British Vogue Signs Equity Models Code

[HeatherAnne]

British Vogue Signs Equity Models Code

BRITISH Vogue has signed a ten-point code protecting models at work, organised by Equity - the trade union best known for representing actors and actresses. The deal was drawn up to improve the working conditions of models.

The agreement stipulates that models hired by Vogue will not work longer than ten hours a day, will have adequate food provided and will not do any semi or fully nude shoots unless agreed in advance. The code also prohibits models under the age of 16 from being photographed for shoots representing adult models. Other requisites include mandatory breaks, changing rooms, transport, prompt payment and suitable temperatures for the clothes being modelled.

"Signing up to Equity's Ten Point Code truly shows British Vogue's dedication to improving the working conditions of models," said Equity Models Committee chair Dunja Knezevic. "We hope that other magazines and publishing houses, retailers and designers will also understand the importance of protecting models in the workplace, sign up to the code and prevent treatment of the kind which would be wholly unacceptable in any other profession!"

The news follows the Vogue Health Initiative, which was launched in May 2012 - a pact between the 20 international editors of Vogue to encourage a healthier approach to body image within the industry.

"Work has been ongoing in the year since the Health Initiative was announced by all international Vogue editors," said British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman. "Here in Britain, we've been working with model agencies to assist in the education and mentorship of younger models, and our support of the Equity Code reinforces our continued commitment to set the benchmark for this important industry issue. We're very pleased that Equity is using its position in such a positive way."

vogue.co.uk

 

[Vega Magnus]

It's a start. Much more needs to change, but hopefully this will spur others involved in the industry to do things differently, although I'm skeptical about whether it actually will. Vogue also needs to stick to their guns and not drop this policy when it's convenient like designers do when they want to have a hot new underage model walk in their shows. The models still have little power though. What is a model going to do if Vogue doesn't follow these guidelines? Bring it up with their agency? The agency probably wouldn't care unless the model in question is a big name, so the potential for abuse is still there.