Child labour and exploitation not only happen in the manufacture side of fashion, but also in the modelling industry. The fashion and modelling industry often highlighted for good-looking and attractive models, high-end fashion designers and brands. But its problems far beyond the glamorous and beauty world, with eating disorders, drug, sexual harassment, and more.
In the article written by Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken for CNNMoney, a number of young women were so desperate for modelling work that they fell victim to a fake business that allegedly drugged them and used them to create pornographic films. In the same article, Carolyn Kramer a former agency executive comparing the industry’s labour abuses to those faced by young factory workers at the turn of the century.
Other case of child exploitation shared by Sara Ziff, a professional model for 20 years who appearing for designers such as Stella McCartney and Tommy Hilfiger. In the article she was featured by FastCompany, she grew up in New York and was scouted and fell into model career at 14 years old. Sara Ziff also mentioned that in the modelling industry they face adult pressure at a young age. In reality, the vast majority of working models are not making large sums of money. In many cases they’re young, immigrant women.
How You Can Help to Eliminate Child Labour in Fashion Industry?
As a consumer, we can fight against child labour in different ways. We can educate ourselves on the issue so we can educate our friends, families, and colleagues. We can contact retail stores, brands, manufacturers that are known to use child labour in their supply chain. We also can reach out to government officials and ask them to enforce and implement stern child labour laws. (Source: https://www.dressember.org/blog/is-there-child-labor-in-the-fashion-industry)
We can start supporting by shop from fair trade and ethical brands. You can check and buy clothes from brands listed in Fair Wear, TheGoodTrade, or your local trusted resources. You may also check for “Child Labor Free” label from accreditedbrands at Child Labor Free FoundationorFairTrade Organization.
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