When I was a fashion reporter in my previous job, I frequently rushed backstage post-show for a soundbite from the designer about the inspiration, the materials, and any other important detail pertaining to the collection.
Often, I found myself waiting, surrounded by models as they were changing out of their runway looks and into their own clothes – some with little or nothing on at all. Photographers and many other people roamed around. Once I saw a male friend of a friend who definitely had no business being there.
All of this would always make me uncomfortable. But I can’t begin to imagine how it makes the models – many still teenagers – feel.
Fast forward, and the CFDA is very proud to have partnered with the Model Alliance, working with IMG Fashion and Pier59 Studios to create private changing areas for models backstage— a welcome and long overdue move that we hope will inspire other fashion weeks to follow.
“Models have raised concerns about invasive photography and lack of privacy while changing clothes backstage at New York Fashion Week,” said Sara Ziff, Founding Director of the Model Alliance. “The Model Alliance takes these concerns seriously and we decided to take additional steps this season to ensure a safe and respectful work environment by providing private changing areas backstage.”
With this move, added CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb, “we can protect the privacy of models and bring meaningful change to NYFW.”
The CFDA Health Initiative was founded in 2007 to ensure the wellbeing of models. Last month, we expanded it to the new Initiative for Health, Safety, and Diversity.
The CFDA firmly believes that everyone in our industry deserves the right to feel safe and respected. We have zero tolerance for unsafe environments and strongly encourage everyone in the fashion industry to report abuse in the workplace.
As Ziff put it, “There has never been a better time to make clear that sexual harassment and sexual disrespect have no part in our industry.”
Pictured: Backstage at Nicole Miller’s Fall-Winter 2017 show.
