OPINION: 'The dissonance of an industry that claims to be progressive and then reveres figures like Lagerfeld without even acknowledging their regressive views, perfectly encapsulates the problem,' writes saraziff
—is no exception. Left unsaid about Lagerfeld, who I worked with regularly as a model, will be any mention of his problematic attitude toward women and the primarily young, female workforce who helped make his clothes famous: models.Lagerfeld, whose prolific career included leading Fendi, Chanel, and his own eponymous brand, body-shamed women on multiple occasions.
The dissonance of an industry that claims to be progressive and then reveres figures like Lagerfeld without even acknowledging their regressive views, perfectly encapsulates the problem. But demeaning treatment and pervasive conditions of sexual harassment and abuse continue to plague the fashion industry, especially in the four decades since modeling agencies began using a legal loophole in New York to evade accountability. Not only must the people who enable these conditions be held accountable, but we must also enact systemic change in the industry.
Currently, models are locked into exclusive auto-renewing contracts with agencies that claim to have no obligation to book them work, while models often spend months—even years —tracking down their earnings. Those who speak out can face consequences, including being blacklisted by their agencies—the very people who are supposed to represent their interests.
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