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B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law

France's Fashion Laws Could Influence Change in the U.S.--

While a change in the models we see strutting down the catwalk may be a fashion week or 2 away, a new French law could be just what effects the change.  This past December, France passed a law ultimately protecting the health of fashion models, requiring medical professional clearance to work.  The requirements are for both print and runway models.

The U.S. has taken a step to address child labor laws at the national level, but is also being pressed to do the same for adult models hitting runways, commercials, and print ads.  With Paris being considered a fashion capital to many, this landmark change happening on their turf 1st is likely to force a tide change in other fashionable cities and countries as well.  The American Journal of Public Health applauded the French law and encouraged something similar to pass in America.  It is highly unlikely a designer would show looks on certain models in 1 city, without keeping those looks pretty similar in another.  

On the heels of our race in fashion post, it is important to know diversity in fashion calls for both cultural and physical integration.  As many French designers faced backlash for resisting the change and pressure to "infringe on their creative control", the same would be the case here if the battle got too hot.  With many designers already responding to calls for more diversity in fashion--working to address both racial and physical inequalities in the industry, we are hopeful this trend will be as long-standing as denim in every closet.

International Business Times delved a bit deeper into this trend change.  Check our more here



...See, we told you fashion law was intellectual property and more!

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V., J.D. V., J.D.

B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law

Models Face Labor Concerns, Too--

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.


Keep up with her journey and follow Yomi on Twitter!
To learn more about Stand Up For Fashion, click here!

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