Cocaine Kate

As she effortlessly struts down the runway, cameras flash, the crowd gushes and fellow models glare with envy. \nThe 5-foot-6, 105-pound Kate Moss has done for fashion what Jenny Craig has done for weight loss. The fashion industry worships her: She is credited for spearheading the highly controversial "waif" look in the 90s; she was once ranked the fifth highest paid model; she has starred in several notable documentaries; and she has been the face for high-end designers, such as Calvin Klein, Gucci, Versace and David Yurman. \nBut earlier this month, we saw a completely different face of Kate Moss: a cocaine-snorting, vodka-guzzling face. Pictures of Kate allegedly snorting cocaine were run on the cover of London's Daily Mirror, instantly transforming the uber-popular, famously chic style icon into a fashion pariah. \nAs a result, companies, such as Burberry and Chanel, are dropping Kate faster than she dropped her bra for the highly publicized Calvin Klein ad campaign 15 years ago.\nIt looks like Kate is going out of fashion. \nAlthough Kate continues to apologize and take "full responsibility" for her actions, the fashion industry, notorious for its party-going, drug-using, underage recruits, is forced to rethink the image it is portraying to young girls. Fashion consultant Anne de Champigneuil believes because Kate is admired by so many women, specifically young girls who view her as a superhuman, goddess-like fashionista, she should be as mindful with her brain as she is with her body. \n"People are lucky to have such great contracts, and they need to respect them," Champigneuil told The Associated Press. "It's a shame to give (fans) this example. Everyone identifies with a star." \nAs a role model to millions of teenagers, not to mention a mother to 3-year-old Lila Grace, Kate's every move is observed and scrutinized by the public. We can only hope this scandal will bring about positive change: Young women might now realize Kate's sunken-eyed, protruding bones, heroin-chic waif look is not natural or appealing; rather, it is the product of snorting five lines of cocaine in a mere 40 minutes.\nAt the same time, some fashion companies condemn Kate's behavior, others such as the Swedish clothing giant H&M strongly considered keeping her on (but later reversed its decision). While H&M disapproves of her actions, spokeswoman Liv Asarnoj believes in the importance of second chances. \nAnd apparently Kate does too.\n"I also accept that there are various personal issues that I need to address and have started taking the difficult, yet necessary steps to resolve them," Moss said in a public statement, according to The Associated Press. \nWhen she was 26, fellow supermodel Christy Turlington quit smoking and became an influential spokeswoman. She has used her beauty and fame to share her struggles with the public, debunking the myth that smoking is sexy and glamorous and a means to keep thin.\nIf Kate is smart, she, like Christy, will resolve to get help. She will become involved in raising national awareness to the dangers of drugs. She will use this media attention to promote a healthy lifestyle in an industry that, well, let's just say likes to keep meals to a minimum. \nOnly then can Kate truly be a "super" model.