Modeling Industry Leaders Call on Victoria's Secret to Join the RESPECT Program to Protect Models

BREAKING NEWS:

The Model Alliance has penned an open letter to Victoria’s Secret and its CEO John Mehas urging them to join the RESPECT Program and to commit to protecting models from predatory behavior and sexual misconduct.  Connection between alleged sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein and L Brands CEO Leslie Wexner, along with allegations of sexual assault naming several renowned VS photographers prompted the letter which has been signed by over one hundred models and industry powerhouses including editors and photographers.  To be clear, models have every right to expect fair treatment by everyone in the industry, to be safe, to be protected by those responsible for their careers, and to be given respect.  These are not just model issues, but human rights issues.   

Read the letter here, and follow the links below to see news coverage:

Model Alliance & TIME'S UP Call on Victoria's Secret to join the RESPECT Program

On Tuesday, the Model Alliance issued an open letter calling on Victoria’s Secret to protect its models and aspiring models from sexual misconduct by joining the RESPECT Program. The letter came in response to multiple allegations of predatory behavior by Victoria's Secret-affiliated photographers Timur Emek, David Bellemere and Greg Kadel, and a recent article in the New York Times about the link between L Brands’ CEO Leslie Wexner and alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who reportedly lured and abused vulnerable girls by posing as a talent scout for Victoria's Secret. Together, with over 100 models — including Christy Turlington Burns, Edie Campbell, Karen Elson, Milla Jovovich, Doutzen Kroes, Iskra Lawrence, Carolyn Murphy, Lyndsey Scott, and Gemma Ward—as well as industry supporters, photographers Inez and Vinoodh and former Glamour editor-in-chief Cindi Leive, and TIME'S UP, we urged Victoria’s Secret CEO John Mehas to take meaningful steps to remedy the situation and work towards prevention by joining the RESPECT Program — the only existing anti-sexual harassment program designed by and for models.

We are hopeful that Victoria's Secret will take these issues seriously, and use its power and influence to help address these concerns that have plagued the industry for far too long. We believe that if Victoria's Secret were to take a stand against these abuses and commit to meaningful change by joining the RESPECT Program, this would go a long way in helping our industry chart a new path forward.  Since the release of the letter, many media outlets have covered our collective call to action. Please find links to some of the press coverage below. Thank you for your support and belief that industry leaders like Victoria's Secret can and must do better by the modeling talent they rely on. We are grateful for your continued support. Sincerely, The Model Alliance Team

#Time4RESPECT

John Mehas, CEO

Victoria's Secret LLC

Three Limited Parkway

Columbus, Ohio 43230

Dear Mr. Mehas,

We are writing today to express our concern for the safety and wellbeing of the models and young women who aspire to model for Victoria’s Secret. In the past few weeks, we have heard numerous allegations of sexual assault, alleged rape, and sex trafficking of models and aspiring models. While these allegations may not have been aimed at Victoria's Secret directly, it is clear that your company has a crucial role to play in remedying the situation.  From the headlines about L Brands CEO Leslie Wexner’s close friend and associate, Jeffrey Epstein, to the allegations of sexual misconduct by photographers Timur Emek, David Bellemere, and Greg Kadel, it is deeply disturbing that these men appear to have leveraged their working relationships with Victoria’s Secret to lure and abuse vulnerable girls.

These stories are gut-wrenching and hit close to home for many of us who have encountered these kinds of abuses that are too often tolerated in our industry. We stand with the courageous women who have come forward and shared their stories, despite fears of retaliation or harm to their careers. It breaks our hearts to keep hearing these stories. We can and must do better. It is time for RESPECT.

The RESPECT Program—a program of the Model Alliance—is the only existing anti-sexual harassment program designed by and for models. Signatory companies make a binding commitment to require their employees, agents, vendors, photographers and other contractors to follow a code of conduct that protects everyone’s safety on the job, and reduces models’ vulnerability to mistreatment. Models have access to an independent, confidential complaint mechanism, with swift and fair resolution of complaints and appropriate consequences for abusers. Further, RESPECT includes a robust training program aimed toward prevention, to ensure that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.

We are calling on Victoria’s Secret to take meaningful action to protect its talent and those who aspire to work with the company. Victoria’s Secret has the opportunity to be a leader, to use its power and influence to bring about the changes that are urgently needed in our industry. Every day, fashion brands, publishing companies, and agencies set the norms of what’s acceptable and what’s not in fashion. If Victoria’s Secret were to take a stand against these abuses and commit to meaningful change by joining the RESPECT Program, this would go a long way in helping our industry chart a new path forward.

