It sounds sort of silly to say that models deserve our sympathy. We think of them as the little dolls that wear the clothes and get paid to be pretty. Not so, says model and founder of the non-profit
Model Alliance Sara Ziff. Far from it.
First of all, to dispel the assumption that models are all making bank, Ziff says, "
Many top designers pay their models in clothes, not cash." That's nice and all, but clothes don't pay the rent. In fact, says a member of the Alliance's board of directors, "There's nothing funny about a work force that is overwhelmingly young, female and
impoverished, working for some of fashion's wealthiest, most powerful brands."
The modeling industry is a machine that, while patterns have been observed, doesn't really follow any solid set of rules or guidelines. Models are picked young, knowing that they're expendable. There are tons of girls waiting to take their place at any time. This highly competitive atmosphere teaches -- or in some cases forces -- them to simply accept the compromises of their comfort, dignity, privacy and safety in order to stay relevant. Models are treated as parts of a machine, objects in a show, so photographers who catch them changing and industry professionals who ask them to do something they're not comfortable with are commonplace. Sara Ziff thinks its time for someone to be held accountable for the entirely unregulated industry, and she hopes the Model Alliance can be the beginning of that change. The alliance has drafted a bill of rights for models in high fashion in the hopes of empowering them to take charge.
Diane von Furstenberg, designer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is aligning with Ziff's foundation to institute a more private environment for models to get ready, barring photographers and miscellaneous staff members from being around unnecessarily. It's a start, they think, to beginning to change the face of the industry and bring its real dynamic to the fore. With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, it looks like 2012 is the year that change begins for these models. [via
Reuters]
What do you think about models fighting for their rights?
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Comments (13)
I don't follow the fashion industry too much, but I always figured that models had some kind of union. Guess not but it sounds like they're making strides in that direction.
I'm glad someone is finally saying something. I have been modeling for a long time and I have had more than my fair share of questionable experiences and it really sucks because they make you feel like there is nothing you can do about it.
It's about time. I think it is a great idea. I hope they are able to make the industry safer for models.
Interesting.
If you dont like your job, find a new one. Unions piss me off for this very reason. Nobody is forcing you to be a model.
Why don't they get a job that pays them in money?
@WaitingToShrug@xanga - I understand what you are saying.. but I also think its not fair. Models love what they do. They are a major part of the fashion industry, without them the industry would not even closely resemble what we know it as today. They are performing services and there is absolutely no reason why they should not be compensated for them... what about labor laws? They deserve to be treated as any other employee at any other job... and respect.
@hedwigthegirl@xanga - If they accept jobs knowing that they will be paid in clothes instead of money, that is their choice. I imagine that they do so because they feel that the exposure they will get is worth it. I also imagine that if models began refusing to work for clothes- I'm not talking about a union organization, I'm talking about individual models deciding to hold out for better conditions- the designers would begin providing better conditions.
The proper way to introduce changes in the industry is not legislated force against the business. Customers refusing to buy clothes from designers who treat their models poorly, and the models themselves deciding not to put up with it are the ways to instigate real change.
No one is forcing these women to model, I don't care how competitive the industry is. You don't HAVE to desire fame and fortune based on your looks. Obviously, they've decided that the possible benefits outweigh the price the pay.
it probably depends on the model. I mean, I highly doubt naomi campbell is paid in clothes...she'd probably throw her cell-phone at the designer. However, for the non-heidi klum and tyra banks, their probably not that well paid considering they're a pretty competitive industry.
@haleymroach@xanga - Agreed.
I feel that if you want to fight for respect and rights, power to you, but I don't particularly feel bad. It's not like a job as a waitress, busboy, cashier, etc. Those jobs are easy to come by and are there when you need a job/money/etc. Models have to literally WANT to be a model... they choose the profession and go into it realizing what they're getting into, and if they don't realize it, they can always walk away. I don't feel much sympathy for them, but if they get what they want, more power to them.
I love Sara Ziff!! She made that movie "Picture Me" about how shitty the industry is. It's a really good movie and I recommend it. She seems really nice and cool in it too and seems to legitimately want to make a change. I like this idea!
Good. They deserve respect.
@WaitingToShrug@xanga - I agree, I respect that and all but the truth is that being a model is a choice. And by taking that choice, they're aware that they will get paid with clothes, therefore they accept that. They should think about those things before accepting the job. And if they don't like how they're being treated, then just get the heck out of there!