Fashion's mean girl image might be tempered just a little with the implementation of The Charter on the Working Relations with Fashion Models and their Well-Being by industry giants LVMH and Kering.
While we assume models' well-being was the motivator for the luxury group enemies to join forces on the initiative, the move came after Instagram recently blew up with more reports of abuse, including 150 models being left in an unlit staircase for three hours while the casting agents went to lunch, and one being told to "drink only water for the next 24 hours".
Despite our eternal love for Miranda Priestly, tyranny is simply
not cool and these reports expose a very ugly side to an industry
that profits on the perceptions of beauty. The brutal reality of a
hypercompetitive fashion climate with
inconsistent regulation is that models are left open to
exploitation.
With S/S 18 wrapped up we take a look at the key pieces in the
Charter:
- Most of it is stunningly obvious: models must consent to nudity, under 18's need to meet their schooling requirements, and models must be given food and drink and be paid in accordance with the law.
- Other sections indicate a single sized shift, with brands requiring casting agencies to present them with AU size 6 models and above (rather than 4), and a ban on under 16s portraying adults in ads and on the runway.
- Measures such as giving models access to a dedicated psychologist/ therapist, requiring medical clearance to work, and inserting a blanket requirement that models must never be exposed to dangerous, embarrassing or degrading activities are well-heeled steps in the right direction.
We're yet to see the Charter implemented and are curious to see if they will tie these obligations into contracts with casting agents, stylists, photographers and others in the industry.
We're hoping the Charter garners more support than the croc wedges Balenciaga sent down the runway. Yep you heard us right - crocs...
We do not disclaim anything about this article. We're quite proud of it really.
