Fashion and Activism: Model Alliance

 

Most of us prepare for Fashion Week with loads of caffeine, our most sartorial attire, and Instagram at the ready. But it turns out that the fashion industry isn't as glamorous as some might have us believe. Twnty-nine-year-old model Sara Ziff (pictured second from left) is gearing up for fashion week by launching her nonprofit Model Alliance, a group she founded to ensure that models and those in the fashion industry experience the same workplace standards as employees in any other career do.

"Most models start their adult careers as minors, and they labor in an unregulated business knowing that they are highly replaceable," Ziff told Reuters, noting that, often times, the industry gets away with ignoring child labor laws, financially exploiting models, and turning a blind eye to sexual abuse, which are issues she covered in her 2009 documentary, Picture Me.

The movement is being supported by influential names in the industry, such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Diane Von Furstenberg, as well as high-profile models Doutzen Kroes, Coco Rocha, and Jenna Sauers.

"Change comes from action, and the Model Alliance can be a catalyst for change," CFDA Chief Executive Steven Kolb said.

The organization aims to secure backstage privacy in order to avoid unauthorized nude photography and to provide confidentiality in cases of sexual harassment. 

"The idea of models organizing may seem frivolous or, worse, downright funny — models are certainly not the people you picture when you think of child labor or bad working conditions," Sauers said. "There's nothing funny about a work force that is overwhelmingly young, female, and impoverished, working for some of fashion's wealthiest, most powerful brands."

Text Alice Chen

Source Reuters

Image NBC

What's Your Nude?

We've been warned on countless occasions not to wear white undergarments under white shirts, and when choosing strapless bras, we default to nude. But what if the classic nude — typically a light tan or beige — doesn't match our nude?

In light of February's Black History month, L.A.-based psychologist Tara Raines is urging all women of color to participate in the "What's Your Nude?" campaign via Facebook with a "like," tweeting @whatsyournude, or contacting their favorite bra designer or manufacturer to request more hues. Raines is seeking support by Feb. 1 and throughout the month in an effort to increase the availability of diverse lingerie.

"I don't think it's too much to ask that bra makers include darker hues when manufacturing their collections," Raines said in an interview. "Women of color deserve to look and feel sexy, and a big part of that is looking like ourselves."

So, what's your nude?

Text Alice Chen
Image and Source Facebook, The Cut

Bee the Change

Many rush to negative conclusions, but bees symbolize one’s soul, hope, and all things good in life. The "Häagen-Dazs Loves Honey Bees" campaign was specially designed to increase awareness of the serious danger faced by our bees. For those of you who aren’t aware, one in three honey bee colonies have died nationwide within the past three winters, and their deaths eventually put our natural food supply at risk.

Alex Woo has thankfully hopped on the bandwagon to help these little creatures and their colonies, and you should, too! With every purchase of a bee, 10 percent of the proceeds will go to university research that focuses on the honey bee crisis. If a bee has ever stung you, maybe it’s just because the little guy or gal is telling you they need your help! So if you are willing to splurge a little and "Bee the Change,"purchase a special edition Little Season pendant to help save the honey bees!

Text Sydney Ruby

Source Alex Woo