Bravo! Condé Nast: The Media Company Implements A Code Of Conduct For Photoshoots

Posted on February 21, 2018February 22, 2018 by AJR250

It has been a tumultuous time of late. With the rise of the #MeToo movement, and it’s effect on not only Hollywood but many other industries, including Fashion. Both men and women have spoken up about their experiences which are truly difficult to stomach. But at last, it seems like society is finally addressing this serious situation. Even if we think it’s, ‘a little too late,’ there are changes being made to protect all genders in the workplace going forward.

In this month’s issue of Vogue, Anna Wintour announces in her Letter from the Editor that the global media company, Condé Nast, which owns the glossy magazine, had recently created guidelines to specifically protect models from, “manipulation, coercion, and abuse while on set.” While this code of conduct was already enforced by January 2018, it was rather impressive to see it written in print, penned by the queen of fashion herself. The new Condé Nast guidelines include:

All models appearing in fashion shoots must be eighteen years of age or older. The only exceptions will be those appearing as themselves as part of a profile or news story, and they will be required to have a chaperone on set at all times.

Alcohol will no longer be allowed on Condé Nast sets. Recreational drugs will not be allowed.

Photographers will no longer be permitted to use a Condé Nast set for any work that is not commissioned or approved by the company.

Any shoot involving nudity, sheer clothing, lingerie, swimwear, simulated drug or alcohol use, or sexually suggestive poses must be approved in advance by the subject.

Although, there are already child model laws set in place that should cover some of these points. Condé Nast also made specifications for location shoots and travel.

We recommend that a model should not be alone with a photographer, makeup artist or other contributor participating in a Condé Nast shoot.

Throughout the shoot, including any related travel, photographers and videographers may not shoot anyone engaged by or through Condé Nast other than as requested by Condé Nast.

Read the full Condé Nast code of conduct here

I fully commend Condé Nast for their shift in doing business, and hopefully other companies will follow suit. Bravo!

Airline Ticketing Agent Saves Teens From Alleged Human Trafficking: Why You Should Never Accept Online Modeling Gigs Without Doing Research

Posted on February 20, 2018February 20, 2018 by AJR250

On August 31, 2017, American Airlines ticket agent, Denice Miracle, saved two girls, aged 15 and 17, from falling into a suspected human trafficking ploy. According to the story published in the NY Daily News on Monday, the two teens were lured via Instagram by a man offering to fly them to New York for a modeling opportunity. The girls were to be paid $2000 plus first class flights to dance in a music video. Fortunately, the observant ticket agent noticed too many red flags when the girls came to check-in at her counter. read the full story

Although social media has broadened our access to information and possibilities, it also has a downside. Teens and young adults are approached by predators claiming to be in the modeling industry all too often. In fact, it has become so common that numerous model agencies feel it necessary to announce caution to all aspiring models on their website homepages. Boys and girls are encouraged to verify any scouts or industry professionals who claim they are with the agency. Agents cannot stress enough how important this is.

If you are approached through social media, begin your research into the person or company immediately. Although it could be a bona fide offer, it is in your best interest to make sure! Should the individual claim that they are from a model agency, you can find out how to confirm this here. You can still use similar research tactics for people who say they are in the ‘industry’. However, here are a few extra tips to prevent yourself from getting into a dangerous scam.

Do not give out bank account details or personal details; such as home address or social security number.
Talk to a guardian/parent about the contact and what you have been offered.
Do not travel to, or with, the person without verification.
Contact law enforcement if you know that the person/offer is not legitimate.

NYFW F/W2018: A Fashion State of Mind.

Posted on February 16, 2018February 21, 2018 by Katerina Stamatopoulou

February 8, 2018

Tom Ford
Tom Ford’s women’s fashion show was a true flashback to the flamboyant, glamorous and sexy ‘80’s. Oversized outwear with metallic, black and vibrant animal print leggings turned out to be Ford’s favorites. Once again, he proved that he is an impeccable tailor in tuxedo dressing. But, the supplemental eccentricity with a sense of humor, and a #MeToo moment with two ‘Pussy Power’ sparkling lettering handbags shows us that Tom Ford wants to provoke our animal instincts as well.

