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!
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!
B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
Same Shirt, Different Name--Zara Sued (Again) for Copying--
Zara was just sued by the socially-conscious brand, Reformation for infringing on their model-moniker-bearing sweatshirt design. Reformation previously sold a plain grey sweatshirt with model Cindy Crawford's name across the chest. Zara is now selling a similarly styled shirt--but bearing the model Elle Macpherson's name.
Zara still has the shirt up for sale on their site, though a cease and desist letter has to be in transit as we speak. There are clearly some trademark and even publicity rights issues on hand here as well. Who knows if Elle approved of the shirt. Reformation actually got permission from Cindy Crawford for the sweatshirt bearing her name. She posed for promos.
This will be interesting...yet familiar territory for Zara. They've been sued in the past for copying, namely by Christian Louboutin. Tom Ford has expressed frustration in being copied by Zara--Dior, Celine, and Kenzo have been aggravated as well.
Here they go again.
B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
Fashion Law Back On Capitol Hill--
Now this is fashion law! Following many attempts (and surely more to come) to get protection for fashion designs, there is a new push for legislation in the fashion industry. U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-New York) has filed the Child Performers Protection Act of 2015. Never before have we seen child labor standards of this sort at the federal level.
Being a patchwork of regulations across the state for so many years, child labor regulations could now see national standards. Representative Meng's billl, H.R. 3383, amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, updating child labor standards for performers including actors and models. The legislation prohibits employers or contractors from: (1) employing any child performer unless a trust is set up to receive at least 15% of their earnings, (before accepting work) to be held inaccessible until they reach the age of 18; and (2) compensating a child performer in any form besides cash wages, exclusive of board, lodging, or facilities. Accepting in-kind payment is great sometimes, but it should definitely be a mere bonus. It'll never pay for college or be a base for financial security and good savings habits. Anyone working should be compensated--no matter the age. So many brands make more than enough to properly compensate their coveted talent.
As a legislative lawyer, I am excited to see this issue before the legislature. It is a long time coming, even with the Council of Fashion Designers of America having offered guidelines on model treatment for sometime now. Always an industry leader, CFDA has offered a strong health initiative, with self-imposed rules to bar models under 16 from runway shows, educate on eating disorders and empower positive body images, and offer fitness education as well. Designer and Boss role model Diane von Furstenberg has made her own pushes for fair and appropriate treatment of models, most recently during fashion week. Surely this foundation will be helpful in passing H.R. 3383. While few bills pass any legislature as they arrive, this bill takes a great step forward in parity and standardization in the fashion industry. Protecting models and easing the labor challenges and disparities is a much-needed step forward.
The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. We'll be watching.
For more on labor issues in the fashion industry, check out these posts:
B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
DVF Urges Fair Treatment of Models--
Diane von Furstenberg is such a fashion icon. She's a trailblazer in so many ways. She brought us the wrap dress, has been a major supporter of anti-piracy legislation for fashion on Capitol Hill, and worked with fashion law leader Susan Scafidi in establishing the Fashion Law Institute. Now, she's commanding fair treatment of models as NYFW gets rolling this Wednesday.
Sure, fair treatment of models is nothing new. We've talked about labor issues models face and the work Stand Up For Fashion (STUFF) has done. The push from such a fashion powerhouse just might be, though. For years, major fashion week participants have been scrutinized for their lack of diversity in runway shows and the self-esteem damaging atmosphere for the models they do choose. As longtime President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Ms. von Furstenberg is saying loudly--no more!
Along with CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, Diane has penned a letter, encouraging this upcoming fashion week be just as much about debuting new trends and styles as it is debuting new attitudes. She continues to remind us, beauty and fashion start on the inside.
Check out the letter for yourself.
We love DVF, don't you?!
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!