Karlie Kloss & Lily Donaldson on Yachts [pre-A]

          I actually started writing a different post, which quickly turned into a series.  I was researching how often Karlie Kloss was pictured on yachts. Lily Donaldson, too.  That turned into their associations with the super-wealthy.  Both of these models were gallivanting around with very rich, very powerful (and often problematic) people. I wanted to know why- were they clout-chasing? Were the gals just greedy? To find out, I had to go back to the modeling industry, and it is a dark, hell-hole of exploitation (there's no cute rabbits here, despite the beauty and glamour of fashion's finished product). 

           From the known rigid beauty standards leading to eating disorders and/or drugs, to capitalistic industry manipulations.  All the way to human trafficking.  This series has become the pre-series to Models and Oligarchs on Yachts. It's the foundational knowledge and empathy we need before we can get back to the models hanging out with sketchy, uber-rich dudes.

The Dark Side of Modeling

I’m talking about individual models here, the fashion industry’s dark side could be it’s own series!

When we talk about exploitation and the fashion industry, we read shameful statistics about clothing production from the International Labour Organisation, who estimate 170 million children are engaged in child labour, making textiles and garments to satisfy the demand of consumers in Europe and the US. News stories – like the 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory that collapsed in Bangladesh, killing at least 1,132 people and injuring more than 2,500 – shock the world. What is less commonly discussed is the darker side of the modeling industry. 

With its estimated annual revenue of $1.5 billion in the US and the global fashion industry valued at over $2.5 trillion, the industry offers significant financial potential.

Problem:  Agencies do not do enough to protect young models. 

Goal:  All agencies should protect models and act as a safe environment where they feel comfortable to raise concerns without the fear of losing opportunities or not being hired again. Every shoot, every fashion show should be a safe place for each model.

Next we'll delve into income, age, travel, human trafficking, porn, sexual assault, housing, weight, drugs, and race.

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