Fashion conglomerates Kering and LVMH have joined forces to create a Charter that will protect the well-being of models. The implementation of this Charter will start during the upcoming Spring/Summer 2018 Fashion Weeks.

“Respecting the dignity of each man and woman is at the heart of both group’s values,” as press release says about both groups. “Having always cared for the well-being of models, both groups LVMH and Kering feel that they have a specific responsibility, as leaders in the luxury industry, to go one step further with their brands.”

The charter is structured around several major commitments:

• All brands will work will models have to ensure that they can “present a valid medical certificate, attesting to their good health and ability to work, obtained less than six months before the shooting or the fashion show”
• French sizes 32 for women and 42 for men will be banned from casting requirements. Instead, casting agents will need to present female models sized 34 and over, and male models sized 44 and over
• All brands will have a dedicated psychologist or therapist at their disposal during their working time
• Models must be able to make a direct complaint to the brand “in case of a dispute with a modeling agency, a casting director or a brand”
• Brands must provide transportation for models to return to their place of the residence after 8 pm
• Brands must provide models with access to food and drinks that company with dietary requirements as well as “useful information to maintain a healthy diet throughout the working day”
• Models aged under 16 “must not be hired by brands to take part in shows or shooting representing an adult”
• In case of nudity during a shoot or while getting dressed before or after a show, the model will never be alone with a person linked to the production or a photographer

Regarding models aged from 16 to 18 specifically, they will not be allowed to work between 10 pm and 6 am; a chaperone or guardian is mandatory; alcohol will not be served during casting or shoots, and models must meet their “school attendance obligations”.

Today chairman and CEO of Kering, François-Henri Pinault declared his statement:

“Respecting the dignity of all women has always been both a personal commitment for me and a priority for Kering as a Group. Through the establishment of this charter and our commitment to abide by its terms, we are once again manifesting the importance of this core value in a very concrete manner. We hope to inspire the entire industry to follow suit, thus making a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models industry-wide.”

And Antoine Arnault, member of LVMH Board of Directors reasserted his respective companies’ commitment.

“I am deeply committed to ensuring that the working relationship between LVMH Group brands, agencies and models goes beyond simply complying with the legal requirements. The well-being of models is of great importance to us. As the leader in the luxury sector, we believe it is our role to be at the forefront of this initiative. We have the responsibility of building new standards for fashion and we hope to be followed by other players in our sector.”