Controversy as 10-Year-Old Model Graces the Pages of French Vogue

French Vogue has been criticized over publishing provocative images of 10-year-old model Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau.

The latest issue, which was guest-edited by designer Tom Ford, sees Blondeau complete with heavy make-up and stiletto heels, causing a storm of controversy with campaigners furious that a child so young should be displaying the sexual allure of someone twice her age.

The concerns have come in the wake of a recent Government initiative in the UK to enforce restrictions on the sexualisation of children in the media and sexual content in advertising.

Born in the Ivory Coast, Thylane has appeared in numerous campaigns, to date the French girl has graced the cover of Vogue Enfants and posed for high-end editorials.

Thylane's entry into the fashion world follows a recent trend for younger models. At 13, actress Elle Fanning is the current star of the Marc by Marc Jacobs autumn/winter campaign and 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld signed a deal with Miu Miu soon after receiving her Oscar nomination for True Grit this year.

Psychological experts also warn of the dangers of children experiencing adult lifestyles too soon. Dr Emma Gray, a consultant clinical psychologist and clinical director of The British CBT & Counselling Service told the Daily Mail:

"This picture is the antithesis of what childhood in our society should be; a child being exposed to a world she is not yet equipped to deal with solely to serve the needs of the adults around her."

Referring to the controversial images a spokesperson for the Mothers' Union told MailOnline: "We have grave concerns about the modelling agency who represent Blondeau, which clearly does not know if it represents a child or an adult.

"Photo shoots requiring her, a 10-year-old-girl, to dress in full make-up, teetering heels and a dress with a cleavage cut to the waist across her pre-pubescent body deny Blondeau the right to be the child she is."

Like many child stars Thylane has strong connections with the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of former French international football player Patrick Blondeau (left), and Véronika Loubry (right), an actress and television presenter.

Despite all those concerned about Thylane's age and image, younger admirers seem to like the provocative images.

According to the Mail Online, Blondeau's Facebook page totals over 700 fans, people have posted comments celebrating her looks. One writes: "Hey I just wanted to say that Thylane is absolutely stunning! xx", while another writes "the awkward moment when a ten year old is prettier than you'.

Janna Sauers, editor at Jezebel.com notes the images are disturbing, but that they're "purposefully, knowingly disturbing" and aimed to provoke a reader to question the fashion industry's treatment of young girls, said Ottawa.

David Cameron plans to grill companies and regulators at a Downing Street summit in October on the progress they have made to ensure less young faces are appearing in advertising campaigns, reports the Daily Mail.

Follow Zara Bokhari on Twitter: @zara_bokhari