Victoria’s Secret, change can start with you.  Together, we can lead the industry to RESPECT.  Join us.

Sincerely,

Model Alliance

Good Morning America

Business of Fashion

WWD

NBC News

Miami Herald

                                                               XOXO Shelley

#businessofmodeling  #timesup  #modelalliance #modelsrights #sexualassaultinmodelingindustry #modelingindustrynews #victoriassecret #jeffreyepstein
#facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Bigger is Better: Comfort is Key Status-Sneakers

Sometimes an ironic fashion statement just makes sense. Case in point: oversized sneakers that continue to dominate over heels of just about any height.  While they have been on the radar for a few seasons now already, so-called Dad sneakers are beating out handbags and sunglasses as the top status symbol to wear by just about everyone in all walks of life - pun intended.  If ever there was a time to actually walk comfortably and still be in fashion, it’s now. Designers are creating new and extreme styles that seem futuristic and irreverent all at the same time.  Don’t just save them for weekends, and go ahead and pair them with anything and everything, from dresses, to tailored looks, athleisure wear to jeans.  The new rules for statement sneakers are there are no rules!  Amp up your sports-luxe looks with quasi-running shoes, graphic low tops, imitation snakeskin, techno-colors, pastels, clunky soles, platforms (for a little extra height just like you’d get with heels) and bold logos.  Whatever your budget you can jump on this trend and run with it.  Your feet will thank you! 

My top picks for Fall and Winter 2019/20:

  

                                                               XOXO Shelley

#statusrunningshoes #uglysneakers #dadsneakers #statussneakers #bestaccessories #footweartrends #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Business of Modeling: California Passes Talent Protections Act For Models and Entertainers

  

Sexual harassment and eating disorders will no longer be considered an acceptable part of the fashion and entertainment industry in California.  The Model Alliance worked with State Assembly Marc Levine to develop a new law requiring agencies to provide educational materials and resources to models and talent to teach them about sexual harassment and retaliation, and information on nutrition and healthy eating habits to avoid eating disorders. Parents of underage models will be required to receive training as well.  Giving models and talent the tools they need to empower them in their careers, the Model Alliance advocates for all models working in the USA.  

In 2018, the Model Alliance successfully championed the Talent Protections Act, which now requires talent agencies in California to provide educational materials on sexual harassment and eating disorders to their talent. Further, underage artists and their parents or legal guardians are required to complete training in sexual harassment prevention, retaliation, and reporting.  How the Talent Protections Act Became Law Beginning in 2016, the Model Alliance worked closely with Assembly Member Marc Levine to develop the Talent Protections Act. This legislation was informed by models’ testimony on sexual harassment and unhealthy dieting norms in the fashion industry, a survey conducted by the Model Alliance regarding models’ experiences of sexual harassment on the job, as well as data collected by the Model Alliance alongside researchers from Harvard University and Northeastern University in the largest research study to date on the prevalence of eating disorders in the modeling industry, published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. The Model Alliance collaborated with Assembly Member Levine to ensure models’ lived experiences were taken seriously in the creation of the Talent Protections Act and to call for its support.  On September 30, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed the Talent Protections Act into law. The Act took effect in January 2019. Protections Under the New Law The Talent Protections Act requires talent agencies to provide educational materials on sexual harassment prevention to their artists. Additionally, agencies must provide educational materials regarding eating disorders and nutrition to adult models. The Act also requires training in sexual harassment prevention, retaliation, and reporting resources for underage artists and their parent or legal guardian. The training must be administered by a third-party vendor approved by the California Labor Commissioner prior to obtaining an entertainment work permit in California.

Learn more about the Talent Protections Act (AB2338): Model Alliance

WWD Report:  WWD

                                                         XOXO Shelley

#talentprotectionsact #sexualharassmentinmodelingindustry  #eatingdisordersinmodelingindustry #modelalliance #businessofmodeling #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Celebrity Makeup Artist Colleen Stone Shares Her Top Body Beauty Products and Tips

It’s amazing the confidence boost we get when we know we look good in a swimsuit, and an even bigger rush when we are actually comfortable in our own bare skin.  When you feel your best when you are naked, it is super tempting to wear the teensiest swimwear you can find.  But it isn’t all about bikinis: who doesn’t want to feel sexy and gorgeous when they in their “au natural” state?  We go to the gym, we use a moisturizer after bathing, we wear sunscreen, yet why is that supermodels seem to have skin that is gorgeously highlighted and glowing from within?  It seems like they walk around with their own personal light source and photo filter.  But trust me - it’s not just genetics - it’s body makeup, and everyone of them is using it.  So why aren’t you?  I got celebrity makeup artist Colleen Stone to give us her best body beauty tips and the products she uses to make skin glow for photo shoots, red carpets, and tv appearances. 