February 9, 2018

Tory Burch
For this season, Tory Burch found herself somewhere between a romantic and a utilitarian place. Pink carnations decorated the catwalk, and the Chamber Orchestra of New York played sonnets while the models presented Burch’s creations. Tailored blazers, dresses with asymmetric hemlines, and graphic botanical prints decorated some of the clothes. In spite of the romantic mood, utility jackets brought a masculine element to the collection, which gave some yin to it’s yang.

Living In The Echo Of Paris Haute Couture Week 2018

Posted on February 9, 2018February 16, 2018 by Katerina Stamatopoulou

New York Fashion Week commenced February 18th, but Paris Haute Couture Spring Summer 2018 still lingers on the minds of everyone in the fashion world. A lot of things happened and once more Paris, La Ville Lumière (The City of Light), has been able to demonstrate that it can draw attention not just for the breath-taking and skillfully designed clothes that are presented in every Paris Fashion Week.

A new exhibition pays tribute to the late fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, who passed away last November. The 41 dresses that are displayed are a short fashion design journey over time. The “Je suis couturier” exhibition runs until June 10th, 2018 at 18 rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris.

Smartphones have ruled the front row of the fashion shows, and so John Galliano took advantage of this ‘reality’ for his latest haute couture collection for Maison Margiela. A special holographic fabric was used in most pieces of the collection. When the viewer took a photo with flash, the fabric transformed from black nylon to a shimmering holographic panel. Enough psychedelic to prove that haute couture can be modern, too.

Ornate hats used to be the hallmark of haute couture several years ago. For this season, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino’s creative director, utilized for the first-time hats that were created by the British hatter, Philip Treacy.

Why Ashley Graham’s Recent Revlon Contract Marks A Milestone In Fashion History

Posted on February 4, 2018February 4, 2018 by AJR250

Ashley Graham, the inspirational curvy beauty, has recently landed a revolutionary contract with Revlon Inc. Why is this so unprecedented? Well, she happens to be the first plus-size model to land such a deal. Although cosmetic contracts are coveted to gain supermodel stardom – which Graham has already achieved, the #LiveBoldly campaign also proves that the advertising world is finally taking note of how today’s society views and accepts beauty. We are more inclusive of age, race, gender, and size than ever before.

Graham spoke to WWD about her milestone deal with Revlon;
“Historically, curvy girls are not given beauty contacts,” Graham said. “It’s kind of groundbreaking because, in my generation of models, this hasn’t happened yet. This is one of those moments where I’m over the moon, I cried a little.”

She is featured alongside models, Adwoa Aboah, Imaan Hammam and Raquel Zimmerman, which adds to the powerful message of diversity and equality.

The Latest Departures and Arrivals In the Luxury Fashion Houses

Posted on January 30, 2018February 16, 2018 by Katerina Stamatopoulou

In 2017, two creative directors stopped their long-term partnership: Phoebe Philo, who left Céline after 10 years and Christopher Bailey from Burberry after 17 years.

Now, designer Kim Jones exits Louis Vuitton where he has taken over men’s clothing.
“It has been a huge privilege to work with Kim,” said Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton. “His ability to set trends is impeccable,” Burke continues. “All of us who have been fortunate to work with Kim wish him continued success in his next venture.”
His collaboration with the French house began in 2011. The Saint Martins graduate’s collections exuded a traveling aesthetic inspired by his travels to Asia and Africa. We could say that Jones has an addiction to travel. But, he is also who brought streetwear to Louis Vuitton after his collaboration with Supreme, the famous New York-based streetwear brand, at the AW2017 show.
Many celebrities from the fashion world attended Jones’ last show under the name of Louis Vuitton. Virgil Abloh, Oliver Rousteing, and the Beckham family were among them.
However, the designer had a surprise for the attendees. Supermodels, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, appeared on the catwalk with whom he walked into the show’s finale.

A few days ago, Hedi Slimane, one of the leading fashion designers joined Céline.
Recently, LVMH announced that Slimane, who previously served Dior Homme and Saint Laurent, takes on his role in February 2018, while his first collection will be shown in September during Paris Fashion Week.
In his new role, Slimane will be the artistic, creative and image director of Céline, while he will introduce a men’s collection and a fragrance.

“I am particularly happy that Hedi is back within the LVMH group and taking the reins of our Céline maison,” said the LVMH chairman and CEO, Bernard Arnault. “He is one of the most talented designers of our