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Article

24 Oct 2019

Author:
Rosemary Feltelberg, WWD

France: Model Alliance presents initiative that would hold brands legally accountable to protecting models against trafficking & abuse

"Model Alliance Presents Respect Program to LVMH, Kering Executives", 18 October 2019

The Model Alliance founder and executive director Sara Ziff...met in Paris with the French Minister of Gender Equality Marlene Schiappa and representatives from LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Kering, Chanel and other brands to discuss fashion’s human trafficking problem...

...the alliance presented its “Respect” program as a way to prevent trafficking and abuse of models...the program calls for brands, modeling agencies and media outlets to sign a legally binding agreement to protect models. Their aim was to create an environment of mutual respect and to stop sexual harassment in the industry...

...The initiative offers an enforceable code of conduct...with mandatory consequences for brands, modeling agencies, photographers and other service providers who violate the terms of the code. Respect also creates a neutral third-party...that will be charged with receiving and investigating complaints, issuing corrective action plans to address work-related abuses and...to work toward prevention. Finally, the program includes avenues for models to file complaints and seek guidance, which are improvements on the alliance’s existing support line...

..."...When exploitation occurs, models are often unaware of their rights and lack adequate support,” the alliance’s material said....