Model behavior: Fashion industry aims for reform in #MeToo era

NEW YORK — New York Fashion Week is known for its display of glitz, glamour and a little grit that plays out on runways across Manhattan. But at this season’s shows, which wrapped up Wednesday, some in the industry were looking behind the scenes — and worrying about models’ safety in the #MeToo era.

The effects of the movement were evident in messages on clothing touting #MeToo support and in the dressing areas, which offered more privacy to models as they changed backstage. Like the allegations of sexual misconduct that have swept the country from Hollywood to Capitol Hill, similar complaints have been lodged in the fashion industry — from the behavior of fashion photographers to the harassment in workplaces.

Last week, Fashion Week venues were scattered across Manhattan — from large sites such as Pier 59 Studios at Chelsea Piers and Industria in the West Village to private showrooms, hotel ballrooms and even a church sanctuary. Such backstage procedures varied from place to place.

The Post-Gazette went backstage at Industria, Pier 59 Studios, Highline Stages and St. Bartholomew’s Church. In three of the venues, the models’ changing area was in a separate room from the hair and makeup space, which is typically packed with stylists and photographers in the hours leading up to a show.
At the other site — Pier 59 Studios — the changing area and hair and makeup stations shared a single room but were on opposite sides. No models could be seen changing while the media were permitted in the room.


 Source :- post-gazette