Unfortunately, Sara Ziff shares a similar story to many models. For years, countless young women were unprotected and vulnerable to inapporpriate behavior as working models in the fashion industry. As a result, Ziff decided to do something about it.
She started the Model Alliance, a New York-based advocacy group focused on research and policy for models and those in the fashion industry in 2012. The organization has worked tirelessly since inception to provide a resources and support to foster change – such as a grievance reporting system, advocating for child labor and contract laws, and garnering support for a culture of accountability.
In celebration of their CFDA Award, we spoke to some of the organization’s key collaborators and supporters to hear why they are deserving of this honor.
Becca McCharen-Tran
Designer
“The Model Alliance has been a positive force for change in the fashion industry for close to a decade, and I’m so proud they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve. I still remember how monumental it was when they passed the Talent Protections Act back in 2018, which created protections for models against sexual harassment and eating disorders. With the Model Alliance leading the way, I’m excited to see what the future holds for this industry.”
Kenny Sale
Model
“When I didn’t know where to go or who to turn to, it was the Model Alliance that helped me take the first step in getting the justice I deserved. I’m so grateful to have found this community when I truly needed it. Their commitment to help shape the industry on an individual and systemic level is inspiring. I hope every leader in the fashion industry commits to creating a safer, more dignified workplace.”
Inez and Vinoodh
Photographers
“The Model Alliance shows us what we can achieve when using our collective power to demand basic workplace protections. Even though a lot has improved for models on set due to the tireless work of the organization we continue to be committed to advocating alongside them until every model feels safe and supported.”
Karen Elson
Model
“Doing your job, even one you love, should never come at the expense of your health and safety. The RESPECT Program, informed by my and other models’ priorities and concerns, solidifies basic protections for models, and I am so proud of the work we did at the Model Alliance to put it together. It’s time for the industry to get on board.”
Ambra Guttierez
Model
“Like many survivors, I felt alone when I came out publicly about my experience. The Model Alliance was the community I needed; it is the community we all deserve. Their support gives me strength to advocate not only for myself, but for others who deserve justice. Together, we’ve fought for important legislation, like the Adult Survivors Act, that would help bring justice for those who were silenced and shut out for far too long.
Alexi Lubermirski
Photographer
“I’ve seen how hard Sara and the Model Alliance have worked over the years to create a safer industry for all of us. This award is so well deserved, and I look forward to seeing all the Model Alliance will accomplish in the future.”
Coco Rocha
Model
“Working with the Model Alliance to pass the Child Model Act was one of the most important moments of my career. Models deserve to be protected at work, and I admire the Model Alliance’s commitment to making that a reality.”
Kai Braden
Model
“I am grateful for the Model Alliance’s platform that continues to break the stigma around the abuse of male models. The Model Alliance encourages me to advocate for myself and other survivors of sexual abuse. From joining the Adult Survivors Act coalition to fighting for the RESPECT Program in the fashion industry, this recognition is only the beginning.” –
Meisha Brooks
Model
“When I needed help getting paid the money I was owed, I didn’t know where to turn. Then I found the Model Alliance’s support line. They helped me understand my rights and see my experience as a systemic problem faced by so many others in the industry. The Model Alliance is a true leader in the fight for workplace protections, and I’m honored to fight alongside so many others in this community.” –
Lesa Amoore
Photographer, former model and survivor
“Over the past year, the Model Alliance has provided a safe space for me and my survivor sisters to process our shared experiences and seek justice against our abuser. They went above and beyond to share legal resources, connect us with trusted journalists, and even join us in Paris as we travelled from all across the world to give our testimonies to the French police. We can’t change what happened in the past, but we can prevent these abuses from happening in the future. The Model Alliance has the solution: it’s time for companies to join the RESPECT Program.”
Chloe Hayward
Model
“The Model Alliance is a shining example of what it means to go beyond the basic rhetoric. Not only has the organization exposed systemic predatory behavior at the highest levels of our industry, but they also provide direct support to so many during their times of need. The Model Alliance guided me through the unemployment filing process during COVID, when the industry largely shut down, and they continue to provide this kind of support to people working in our business every day. I am so proud to be involved and grateful for their work.”
Mamé Adjei
Model
“Black Beauty Roster is proud to support the Model Alliance’s RESPECT Program, which would create safe channels for models and creatives to report issues of harassment and abuse. These protections are particularly important for BIPOC talent, who remain vulnerable to discrimination with little opportunity for recourse. We join the Model Alliance in urging industry leaders to join the RESPECT Program, so models and creatives of color can feel safe at work.”
