankin of a range of models showing that diversity really is best.

Choosing models is such an important part of the revelation of your final year collection and you can now not only choose the models that best suit and enhance your garments but you can also join some of the biggest names in fashion and help to make a positive change to make the modelling industry one that is not tarred with a reputation of restrictions on size or age but one that celebrates women and men of all sizes and backgrounds. It is sure to get you noticed for all the right reasons and you can know that you are doing something good with your designs.

Visit http://allwalks.org/ for more information or show your support on Twitter @allwalkscatwalk

Written by GFW Contributor Katie Agar 

Images from Allwalks.org