B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
Will Chinese Tariffs Further Fuel Fakes?
If you've been watching national news lately, you know the president is pushing for tariffs on items imported from China. This has a major impact on local and state governments in America, who rely on Chinese companies for some of their infrastructure items like railcars, for example. Certainly we support domestic jobs and manufacturing, but the reality is, much has moved overseas. These are the cards dealt.
Imposing these tariffs could really hit closer to home--literally, if clothing and beauty items are swept into the list. The likelihood is there. Not only would items like synthetic and human hair be included, but lipstick, shampoos, and other essentials. Consumers will really flock to small business if that becomes the case (which we support!). The tariffs could also have an impact on the creative industry, in further flourishing the counterfeit market. Like the now-shifting market in Iran, the love for high fashion, but barriers to enter the market can call for desperate measures.
Counterfeit luxury items are sold openly in Iran. It's almost a market necessity, as the global economy was long cut off because of international sanctions. Importers have struggled to bring good into the country. Consumers haven't let their wants struggle. Neither have knockoff merchants. As many sanctions have been relaxed over the last couple years, the market is sliding toward change, but not easily. Despite super conservative leadership in Iran, counterfeiters found ways to get consumers what they wanted--even if it meant taking on detested Western ways of loving luxury.
The proposed Chinese tariffs in America could make for a similar situation. Sure, there's already a counterfeit market here, and it's unlikely there won't always be one. But, if brands are cut off in such a way to create burdens consumers aren't used to, counterfeiters will definitely find a way to meet demand--whatever it takes. When it comes to counterfeits in the health and beauty industry, it's more than just bags with questionable logos. Formulas and chemical compounds are at stake. Health is a whole different ballgame.
As hearings continue on this issue in D.C., it is worth keeping an eye on. Will counterfeits be king?
If you've been watching national news lately, you know the president is pushing for tariffs on items imported from China. This has a major impact on local and state governments in America, who rely on Chinese companies for some of their infrastructure items like railcars, for example. Certainly we support domestic jobs and manufacturing, but the reality is, much has moved overseas. These are the cards dealt.
Imposing these tariffs could really hit closer to home--literally, if clothing and beauty items are swept into the list. The likelihood is there. Not only would items like synthetic and human hair be included, but lipstick, shampoos, and other essentials. Consumers will really flock to small business if that becomes the case (which we support!). The tariffs could also have an impact on the creative industry, in further flourishing the counterfeit market. Like the now-shifting market in Iran, the love for high fashion, but barriers to enter the market can call for desperate measures.
Counterfeit luxury items are sold openly in Iran. It's almost a market necessity, as the global economy was long cut off because of international sanctions. Importers have struggled to bring good into the country. Consumers haven't let their wants struggle. Neither have knockoff merchants. As many sanctions have been relaxed over the last couple years, the market is sliding toward change, but not easily. Despite super conservative leadership in Iran, counterfeiters found ways to get consumers what they wanted--even if it meant taking on detested Western ways of loving luxury.
The proposed Chinese tariffs in America could make for a similar situation. Sure, there's already a counterfeit market here, and it's unlikely there won't always be one. But, if brands are cut off in such a way to create burdens consumers aren't used to, counterfeiters will definitely find a way to meet demand--whatever it takes. When it comes to counterfeits in the health and beauty industry, it's more than just bags with questionable logos. Formulas and chemical compounds are at stake. Health is a whole different ballgame.
As hearings continue on this issue in D.C., it is worth keeping an eye on. Will counterfeits be king?
B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
Models Face Labor Concerns, Too--
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Keep up with her journey and follow Yomi on Twitter!
To learn more about Stand Up For Fashion, click here!
Niches in the fashion industry--you've obviously come to the right place! Model Yomi Abiola has created an amazing segment of fashion, often dismissed by the world at large. Typically, the labor issues in the fashion industry have to do with sweatshops and jobs outsourced from American companies. Those issues are of critical importance--they hedge on human rights and proper wages. However, the models face their own issues as well.
Yomi launched Stand Up for Fashion (STUFF) to promote fair labor practices in the industry. Her initiative opposes the use of underage models, promotes diversity, and improves working conditions.
In their own words:
STUFF stands for change in the industry
STUFF encourages diversity, equality, inclusion
STUFF transforms our society through the power of fashion
Yomi is a Nigerian model and contributor to Vogue Italia. Her experience is greater than modeling--she also works on cultural issues with the UN. Yomi is not only using her beauty to bring people together, but her brain and dynamic energy as well.
“The only time that people from fashion come together is at fashion shows or fashion parties, but in terms of having a real dialog about the business of fashion … it is not something that has been done at all,” Abiola said.
Labor issues in fashion are sometimes ignored because of the glam and glitz we see on the runway. Surely there can't be problems. Wrong! Underaged models are not paid as they should be, child labor laws are broken, good health is not encouraged for many models of all ages, and diversity in ethnicity, size, and appearance in general are far from prevalent. It's time the industry and its supporters take a stand to make things as fab on the inside as they appear on the outside.
“Every industry comes together” to talk about pressing issues, “but the fashion industry never stands for anything beyond fashion,” said Shauna Mei, founder and CEO AHAlife, a high-end gift website supporting STUFF.
As she works to make this issue known across the world, Yomi has made the promotion of "true beauty" a priority, particularly with young women. Often, we find beauty ads showing less of the product's ability, and more editing and Photoshop savvy. This is not the message young women need, especially with bullying so rampant. Yomi is working as a fashion model, model citizen, and role model.
We are excited about STUFF and the awareness Yomi is working to promote. You will find more of their projects here, as we all should take part in improving these conditions.
In their own words:
STUFF stands for change in the industry
STUFF encourages diversity, equality, inclusion
STUFF transforms our society through the power of fashion
Yomi is a Nigerian model and contributor to Vogue Italia. Her experience is greater than modeling--she also works on cultural issues with the UN. Yomi is not only using her beauty to bring people together, but her brain and dynamic energy as well.
“The only time that people from fashion come together is at fashion shows or fashion parties, but in terms of having a real dialog about the business of fashion … it is not something that has been done at all,” Abiola said.
Labor issues in fashion are sometimes ignored because of the glam and glitz we see on the runway. Surely there can't be problems. Wrong! Underaged models are not paid as they should be, child labor laws are broken, good health is not encouraged for many models of all ages, and diversity in ethnicity, size, and appearance in general are far from prevalent. It's time the industry and its supporters take a stand to make things as fab on the inside as they appear on the outside.
“Every industry comes together” to talk about pressing issues, “but the fashion industry never stands for anything beyond fashion,” said Shauna Mei, founder and CEO AHAlife, a high-end gift website supporting STUFF.
As she works to make this issue known across the world, Yomi has made the promotion of "true beauty" a priority, particularly with young women. Often, we find beauty ads showing less of the product's ability, and more editing and Photoshop savvy. This is not the message young women need, especially with bullying so rampant. Yomi is working as a fashion model, model citizen, and role model.
We are excited about STUFF and the awareness Yomi is working to promote. You will find more of their projects here, as we all should take part in improving these conditions.
Keep up with her journey and follow Yomi on Twitter!
To learn more about Stand Up For Fashion, click here!