Top model details horrific conditions she was forced to work under

A top model from New Zealand has opened up about her experience in the fashion industry, detailing the gruelling treatment she endured over her eight-year career.

Kizzie Amoore shared a series of pictures on Instagram, along with a lengthy caption about the way she was treated since entering the industry at age 15 – including being forced to work while dangerously unhealthy.

"I've completed my 11th and final fashion week! I've survived at least 100 shows, lived in six countries and it's finally time to take a step back and focus on my goals," Amoore wrote.

"It's time for me to be speaking out about the changes we desperately need in the fashion world."

Amoore explained that during her career, she had to be savvy with her money as some jobs would pay thousands while others would withhold pay for months.

"I was smoking in place of meals in Paris, as the 70% deduction for tax and commission left me broke and starving most weeks," claims the model.

She also slammed the industry for its unrealistic views on the health of models, saying that she was screamed at for her hip measurements at age 15.

Amoore says that despite having a BMI of just 16, she was given a medical certificate stating she "was healthy enough to walk".

"This industry grooms young models into valuing themselves solely by their appearance," she adds.

"It's impossible to have the Haute Couture measurements of 34-24-34 and a height of 5'11 with a BMI greater than 18, so doctors are paid to lie about girls' health rather than actually change these body standards." 

She also claims that models are forced to live in sub-standard apartments, including bathrooms without doors and says the excessive working hours left many people sick.

"I personally worked 70 hours a week for almost nothing just to pay for my 13 hospitalisations in 11 weeks," write Amoore adding an alarming statement: "Yet I am much luckier than those younger and more vulnerable than me who have died from similar conditions."

The huge claims were met with support from her followers and others in the industry who commended her for speaking out and using her platform to blow the whistle on the industry.

"Such a beautiful and strong woman, thanks for speaking out Kizzie," wrote one fan.

"Incredible and so well said, you are a role model to all," added another.

"This is so important," wrote a third.

Amoore ended her post by calling for better regulations for the New Zealand fashion industry, saying that by 2019 these things should no longer be happening.