Find Colleen on Instagram @colleen_stonemakeup

As a Miami-based makeup artist Colleen deals with plenty of looks that require perfect body skin.  From swimwear shoots and Swim Week shows, to lingerie shoots for Soma Intimates, Colleen is Miami’s top pro at making skin look glowing and flawless.  “Models will fly in from NY in the dead of winter to shoot a swimmer campaign and I pull out my arsenal of products to make them look like they just spent a week on a tropical vacation.” She recommends a 3x weekly dry brushing routine before showering, massaging the skin with a body oil post-shower to really get circulation flowing and to hydrate the skin. 

“ I use CHARLOTTE TILBURY SuperModel Body Highlighter for red carpet events where there will be flash photography.  This lotion not only tightens the skin temporarily, but it has a beautiful shimmer to it that is ultra-flattering.  It looks great on legs when applied along the shinbone, as it elongates the look of the legs and the highlighter catches the lights. “

“ Another product that is great for red carpet events is PRTTY PEAUSHUN SkinTight Body Lotion.  It makes the skin look flawless and even-toned, makes skin glow, and does not transfer onto clothes, which is perfect for events where styling is borrowed from designers. “

“ VITA LIBERATA Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish is my number one go-to product when I want to camouflage skin imperfections. “

“ SALLY HANSEN Airbrush Legs Body Make-Up Spray is my first choice when I want to cover a more substantial amount of skin or hide spider veins and blemishes.  It can also be a quick fake a tan that can be rinsed off after the shoot.  I’ve used this on many photo shoots as the spray applicator makes it so easy to use. “

“ For photo shoots MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation is the perfect, light weight foundation that evens out skin tone. I love it for legs, the dècolletè, and I even use it on hands. I’ve found that it is quite water-resistant as well, which helps in humidity or when I need to spray water on the model. “

While I might not be appearing in swimwear or lingerie campaigns this summer, I still want to look and feel amazing in whatever I am wearing - or not wearing.  Nothing says summer like bare skin, and lots of it.

                                                               XOXO  Shelley

#celebritymakeupartisttips #lookbetternaked #modelbodytips #howtolooklikeamodel #bodyskincare #bodymakeup #ColleenStoneMakeup #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Girls of Summer: The Top Influencers Take Vacation Style on the Road

Summer travel season is getting closer and I am so ready to hit the road - or the airport, and I plan to do it with this year’s easy (read: comfortable) looks.  I have been looking at some of the world’s most seasoned style influencers for inspiration and the packing has begun.  My travels this year will go from city, to countryside, to beach so I have to be efficient in the packing department.  I am so looking forward to all-day walks in Europe wearing cushy sneakers and sport sandals rather than flats that look amazing but can’t stand up to marathon site-seeing.  I’ll save slip on sandals and heels for evenings.  On the subject of comfort, what could be easier to wear, and pack, than a light floaty dress that can be worn day or night depending on how I accessorize? This summer’s versatile option for daytime is a great pair of shorts that are causal but still dressed-up at the same time.  I’m bringing pieces in citrus brights, neutrals for an easy chic look, separates that can be mixed and matched, and airy items in light-weight fabrics that float and flutter.  A floral sundress, graphic t-shirt, and a mini with lace accents will be on constant rotation. I’ll round it all out with accessories that finish off my look while being useful at the same time:  scarves to wear in my hair or tie to my bag for a glam touch, barrettes to add some bling to my hair, a packable sunhat, statement sunglasses, ankle-tie espadrilles and a straw or rattan bag for a “French girl on the Riviera” vibe.  Here is my summer travel mood board to inspire your own outfits.  Wherever you roam, do it is style.  

                                                         XOXO  Shelley

#summertravelstyle #influencertravelstyle #topbloggerstyle #packingforvacation #fashiontravel #chictravellooks #summerfashion #bestbloggerstyle #topbloggertravel #influencerstyleinspo #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein